PEEL PARAMEDIC BENEVOLENT FUND

(UPDATED March 7th, 2020)

Chapter 1:  Corporation

 1.1        Name

 This organization shall be known as The Benevolent Fund (referred to also as The Society), and entity unto itself.

 1.2        Purpose

 The Society’s purpose shall be to provide limited financial support to families of members of the Peel Regional community of Paramedic Services who have lost their lives while providing services under the Paramedic Services umbrella or due to unrelated medical or traumatic events.  It may also provide limited short term financial support to those families in need, and may offer scholarship funds.  It may also provide limited financial support to those who are injured while providing services under the emergency services umbrella or who suffer a permanent catastrophic injury outside of their duties as a Paramedic Practitioner.

 1.3        Membership & Eligibility

 1.3.1

 Membership in the Society applies to every employee in good standing of Peel Regional Paramedic Services and full time associate employees of the Region of Peel who work within the Paramedic program who contribute through the payroll deduction program.

 1.3.2

 All members are eligible for full benefits provided by the Society.

 1.3.3

 Eligibility for partial benefits (up to $1000 disbursement) for Line of Duty Death or catastrophic injury shall apply to Canadian Paramedic workers who are not members of Peel Regional Paramedic Services, or employees of Peel Regional Paramedic Services who choose not to contribute to the Society through payroll deduction.  Paramedic Service workers shall be defined as persons that are employed by, or a volunteer in a Paramedic Service who meet the qualification of an Emergency Medical Responder, Primary Care Paramedic, Advanced Care Paramedic or Critical Care Paramedic as set out in the National Occupational Competency Profiles by the Paramedic Association of Canada, or the equivalent, as designated by the regulatory body of a Canadian province or Territory.  These Paramedic Service workers must be living and working within Canada or Canadian Military, and must be fulfilling a role in Prehospital patient care or involved in approved training at the time of cause of death or injury.

 1.3.4

 Eligibility of charitable non profit groups or families who experience catastrophic hardship may be eligible for partial benefits as decided upon by the board of the Society as outlined in the ‘Funding priorities and disbursement breakdown’ Appendix A

 1.3.5

 For the duration of one year from the initial start up of the fund, or until a set minimum amount as determined by the Board of Directors has been achieved, there will be a black out period for all disbursement categories except LODD, LODI, NLODD, and NLODI that involve members of the society.  Payments made during this period will be made at a value up to fifty percent of the deemed amount, and will be decided upon by the board based on available funds.  The set minimum amount as determined by the board of directors will be  set and voted upon at the first annual general meeting.

 1.3.6.

 Members will not be permitted in / out privileges, In order to receive full benefits from the Society, members must be a contributing member in good standing of the Society prior to the event occurrence for which disbursement is requested.

 1.3.7.

 Any member leaving the fund, or leaving the employment of Peel Regional Paramedic Services will be deemed a non member and fall under the funding and disbursement category of all other non direct members of the fund and will not be permitted to lay claim to any contributions already made.

1.3.8

Region of Peel employed paramedics, supervisors, operations senior management, paramedic educators or other paramedic staff as voted by the Board of Directors will be eligible for $500 memorial plaque and ceremonial expenses (ie. piper, bugler).

 1.4        Non Profit Status

 1.4.1

 The organization shall be carried on without purpose of gain for its members, and any profits or other gains to the organization shall be used in promoting its objectives.

 1.4.2

 The Administrative Board of the Society must apply for, and maintain if obtained tax-exempt status as a non-profit organization as defined by CCRA.

 1.5        Administrative (Head) Office

 In lieu of a head office, day to day administration of the Society will be carried out by the elected board of directors of the Society.

 Chapter 2: INCOME

 2.1 Fundraising

 2.1.1

 The Benevolent Society will obtain its funds through various means, including but not limited to: various merchandise sales; donations; other fund raising activities as deemed necessary and regular payroll deduction by members of the Society.

 2.1.2

 Approval of fundraising efforts will require a simple majority of the administrative board.

 2.1.3

 The Society will accept funds raised either through direct donations or though other fundraising activities and which are directed in writing by the donor or other responsible party, that can be specified for a particular event as described in the fundraising priorities.

