35th Annual General Meeting

Parasitology Section, Canadian Society of Zoologists

May 21, 2008

Mount St. Vincent University, Halifax, N.S.

MINUTES

Present: Al Shostak, Mike Duffy, members and guests of the Parasitology Section

1.0 Approval of Agenda

MOVED: Burt/Shutler, that the agenda be approved. Carried.

2.0 Introductory Comments

Dr. Shostak welcomed everyone and indicated that the meeting would have a slightly unusual format because of the recent changes to our bylaws, and that he would be asking for formal approval of his standing before continuing on with the business of the section.  He noted that here were no elections last year as bylaws changes were finalized, and that Todd Smith had stepped in to do many of the critical duties of Chair in the interim.

3.0 Elections

3.1 Ratification of current Executive

MOVED: McLaughlin/Buret, that the appointment of Al Shostak as Chair-elect for 2007-2008 be approved by the membership.  Carried

Dr. Shostak noted that we normally only elect a Chair-elect, which should have been done last year. This motion enabled Dr. Shostak to serve as Chair-elect for the duration of this AGM and become the new Chair at the end of this conference.  There were no other nominees for Chair-elect. .  Dr. Kevin Scott served as teller and conducted the vote.

3.2 Election of new Executive

There was one candidate for Chair-elect (2008-2009), Dr. Mike Duffy.  Dr. Kevin Scott served as teller and conducted the vote.  Dr. Duffy was declared elected.

4.0 Approval of Minutes- 34th Annual General Meeting

MOVED: McLaughlin/Schutler, that the minutes of the May 2007 AGM be approved. Carried.
Dr. Burt noted a minor error which was corrected.

5.0 Business Arising

5.1 Bylaws revision

A report submitted by Bernadette Ardelli indicated that the bylaws revision was voted on and passed 25-1.  The mail vote was the final stage of the revision process so the new bylaws are now in effect.  They are posted on the web site.

6.0 Reports

6.1 Recognition Committee:

The Recognition committee selected Dr. Andre Buret as this year’s recipient of the RA Wardle Award.

6.2 Student Awards:

This year, the judging of the Fallis Award competition was conducted by: Drs. Buret, M. Scott and Shostak but no decision had been reached as all presentations had not yet been heard..

6.3 Chair:

With his election as Chair ratified, Dr. Shostak welcomed the symposium speakers (Dave Shutler, Mick Burt, David Cone) and congratulated and welcomed the Wardle Lecturer, Dr. Andre Buret.  He expressed hope that with the new bylaws would allow the section to operate quite a bit less formally and more readily attract individuals to serve the section formally as Chair, or informally when asked to contribute to committees such as student award judging.  The section has about 70 full and part members.  Dr. Shostak indicate that he believed that section serves a role for bringing together people with diverse interests in parasites.  No topic for the next Parasitology symposium has been decided.  The Parasitology Section currently has $8818 in its account.

6.4 Parasite Module:

Dr. Marcogliese presented a brief report, which is available on the web site.

7.0 New Business

7.1 News from Council

Dr. Shostak reported that next year’s meeting would be May 12-16, 2009 at the University of Toronto- Scarborough. The Parasitology Section will be responsible for organizing the 2009 Silent Auction. The Secretary of the CSZ will be stepping down and nominees are needed.

7.2 Section Financial Cap

Dr. Shostak reported that a cap of $2427 on the Sections account would come into effect at year end. There was discussion on spending priorities for the Section.  There was strong consensus to use a majority of any surplus funds to support student activities.  

MOVED: Burt/Schutler: that Dr. Shostak and Duffy be empowered to disburse any excess funds as they decide. Carried.

Dr. Shostak called for any other business and none was forthcoming.

8.0 Adjournment

MOVED: Schutler/Marcogliese: that the meeting be adjourned. Carried.