With 2006 coming to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and gratitude to all RCEA members for their support during this past year. Over the past 40 years, the RCEA as come a long way and changes and improvements are noticeable. The pay equity settlement has definitely been one of the highlights of the year. We will continue to improve communications via our website. The participation of Institute representatives has also increased and this is something we are very happy to see. Bargaining is ongoing, with the AS, AD and the CS groups heading to arbitration. Coming up next year are the TO, PG and Operational groups. One can only hope that bargaining will begin quickly and go smoothly.

I often mention the excellent work of the RCEA staff and once again I have been very impressed with all their efforts; thanks to Laurette Ernst, Jackay Cardinal and Joan Van Den Bergh. Many thanks also to my management team: Cathie Fraser, 1st Vice-President; Rob Lauzon, 2nd Vice-President re-elect and Greg Kresko, Treasurer. I also would like to say thank you to all the Institute representatives for the time and effort that they have dedicated to the organization and also a warm welcome to all the newly-elected representatives who will be coming on board in January 2007.

I wish you all Happy Holidays, a Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year.

Serge Croteau
President