Constitution

The Constitution is HSAA’s highest expression of the collective will of the membership of the Union. It stands as the ultimate authority upon which every decision is based. As such, it can only be amended by a 2/3 vote of the delegates at Convention of a special meeting.

Curious what has changed? If you would like to view a copy of the Constitution where changes from the previous Convention are highlighted in red text, click the corresponding button below to view the PDF version.

On this page you can review the web version of the Constitution. A PDF file can also be downloaded.

Article 39 - Duties of the Executive Officers

  1. The President of the Union shall:
    1. Preside at general meetings of the Board;
    2. Act as spokesperson of the Union;
    3. Be the chief executive responsible for implementing the policy of the Union;
    4. Be the general coordinator of the Union;
    5. Chair the Members’ Appeals and Review Committee, as required;
    6. Be an ex-officio member of each standing committee named in this Constitution or other committees established by the HSAA Board, with the exception of the Elections/Credentials and Discipline Committees;
    7. Ensure that the Board conducts itself in accordance with its own policies; and
    8. Address disciplinary matters as per Constitution;

      The President may delegate some of their duties.

  2. The Vice-President of the Union shall:
    1. Assume the duties of the President in their absence;
    2. Act as custodian of the funds and books of the Union;
    3. Oversee the expenditures in accordance with the votes of a general meeting, or of the Board;
    4. Ensure that all funds of the Union are deposited in the name of the Union, in a financial institution approved by the Board;
    5. Ensure that all payments by cheque are signed by two signing officers designated in Article: Signing Officers;
    6. Ensure that a financial report is prepared annually, or as often as may be required by the Board;
    7. Ensure that the books of the Union are audited annually;
    8. Present the financial statements and approved budget at the convention of the Union;
    9. Make such reports, relating to the office as shall be required by a general meeting or the Board;
    10. Oversee committee(s) relating to the finances of the Union;
    11. Ensure that an accurate and true record of the membership is kept;
    12. Ensure that a full and accurate record of the proceedings of general meetings of the Union and the Board is kept;
    13. Address disciplinary matters as per Constitution;
    14. Chair a hiring committee for the Executive Director position;
    15. Act as Chair of the Finance Committee;
    16. Chair the bargaining committee for in-scope employees;
    17. Chair the Members’ Appeals and Review Committee, as required;
    18. Be an ex-officio member of each standing committee named in this constitution, or other committees established by the HSAA Board with the exception of the Elections/Credentials and Discipline Committees; and

      The Vice-President may delegate some of their duties.