CHAPTER 3: FINANCES

 3.1 Administrative Expenses

 3.1.1

 The Benevolent Society will set aside a maximum of 10% of income for administration of The Society

 3.1.2

 Disbursement of administrative funds will be the responsibility of the Administrator, the Financial Officer and the Recording Secretary.

 3.1.3

 Administration funds will be used for day to day expenses of the Society and to fund ways and means of raising monies for The Society

 3.2 Society Capital

 3.2.1

 Monies raised for the Benevolent Society shall stay within The Society, and the Financial Officer shall maintain a separate and complete set of financial records of the Society.

 3.2.2

 All monies raised, other than funds set aside for administrative expenses, will be placed into a formal bank account, and will be used exclusively for disbursement on the occasion of line of duty death, catastrophic injury, and scholarship funds for members’ immediate families, or other parties that meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in section 1, or other approved disbursement items as outlined in Appendix A.

 3.2.3

 The Administrative Board will ensure that the Benevolent Society maintains a balance sufficient to cover disbursement for two Line of Duty Deaths or a minimum of one instance and $6000, whichever of the two is greater.

 3.3 Records

 3.3.1

 The financial records of the Benevolent Society shall be open for scrutiny to all members of the fund.

 3.2.2

 The financial records of the Benevolent Society shall be audited in accordance with the Canada Corporations Act.

 3.4 Signing Officers

 Signing Officers for the administrative Board of the Benevolent Society shall consist of the Administrator, the Financial Officer and the Recording Secretary.  It is acceptable to have any two of the three signatures for the purpose of conducting business.

 CHAPTER 4:  SOCIETY STRUCTURE

 4.1 Surrender of Society Property

 Upon termination of office, all representatives of the Society, outlined in this chapter, will promptly surrender all books, seals, monies, and other properties of the Society to his/her successor.

 4.2 Remuneration

 Remuneration for expenses incurred by Society representatives outlined in this chapter shall be at the discretion of the Administrative Board. 

 4.3 Administrative Board

 4.3.1

 The Society will be governed by an administrative board consisting of but not limited to a minimum of five (5) members:

a)    The Administrator also referred to as the President

b)   The Financial Officer also referred to as the Treasurer

c)    The Recording Secretary

 4.3.2

 For the first year of operation, or until the first annual general meeting, the positions of Administrator, Financial Officer and Recording Secretary shall be appointed by one of each of the Board of Directors of the Peel Paramedic Association, the Director of Paramedic Services for Peel Region or their designate, and the local Union President or other Union representative appointed by the Union President.  The positions will come from the employees in good standing of Peel Regional Paramedic Services.  Appointments will normally be for a term of two (2) years.  Should a member of the Administrative board be unable or unwilling to complete his/her term, a replacement member shall be appointed at the next available meeting of the Board of Directors of the Society.  To be eligible for appointment, the member must not hold a concurrent position on the Board of Directors of the Society.  Notification of the appointment of a member to one of the above positions shall be made to the general membership at the Annual General Meeting. At the time of the Annual General Meeting and all AGM’s following all positions will be determined by a free vote of all members of the society, and will not be appointed by the above mentioned groups.

4.3.3

Conflict of Interest: A board member shall withdraw from board discussion, deliberation, and vote on any matter in which the board member, an immediate family member or an organization with which the board member is associated has substantial financial interest.

4.3.4

Removal of Office: a board member shall automatically cease to hold office if:

a) the board member dies;

b) the board member sends in or delivers a written resignation to the Secretary of the Corporation;

c) the board member otherwise ceases to be eligible as a member under the terms of section 1.3 of the bylaws;

d) the board member fails to attend three (3) successive meetings of the board, unless the member has been specifically excused by resolution of the board under the terms of section 7.4.1 of the bylaws;

e) a resolution calling for the removal of the board member is passed by a two-thirds majority of the members of the corporation voting at a meeting duly called for the purpose; or

f) the board of directors may remove a board member, by two-thirds majority vote, at any time for any cause that interferes with the proper discharge of his or her duties as a member of the board or that jeopardizes public confidence in said board member.

In the event that a meeting is called to hold a disciplinary vote, either by members of the Corporation or the Board of Directors, the Board Member in question shall be served with written notice from the or the President’s delegate at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting and will be allowed to present a prepared statement at the meeting to address why they should not be removed.  Once a vote has occurred and if the result is to remove the Director they shall be asked to leave immediately.  It will be at the discretion of the Board to fill the vacancy by appointment or to hold a by-election.

