Defence Fund Chairperson's Report to CAUT Council
Spring 2003

Following the red alerts of last fall, Defence Fund Trustees have not had to intervene to put direct pressure on any on-going negotiations. The membership committee has recruited into the fund the faculty unions of Moncton at Shippagan and Edmunston and, to my knowledge, the only remaining faculty unions to be canvassed are Hearst and Nipissing. Regarding the Universities of British Columbia and Saskatchewan, a membership in the fund is not considered useful or appropriate for them at this time.

Following the fall 2002 meeting of trustees, the Planning and Policy Committee has been working on a questionnaire regarding a possible restructuring of the Defence Fund Committees. I have endeavoured to do what is possible to consult trustees as well as member associations on this matter. In conclusion, the value of the CAUT Defence Fund's assets is now $13.9 million.

I wish to thank the CAUT staff for their continued support, as well as all trustees. Special thanks to past Chairperson, Professor Denise Nevo, who has coached me through the difficult times last fall.

Respectfully submitted by

Jean-Charles Cachon
Chair, CAUT Defence Fund
April 2003