CHANGE IN DISBURSEMENT DATE---
DECEMBER 2008

At A Recent Meeting, The Board Of The Education Trust Fund (ETF) Made A Decision To Change The Dates Of Our Disbursements Meetings. This Decision Was Reached At The Request Of Many Members. Effective this DECEMBER, We Will Be Meeting In JUNE, SEPTEMBER, AND DECEMBER, Instead Of January, June And September. For January 2009 Only, We Will Have A Disbursement Meeting To Accomodate Those Members Who Have Planner Their University Work On The Old Schedule.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE LOCAL 10 OFFICE NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 5TH, 2008

History

In February 1980, visionary nurses involved with Local 10 established an Education Trust Fund for its membership with monies refunded from Unemployment Insurance. Instead of a few dollars being returned to each member of the bargaining unit, the fund was set up "to provide opportunities for educational advancement and professional development for the members of the Union". In the initial agreement between HSC and MONA (now MNU) Local 10, three activities were identified:

• Bursaries, to support member attending University or Community Colleges, in credit or non-credit courses related to professional development and/or labour relations.
• Conferences and/or workshops and courses related to professional development and)or labour relations
• Seminars and other training sessions planned or approved by MNU or the Education Committee of the MNU Local 10.

The establishment of this fund received national recognition from the Employment Insurance Commission and the Government of Canada.

From it's the modest beginning, the fund has grown substantially. In the 25 intervening years, the fund has continued to provide significant financial support to members of MNU Local 10 in all three categories. Since inception, $1,289,108.50 has been provided to support nurses furthering their education.

There is no guarantee that any member will receive funding. For courses or conference attendance, funds are provided as reimbursement only after the educational session has been completed. The good news however, is that almost all requests do in fact receive funding.

Currently the maximum amount any member may receive is $1,000.00 in any calendar year for courses and $1,000.00 in each two calendar years for conference attendance. Course reimbursement is for tuition only; books and other expenses are not covered by the fund. Conference reimbursement is for the conference registration fee and, if the conference is not in Winnipeg, the most economical mode of transportation. Hotel costs, meals and other expenses are not covered by the fund. Members are also eligible for $300.00 (per nurse per lifetime) for computer courses. Original receipts are required for submission to the committee. Application forms are available by calling our Education Trust Fund number 775-6811. Please specify whether you are requesting a course, conference, bursary or computer form. Submissions for all must be received within 60 days of the completion of the actual course or conference.

Bursaries are awarded for Local 10 members who are pursuing their education on a full-time basis. The fund assists members obtain post diploma certificates and degrees. Applicants may apply at any time contingent on proof of acceptance in to the program.

The ETF Committee meets three times a year, usually in the months January, June and September. Disbursements follow the meeting dates. All members of MNU Local 10 are eligible to apply to the fund.

For further information, please call the Education Trust Fund at 775-6811.