 4.4 Auditor

 4.4.1

 The voting members shall, at each Annual Meeting, appoint an auditor to audit the accounts and the financial statements of the Society for report to the next Annual Meeting.  The auditor shall hold office until the next annual meeting provided that the Administrative Board may fill any casual vacancy in the office of the auditor.  The auditor may not be a director, officer or employee of the Society.

 4.4.3

 The remuneration of the auditor shall be fixed by the administrative board.

 4.5 Advisory/Ad Hoc committee

 Such committee shall be appointed by the Administrative Board from time to time, as deemed necessary for specific purposes.  Committee members may be removed by the Administrative Board at any time for any reason.

 Chapter 5: Duties of the Administrative Board

 5.1 Administrator

 a)  Shall act as chairperson of all meetings of the Administrative Board.

b)  Shall be one of the three Signing Officers of the Benevolent Society

c)  Shall be responsible for the day to day operations of the Society, in consultation with the Financial Officer and the Recording Secretary.

d)   Shall set the agenda for all meetings of the Board.

 5.2 Financial Officer

 a)     Shall be one of the three Signing Officers of the Society

b)   Shall be responsible for all financial records, dealings, and transactions as the Society may enter into.

c)    Shall make available quarterly reports to the Administrative Board of the Benevolent Society.

d)   Shall publish an annual Financial Report at the Annual Meeting of the Benevolent Society Administrative Board.

 5.3 Recording Secretary

 a)     Shall be one of the three signing officers of the Society

b)   Shall ensure that all documents, papers etc.  Are filed in a timely and efficient manner, as necessary to maintain non profit status.

c)    Shall maintain and make available minutes of discussion regarding any disbursement of funds in the matter of line of duty death, non line of duty death, catastrophic injury or scholarship.

d)   Shall maintain and make available to the Peel Paramedic Association, OPSEU Local 277 and Paramedic Services for Peel Region records of each disbursement of funds in the matter of line of duty death, non line of duty death, catastrophic injury or scholarship.

e)    Shall have custody of the corporate seal.

 CHAPTER 6: DISBURSEMENTS

 For the purpose of the articles in this chapter, immediate family shall be defined as: Spouse, children (both natural and adopted), brother or sister and the parents of the member.  In the case of a disbursement to an immediate family member, the monies shall go to one representative of the affected member’s family.  The decision as to the most suitable recipient shall be at the discretion of the Administrative Board.  For the purpose of the articles in this chapter, Line of Duty activities shall also include training exercises while involved in approved training or continuing educational programs.  All notifications of disbursements or rejection of requests will be made in writing, and copied to the OPSEU 277, Peel Paramedic Association and Peel Regional Paramedic Services, as well as the individual or group making the request.  Disbursements are limited to one disbursement per incident.  In the event that a payment has been made for a lesser amount in a category, and the member’s condition changes that would qualify them for a higher amount, the member will be topped up to the greater of the two amounts.

 6.1 LINE OF DUTY DEATH

 6.1.1

 The Administrative Board of the Benevolent Society shall disburse, if sufficient funds are available, limited financial assistance in cases of the death of a member while performing his/her duty under the Paramedic Services umbrella.

 6.1.2

 Request for disbursement of the Society funds for line of duty death will be accepted from any person who has knowledge of such death.

 6.1.3

 Request shall be submitted to the Administrator who, along with the Financial Officer and the Recording Secretary, shall take all steps as deemed necessary to prove the line of duty death.

 6.1.4

 Approval will be for disbursement of up to $6000.00 per line of duty death.  These funds will be disbursed to the immediate surviving family only.

 6.1.5

 The Benevolent Society aims to have funds in the hands of the immediate surviving family within three days of notification of death.

 6.2 GRIEVOUS/CATASTROPHIC INJURY

 6.2.1

 The Administrative Board of the Benevolent Society shall disburse, at it’s discretion, and if sufficient funds are available, limited financial assistance in cases of catastrophic injury to a member incurred while performing his/her duty under the Paramedic Services umbrella.  The Benevolent Society will disburse said funds to the member to the immediate family only.

