Executive
| Jeremiah Kopp | President |
| Nora Fien | VP Finance |
| Nora Fien | VP Internal Affairs |
| Larisa Opar | VP External Affairs |
| Erik Nosaluk | VP Communications |
| Ian Literovich | VP Policy |
| Erik Nosaluk | Past President |
Constitution of the Young Liberals of Canada (Manitoba)
Pre-Amble
The Young Liberals of Canada (Manitoba) respect the fundamental dignity and freedom of the individual, the unity, equality and cultural mosaic of Canada and the sanctity of the democratic process. We are devoted to promoting and protecting this ideal.
To do this, the Young Liberals of Canada (Manitoba) will be committed to actively expanding the role of youth in the democratic process by promoting and facilitating youth involvement in the political process, through policy development, open debate and political activism. The Young Liberals of Canada (Manitoba) will encourage open and free communication and debate while always stressing the fundamental importance of participation. The Young Liberals of Canada (Manitoba) are committed to providing a voice and role for youth in the political process and the democracy of Canada.
Article One – Role & Purpose
1.1 The Young Liberals of Canada (Manitoba) shall:
* work with the Young Liberals of Canada to promote the common ideals of Young Liberals throughout Manitoba and Canada;
* voice the concerns of and act as advocate for the Young Liberals of Canada (Manitoba);
* provide assistance and leadership to accredited Young Liberal campus clubs (and those seeking accreditation) throughout Manitoba to create a strong presence of Young Liberals on campus’ across Manitoba in order to promote the ideals of the Young Liberals of Canada (Manitoba);
* promote the election of candidates representing the Liberal Party of Canada;
* respect and promote the fundamental importance of the role of youth in the political and democratic process;
* respect the principle of equality between all people.
Article Two – Definitions, Interpretation & Name
In this constitution:
* “Constitution” means the constitution of the Young Liberals of Canada (Manitoba);
* “Executive Committee” means the collective group of the eleven (11) Officers of the YLC(M);
* “General Meeting” means an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting of the Young Liberals of Canada (Manitoba);
* “Management Committee” means the Management Committee as defined by Article Seven (7);
* “Officers” means Officers as designated in Article Four (4);
* “Written Notice” means a written or printed matter that informs or provides knowledge of the subject matter, delivered via regular mail, courier, e-mail, facsimile, or any other recorded communication facility available. Any notice delivered via regular mail shall be deemed delivered and received on the business day it was sent. In the event that day was not sent on a business day, then the notice shall be deemed delivered and received on the first business day after it was sent. Any notice sent via e-mail, facsimile, courier, or other recorded communication, shall be deemed delivered and received on the first business day after its transmission, provided a record of said communication being sent can be established and the recipient thereof has a means of receiving the communication.
* “Business Day” means any day of the week other than Saturday, Sunday and statutory and civic holidays;
* “YLC(M)” means the Young Liberals of Canada (Manitoba).
This Constitution shall govern the affairs of the Young Liberals of Canada (Manitoba) and shall be interpreted in a large and liberal manner having regard to the purpose of the Young Liberals of Canada (Manitoba) as set out in the Preamble and Article 1.
In the event of a conflict between this Constitution and the constitution of the Young Liberals of Canada, the constitution of the Young Liberals of Canada shall prevail.
The organization shall be known as the Young Liberals of Canada (Manitoba).
Article Three – Membership
3.1 Membership in the YLC(M) shall be accorded to persons satisfying the following requirements:
a ) the individual retains a current membership with the Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba);
b ) the individual has reached the age of fourteen (14) years and has not yet reached the age of twenty-six (26) years.
3.2 Admission to the YLC(M) will not be hampered in any way by discrimination based upon gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other comparable ground.
3.3 Membership in the YLC(M) shall entitle members to full voting rights at the Annual General Meeting of the YLC(M), as well as any Special General Meetings of the YLC(M), as well as the right to seek and hold any position on the YLC(M) executive, and the right to seek appointment as a delegate for any general meeting and leadership conventions of the Liberal Party of Canada.
