July 10, 2023
Dear FSA Members:
This message is intended to address some uncertainties around the most recent election for FSA president that have been circulating around the university. The FSA executive shares some members’ concerns about the integrity of the recent executive elections.
The FSA AGM was conducted on May 24, which is late in the year for an AGM and during a time when many faculty have left for summer vacation. Rod Hayward, the former FSA president, had already resigned his position and Greg Mather was acting as interim president. Two FSA members—Colleen Bell and Justin Cole—were nominated for the position of FSA president.
On May 29, links to electronic ballots were sent to members. On May 31, Colleen Bell sent an email to Justin Cole and an email to the FSA executive stating that she was withdrawing from the election. On June 5, the FSA sent out a bulletin declaring, in part, that Colleen Bell was elected as the new FSA president. During that vote, 262 ballots were cast, none of which were spoiled, with Colleen Bell receiving 154 votes and Justin Cole receiving 108 votes. Days later, after receiving the most votes, Colleen accepted the position of FSA president.
The executive did not know how to handle this without advice because our constitution does not address this unusual situation. Interim FSA President Greg Mather asked the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators and outside legal sources for advice on how to proceed. Getting this advice is what caused the delay between the election and the bulletin declaring the election results that went out to members on June 5. Installing the new executive caused a further delay in sending this communication as new executive members were consulted on next steps.
Because it is important to the FSA executive that our election is conducted in an ethical manner, and that members see that it is conducted in an ethical manner, the executive has decided to hold a by-election for the position of FSA president in September, when faculty members, as well as staff members, are normally on campus. The president position will be open to all members in good standing.
Colleen Bell subsequently resigned as FSA president on July 5. In the interim, Greg Mather will serve as the acting FSA president and Colleen Bell will continue to serve as our chief negotiator.
The FSA executive intends to work together to restore members’ trust in our leadership.
In solidarity,
The FSA Executive
University of the Fraser Valley Faculty & Staff Association
33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8
Building B | Room 344
Direct Tel: 604-854-4530
Toll-Free: 1-888-504-7441 local 4530
Fax: 604-853-9540