 6.2.2

 Catastrophic (also referred to as grievous for the purpose of this document) injury is defined as an accidental injury resulting in the permanent loss of use of one or more limbs, permanent loss of sight in one or both eyes, or a total loss of  hearing.  Also included is any traumatic brain injury resulting in a permanent alteration of the mentation such that the injured member can no longer work in his/her capacity as a Paramedic practitioner or within the Paramedic Services division if not a Paramedic Practitioner  .

 6.2.3

 Request for disbursement of Society funds for catastrophic injury or illness sustained while in the line of duty will be accepted from any person who has knowledge of such instance.

 6.2.4

 Request shall be submitted to the Administrator who, along with the Financial Officer and the Recording Secretary, shall take all steps as deemed necessary to prove catastrophic injury in the line of duty.

 6.2.5

 Once the line of duty injury has been established, all voting members of the Administrative Board of the Benevolent society will be notified and a decision made as to approve the request or consider the matter closed.  If the Board’s decision is to consider the matter closed, the Administrator is charged with the responsibility of notifying those who requested the disbursement of the decision.

 6.2.6

 Approval will be for the disbursement of up to $3600.00 per line of duty catastrophic injury.  This amount may be changed at the discretion of the Administrative Board.

 6.2.7

 The Benevolent Society aims to have the funds in the hands of the member or the member’s immediate family within 14 days of the request for assistance.

 6.3 SCHOLARSHIP

 6.3.1

 The name of the scholarship fund shall be the Peel Paramedic Benevolent Scholarship.  The fund shall provide if sufficient funds are available, a one-time scholarship disbursement of up to $1000 per eligible applicant.  The Benevolent Society will normally pay out a maximum of up to three (3) scholarships per calendar year.  However, variances in the number of scholarships paid out may be made at the discretion of the Administrative board based on the number of applicants and depending on the Society funds available.

 6.3.2

 Eligible applicants shall include the spouse or dependant children.  The applicant must provide confirmation of enrolment in a recognized post secondary educational institution.  In the situation that no applications meeting the criteria mentioned previously are received, the Administrative board may accept applications from non dependant children who are enrolled in a recognized post secondary Paramedic Program.  The applicants will be chosen based on an essay style request, and are at the discretion of the board.

 6.3.3

 Applications for scholarship disbursement shall be submitted to the Administrator of the Benevolent Society, who along with the Financial Officer and Recording Secretary, shall take all steps as deemed necessary to prove grievous injury/illness or death, guardianship of the affected children and/or marital/common-law status of the applying spouse.

 6.3.4

 Once the aforementioned conditions have been satisfied, all voting members of the Administrative Board of the Benevolent Society will be notified and a decision made as to approve the request or consider the matter closed.  If the Board’s decision is to consider the matter closed, the Administrator is charged with the responsibility of notifying the applicant of the decision.

 6.3.5

 Applications shall be reviewed within the four (4) month periods ending April 30th, August 31st and December 31st of each year.

 6.3.6

 The Society aims to have the funds in the hands of the member’s immediate family within 3 weeks after the institutions refund period end.

 6.4 MEMORIAL DONATIONS

 6.4.1

 The Society shall make donations to registered charities or non-profit organizations as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency in the amount of $50.00 in memory of any Paramedic worker who dies in the line of duty within Canada who is not an employee of Peel Regional Paramedic Services, or the society shall send flowers up to the value of $50 in the event no charity or non profit group has been named.

6.4.2

 The Society shall make donations to registered charities or non-profit organizations defined by the Canada Revenue Agency in the amount of $100.00 in memory of the immediate family member of any member in good standing of the Society who experiences death of said immediate family member which is defined as spouse, marital or common-law, child both adopted and biological and parents, or the Society shall send flowers or make a contribution to a trust fund up to a value of $100 in the event no charity or non profit group has been named.

 6.5 NON LINE OF DUTY DEATH

 6.5.1

 The Administrative Board of the Benevolent Society shall disburse, if sufficient funds are available, limited financial assistance in cases of the death of a member when the member dies while still employed by Peel Regional Paramedic Services.

 6.5.2

 Request for disbursement of the Society funds for non line of duty death will be accepted from any person who has knowledge of such death.