3.4 Memberships shall be valid for one year from the last day of the month in which the membership was issued pursuant to the membership rules of the Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba), or as determined by rules of procedure as may be prescribed by the Executive Committee.
Article Four – Officers of the Executive Committee
4.1 The Officers of the YLC(M) shall consists of:
a) the President;
b) the Vice-President;
c) the Director of Financial Affairs;
d) the Director of Internal Affairs;
e) the Director of Policy Development;
f) the Director of Communications;
g) the Director of Organization;
h) the Director of Membership;
i) the Director of Urban Affairs;
j) the Director of Rural Affairs;
k) the Immediate Past-President.
The Officers, with the exception of the Immediate Past-President, shall be elected at a General Meeting of the YLC(M) in accordance with this Constitution and the rules adopted by such meeting at its opening session.
4.3 The term of each Officer of the Executive Committee shall commence upon the adjournment of the General Meeting at which he/she was elected and ending with the adjournment of the next General Meeting at which an election of Officers takes place.
4.4 Upon vacancy of the office of President, the office shall devolve upon the Vice-President until the next ensuing election of Officers.
4.5 Upon vacancy occurring in any other office other than the President, the Executive Committee shall by majority vote appoint any member in good standing of the YLC(M) that it deems suitable to hold such office until the next election of Officers.
4.6 The President, the Director of Financial Affairs and the Vice-President shall be the signing officers of the YLC(M) and signatures of any two of them shall be binding on the YLC(M).
4.7 The executive, may, from time to time, appoint directors for special purposes. The purposes include (but are not limited to) a director for election readiness, for high school affairs, and for multiculturalism. These directors will have the right to receive notice of YLC(M) Executive Committee meetings, and will enjoy speaking rights at the discretion of the chair. They will not be accorded any voting rights at YLC(M) Executive Committee meetings.
Article Five – Responsibilities of Officers
5.1 The President Shall:
a) serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the YLC(M);
b) call and chair all meetings of the Executive Committee and the management committee;
c) serve as an ex-officio member, with full privileges to all YLC(M) committees;
d) serve as an ex-officio member to all of the campus clubs of the YLC(M);
e) serve as a member of the YLC National Executive;
f) act as primary spokesperson for the YLC(M);
g) act as a signing officer for the YLC(M);
h) appoint chairs to ad hoc committees, and representatives to various YLC(M), YLC or LPC committees as needed;
i) any other duties as delegated by the Executive Committee.
2. The Vice-President shall:
a) assume the duties of the President in the absence of the President;
b) assist the President in all matters and, at the request of the President, represent the President in his or her capacity;
c) to be responsible for the co-ordination of the fundraising efforts of the YLC(M);
d) perform any duties as delegated by the Executive Committee.
3. The Director of Financial Affairs shall:
a) have the care and custody of all of the funds of the Organization, and shall record all cash receipts and disbursements thereof;
b) work with the Executive Committee to prepare an annual budget for the YLC(M);
c) present a financial report to each executive meeting of the YLC(M);
d) perform any duties as delegated by the Executive Committee.
4. The Director of Internal Affairs shall:
a) cause minutes and written records to be kept of all meetings and proceedings of the Executive Committee;
b) be responsible for the maintenance of all records;
c) assume responsibility for correspondence between the YLC(M) and the YLC or any other outside organizations as required by the executive;
d) give notice of all Executive Committee and General Meetings;
e) perform any duties as delegated by the Executive Committee.
5. The Director of Policy shall:
a) be responsible for policy development for the YLC(M);
b) be responsible for establishing working groups to assist in policy development.
c) perform any duties as delegated by the Executive Committee.