 6.5.3

 Request shall be submitted to the Administrator who, along with the Financial Officer and the Recording Secretary, shall take all steps as deemed necessary to prove the non line of duty death.

 6.5.4

 Approval will be for disbursement of up to $4200.00 per non line of duty death.  These funds will be disbursed to the immediate surviving family only.

 6.5.5

 The Benevolent Society aims to have funds in the hands of the immediate surviving family within three days of notification of death.

 6.6 NON LINE OF DUTY GRIEVOUS/CATASTROPHIC INJURY AND ILLNESS

 6.6.1

 The Administrative Board of the Benevolent Society shall disburse, at it’s discretion, and if sufficient funds are available, limited financial assistance in cases of catastrophic injury to a member incurred while outside of performing his/her duty under the Paramedic services umbrella.  The Benevolent Society will disburse said funds to the member or to the immediate family only.

 6.6.2

 Catastrophic (also referred to as grievous for the purpose of this document) injury is defined as an injury resulting in the permanent loss of use of one or more limbs, permanent loss of sight in one or both eyes, or a total loss of  hearing.  Also included is any traumatic brain injury resulting in a permanent alteration of the mentation such that the injured member can no longer work in his/her capacity as a Paramedic Practitioner or employee of Peel Regional Paramedic Services.  Also included is any permanent medical illness that results in the inability of the member to continue to practice and work in his/her capacity as a Paramedic Practitioner or employee of Peel Regional Paramedic Services.

6.6.3

 Request for disbursement of Society funds for catastrophic injury or illness sustained while outside of the line of duty will be accepted from any person who has knowledge of such instance.

 6.6.4

 Request shall be submitted to the Administrator who, along with the Financial Officer and the Recording Secretary, shall take all steps as deemed necessary to prove catastrophic injury.

 6.6.5

 Once the non line of duty injury has been established, all voting members of the Administrative Board of the Benevolent society will be notified and a decision made as to approve the request or consider the matter closed.  If the Board’s decision is to consider the matter closed, the Administrator is charged with the responsibility of notifying those who requested the disbursement of the decision.

 6.6.6

 Approval will be for the disbursement of up to $3600.00 per non  line of duty catastrophic injury.  This amount may be changed at the discretion of the Administrative Board.

 6.6.7

 The Benevolent Society aims to have the funds in the hands of the member or the member’s immediate family within 14 days of the request for assistance.

 6.8 DISBURSEMENTS FOR MEMBER FUNERAL RECEPTIONS

 6.8.1

 The Society shall provide when funds are available, financial support up to $2000.00 per member funeral to host a reception for guests at a members funeral.  Such funds are to be used for expenses such as catering, hall rental or other approved items as deemed appropriate by the Board.

 6.9 COMMUNITY AND NON PRPS EMPLOYEE LODI DISBURSEMENTS

 6.9.1

 The society shall provide donations to registered charities or non profit organizations as defined under the CRA each year in the amount of up to 50% of the fund balance in excess of the fund’s established minimum balance as determined by the board of directors.

 6.9.2

 Applications for community donations shall be made through an application to the board with a deadline of October 31st of each year, and all efforts will be made to have the donations paid out by the 15th of December each year.

 6.9.3

 The Society will attempt to provide disbursements up to $500 to any established trust fund for a non PRPS employee who works within the Emergency Services Family (police, fire, paramedic, military) who experienced a catastrophic LODI when funds are available.  Payments will be within one month of the establishment of said trust fund.

 6.10 NON GRIEVOUS/CATASTROPHIC INJURY OR EVENT FOR FUND MEMBERS

 6.10.1.

 The society may provide financial assistance to fund members who suffer serious but non catastrophic injury/illness or a catastrophic event (including, but not limited to death of an immediate family member) to assist in reducing financial hardships that have occurred as a result of this injury or event.

 6.10.2.

 Request for disbursement of Society funds for non catastrophic injury or illness sustained will be accepted from any person who has knowledge of such instance.

 6.10.3

 Request shall be submitted to the Administrator who, along with the Financial Officer and the Recording Secretary, shall take all steps as deemed necessary to prove injury or the event.

 6.10.4

 Once injury or catastrophic event has been established, all voting members of the Administrative Board of the Benevolent society will be notified and a decision made as to approve the request or consider the matter closed.  If the Board’s decision is to consider the matter closed, the Administrator is charged with the responsibility of notifying those who requested the disbursement of the decision.