6. The Director of Communications shall:
a) be responsible for the creation and maintenance of the YLC(M) website, and will be required to update the site on a regular basis;
b) be responsible for the creation and maintenance of an email list-serve;
c) be jointly responsible with the Director of Membership for informing the membership of important events as deemed necessary;
d) perform any duties as delegated by the Executive Committee.
7. The Director of Organization shall:
a) facilitate the organization and further development of Young Liberal Associations;
b) work with the YLC(M) Executive Committee and YLC(M) members to ensure that Young Liberal Associations are active on all campuses in Manitoba;
c) perform any duties as delegated from the Executive Committee.
8. The Director of Membership shall:
a) be responsible for the development of a recruitment package for the YLC(M);
b) be responsible for maintaining a current membership list;
c) be responsible along with the Director of Organization for the increasing involvement in campuses, and constituency associations;
d) perform any duties as delegated by the Executive Committee.
9. The Director of Urban Affairs shall:
a) work with the Directors of Organization and Membership to ensure that all federal constituencies within the City of Winnipeg have an active and vibrant youth presence;
b) liaise between the YLC(M) and Young Liberal associations within the City of Winnipeg.
10. The Director of Rural Affairs shall:
a) work with the Directors of Organization and Membership to ensure that all federal constituencies outside the City of Winnipeg have an active and vibrant youth presence;
b) liaise between the YLC(M) and Young Liberal associations outside the City of Winnipeg.
11. The Immediate Past President shall:
a) provide guidance to the Executive Committee;
b) perform any duties as delegated by the Executive Committee.
5.2 On the 1 st day of September, 2005, the contents of Article 6.1.9 shall be deleted and replaced with the following:
The Director of Aboriginal Affairs shall:
a) work with the Executive Committee and all federal constituency associations in Manitoba to ensure that each has sufficient aboriginal representation;
b) liaise with the federal constituency associations in Manitoba and the Aboriginal Commission of the Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba);
Article Six – Meetings
6.1 The Executive Committee shall meet a minimum of six times per calendar year.
6.2 The Executive Committee shall meet at call of the President, or at the written request of five of its members delivered in person or sent by registered mail to the President or Director of Internal Affairs, and any meetings so requested shall take place within fourteen days of the receipt of the request by the President or Secretary.
6.3 Written Notice of all meetings of the Executive Committee shall be sent to all members of the Executive Committee not less than seven days prior to the meeting.
6.4 Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be open to all members of the YLC(M). The Executive Committee shall have the right to meet and discuss in camera such matters as it may deems necessary. Only members of the Executive Committee may vote on or move or second a motion. Members or delegations may make presentations on approval of the Executive Committee.
6.5 Quorum for Executive Committee meetings shall be fifty percent plus one of the filled voting Executive Committee positions but not less than 3.
Article Seven – Management Committee
Management Committee shall consist of:
a) the President;
b) the Vice-President;
c) the Director of Financial Affairs;
d) the Director of Internal Affairs;
e) one other member of the Executive Committee, but not the Immediate Past President, as elected by the Executive Committee
The Management Committee shall be accountable to the Executive Committee and shall be responsible for:
a) carrying out decisions of the Executive Committee;
b) preparing the agenda for meetings of the Executive Committee;
c) authorize petty cash expenditures of under $200.00;
d) assuring that the YLC(M) complies with all applicable financial legislation;
e) appointing and retaining legal counsel to represent the YLC(M) Executive Committee in all legal matters as they arise.
7.3 Quorum for meetings of the Management Committee shall be any three members of the Management Committee as at the date of the meeting, one of which shall be the President.
Article Eight – Committees
8.1 The Executive Committee may, from time to time, establish committees of the YLC(M) to undertake projects for the organization. The only standing committees of the organization will be the Executive Committee itself and the management committee referred to in Article 8. Every other committee shall be established by an order of the YLC(M) Executive Committee, which will also appoint the chair for each committee by majority vote.