 6.10.5.

 Approval will be for the disbursement of up to $1200 per non catastrophic injury or event.  This amount must be paid directly for expenses occurred by the injured member.

 6.10.6.

 The Benevolent Society aims to have the funds in the hands of the member or the member’s immediate family within 14 days of the request for assistance.

CHAPTER 7:  MEETINGS

 7.1 CONDUCT AND QUORUM

 7.1.1

 “Robert’s Rules of Order” shall be used to conduct all meetings of the Administrative Board of the Benevolent Society.  Should any problems arise, the Chairperson may, at his/her discretion, accept the latest edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order” as his/her guide.

 7.1.2

 A simple majority of the Administrative Board of the Benevolent Society shall constitute a quorum for regular meetings of the Society.  A quorum for Annual and Special Meetings shall consist of 5% of eligible voting representatives as outlined in 7.3.3.

 7.1.3

 The Administrative Board may, at its discretion, invite visitors to attend meetings for the purpose of information and communication.

 7.2 VOTING PRIVILEGES

 All members of the Administrative Board will share equal voting privileges.

 7.2.2

 Voting privileges at the Annual Meeting, and any Special Meetings shall be shared equally between members of the Administrative Board and delegates from the Peel Regional Paramedic Services as outlined in 7.3.3.  Voting on most matters at all meetings shall be by simple majority vote unless the Act or these bylaws otherwise provide.

 7.2.3

 In order to facilitate the dynamic work schedules of Paramedics and staff, voting for Annual Meetings and Special Meetings, the administrative board may permit the use of proxy and or electronic voting mediums at their discretion.  All documentation must be kept for a period of not less than five years and will be open to the scrutiny of any member of the Society at their request.

 7.3 ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGS

 7.3.1

 The Annual Meeting of the Society shall coincide with the Annual General meeting of the Peel Paramedic Association or any other date within 4 months of the Society’s fiscal year end.

 7.3.2

 Notification of the Annual Meeting shall occur at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting.

 7.3.3

 Delegates to the Annual Meeting shall consist of members of the Society, and employees in good standing with the Peel Regional Paramedic Services.

 7.3.4

 Special Meetings may be called between Annual Meetings by majority consensus of the Administrative Board.  A Special Meeting may also be called when the Administrative Board is petitioned in writing to do so by more than 10% of the membership.

 7.3.5

 Written or e-mail notification of Special Meetings shall be given to the voting delegates no less than fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting.  Notice of meetings where special business will be transacted shall include sufficient information to permit the member to form a reasoned judgement on the decision to be taken.

 7.3.6

 The Annual Meeting and any Special Meetings of the Society shall be open to all members of Peel Regional Paramedic Services, and those with interest.

 7.4 ADMINSTRATIVE BOARD MEETINGS

 7.4.1

 The Administrative Board shall meet quarterly to conduct business.  Quorum shall be as per 7.1.2.  The Recording Secretary or, in his/her absence, the Financial Officer shall keep minutes of all Board meetings and shall record all votes. Directors shall be expected to attend all meetings except as they are prevented by a valid reason. Any Director who misses three consecutive meetings without a valid reason is considered to have resigned from the Board of Directors.

 7.4.2     

 It is acceptable that members of the Administrative Board use all available means of communication to facilitate business, including but not limited to meetings and conference calls.  The means chosen must afford equal access and permit all Board members participating in the meeting to communicate adequately with each other.  The means chosen must provide adequate security to ensure confidentiality of matters discussed and must be approved by each Board member in advance.

 7.4.3

 Notice of date, time and location of meetings shall be given by the usual means of communication.  Notification of in-person meetings shall not be less than fourteen (14) days.  Notification of conference calls shall not normally be less than seven (7) days.

  7.5: Meeting Minutes and Communications

7.5.1

 All meeting minutes will be made available electronically to any member of the society who wishes to view same.  All minutes of the AGM, any special meetings or regular board meetings will be posted upon the Peel Paramedic Benevolent Fund social media pages, and if available on the Society web page.

 7.5.2

 The administrative board will attempt to use as many communication methods available including but not limited to direct e-mail, mailings, posters, PRPS Newsletter web site and other social media as deemed necessary for the communication of Society business.