Article Nine – Code of Conduct
9.1 Members of the YLC(M) Executive Committee shall upon taking office disclose to the Executive Committee and membership of the YLC(M):
a) all past and present party positions upon taking office;
b) whether they are or were employed by a Member of Parliament or any agency or Commission of the Liberal Party of Canada or Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba).
9.2 Any member so employed may not vote on a motion specifically affecting the M.P., agency or Commission.
9.3 Members of the YLC(M) executive should not use their executive title in correspondence without prior permission of the executive, except for correspondence within the party.
9.4 No Officer of the Executive Committee shall fail to attend three (3) Executive Committee meetings in succession without prior notice and/or reasonable grounds.
9.5 Officers of the Executive Committee who will be out of the province and unavailable for meetings for more than twelve (12) consecutive weeks shall be required to take a leave of absence, which shall be decided by majority vote of the management committee. A member of the Executive shall not receive more than two (2) leaves of absence during one term.
In the event that an Officer of the Executive Committee who is granted a leave of absence does not return to his/her duties within thirty (30) days of the time agreed upon as part of the leave of absence, the Officer’s position shall be deemed vacant.
Article Ten – General Meetings
10.1 The YLC(M) shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) open to all members in good standing of the YLC(M) within eighteen (18) months of the previous Annual General Meeting but no less than twelve (12) months. The following business shall be transacted at the meeting:
a) the election of Officers of the Executive Committee;
b) reports from each elected Officer of the Executive Committee as to the activities conducted during his or her term in office. These reports may be oral or written submissions;
c) address any other matters deemed necessary by the membership.
10.2 The YLC(M) may hold a Special General Meeting at any time subject to notification requirements for the membership. A meeting will be called at:
a) the discretion of the Executive Committee;
b) the written request of one hundred (100) members of the YLC(M);
c) the presentation for such a written request to the Director of Internal Affairs.
10.3 The Director of Internal Affairs shall notify all YLC(M) members of all Annual and Special General Meetings in writing, at least twenty-one (21) days before such a meeting is to be held, and inform them of the date, time and location of the said meeting.
10.4 The Chair of any General Meeting and the Returning Officer of the General Meeting will be appointed by a vote of the Executive Committee. This selection may be made by open vote or by secret ballot.
10.5 The agenda for all Annual and Special General Meetings shall contain provisions for discussion of new business brought forth from the general membership. Such agenda items must be forwarded to the management committee fourteen (14) days prior to the General Meeting.
10.6 All members of the YLC(M) who have a valid Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba) membership for not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the General Meeting shall be eligible to vote on all matters.
10.7 In case of electoral urgency or other sufficient cause, the Executive Committee may by Special Resolution abridge or enlarge a time period prescribed by this Constitution. An abridgement or enlargement may be made before or after the expiration of the time period and shall not exceed 180 days.
Article Eleven – Greg Doroschuk Honourary Young Liberal Award
The YLC(M) shall award annually the Greg Doroschuk Honourary Young Liberal Award . The recipient shall:
a ) be a member in good standing of the Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba);
b ) be at least the age of twenty-six (26);
c ) be nominated by a member of the YLC(M) and be approved by majority vote of the YLC(M) Executive Committee;
d ) not be accorded voting privileges within the YLC(M);
e ) not be a delegate representing the YLC(M) or a delegate to meetings of the YLC(M);
f) not hold executive office with the YLC(M);
g) not win the award more than once;
h) be known as an Honourary Member of the YLC(M) for life.
Article Twelve – Amendments
12.1 This Constitution may be amended by Special Resolution.
12.2 All amendments shall be effective immediately following the close of the General Meeting at which such amendments were passed unless the amendment provides otherwise.
12.3 All proposed amendments to this Constitution must be submitted to the Chair of the General Meeting not less than fourteen days prior to the commencement of the General Meeting at which the Constitution may be amended.
Article Thirteen – Rules of Order
13.1 Except as modified by this document, the most recently published version of Robert’s Rules of Order shall prevail.