 CHAPTER 8: INDEMNITIES TO OFFICERS AND OTHERS

 Every member of the Administrative Board of the Benevolent Society or other persons who have undertaken or are about to undertake business on behalf of the Society, shall be indemnified against all costs, charges or expenses whatsoever sustained or incurred in the execution of his/her duties, excepting such costs, charges or expenses as are occasioned by his/her own wilful neglect or default.

 CHAPTER 9: AMENDMENTS

 9.1 PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENTS

 9.1.1

 Proposals for amendments to the bylaws may be submitted to the Administrator by one or more members of the Administrative Board of the Benevolent Society.

 9.1.2

 The proposed amendments must be submitted to and received by the Administrator not less than (60) sixty days prior to the Annual Meeting.

 9.1.3

 Proposed amendments must be communicated to the members of the Administrative Board of the Benevolent society not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Meeting.

 9.2 ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS

 9.2.1

 Amendments proposed and published in accordance with Article 9.1 may be adopted by a 2/3 majority vote at the Annual Meeting

 9.2.2

 Bylaw amendments are subject to approval by the Minister of Industry (Canada) in accordance with section 155(2)(c) of the Canada Corporations Act and do not take effect until so approved.

 9.2.3

 Amendments to chapter 1 of the bylaws may only take effect upon successful application for supplementary letters patent in accordance with the Canada Corporations Act.

 CHAPTER 10: DISSOLUTION

 On dissolution of the Benevolent Society, any remaining assets of the Society shall be distributed to a charity or charities chosen by the Board of Directors of the Peel Paramedic Association, the Director/Chief of Paramedic Services for Peel Regional Paramedic Services and the local Union President or his designate.

Appendix A

 Funding Priorities and Disbursement Breakdown

LODD Death 

$6000 payout to family of Paramedic

LODI (catastrophic – see definition below

$3600

NLODD Death

$4200

NLODI (catastrophic – see definition below

$3600

LODI –non society member

$500

Scholarship Fund

$1000 per eligible child

In Memory Donation – PRPS employees only

In Memory Donation – non PRPS employee

$100 per incident

$50 per incident

Peel Paramedic Memorial

$500 per ceremony

Funeral Receptions

$2400 per event

Administration Fees

Up to10% of annual revenues

Community Donation

Up to 50% of year end fund balance in excess of established minimum

 

** All amounts are considered ‘up to’ at the discretion of the board pending fund availability

** All amounts will be paid out in full as mentioned above unless extenuating circumstances that affect fund availability

** If a members condition changes that would qualify said member for a higher payout category, the member will be topped up to the greater of the two amounts. Ie: LODI is paid out and the member passes away as a result of complications from the LODI, they will be topped up to the LODD amount.

 

Appendix B:

 

Definitions:

 

·         Catastrophic Medical Event – medical condition experienced by the employee that creates financial hardship.  Funding can be provided for items not covered under Regional or employee benefit programs

·         Catastrophic Other Event – Sudden unexpected events such as a home fire, or major event causing financial hardship to the member.

·         Community Donation – donations made to community charities and non profit groups who formally request funding, or to local families that incur unexpected financial or medical events of a catastrophic nature.

·         Line of Duty Death (LODD) – any death of a Paramedic or Paramedic Service staff that occurs while on duty or undertaking and Regional or associated business, including business of OPSEU Local 277 or the Peel Paramedic Association, or occupational acquired injuries leading to death.

·         Line of Duty Injury (LODI) – any injury of a Paramedic or Paramedic Service staff that occurs while on duty or undertaking and Regional or associated business, including business of OPSEU Local 277 or the Peel Paramedic Association.

·         Administration Fees – Fees to cover meeting space, printing & postage costs, professional fees, meeting costs, and other approved expenses as outlined in the Benevolent Fund by-laws.

·         Scholarship Fund – Money allocated for post secondary education of the children of Paramedics employed with Peel Regional Paramedic Services who die, either in the line of duty, our outside of the line of duty.

·         In memory donations – the purchase of flowers or a donation made to a recognized charity or non profit organization in lieu of flowers upon the death of an immediate family member of any PRPS employee.  Immediate family includes father, mother, children, brother, sister and spouse.