Meeting held
Tuesday, May 18th, 1993, 5 p.m.
Room V-112, University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

1. Present
Elliott Burden (President), Glen MacDonald (President Elect), Alwynne Beaudoin (Newsletter Editor, Recording Secretary), Neville Alley (visitor), Dennis Braman, Ian Campbell, Jan Ford, Jocelyn Legault, David McIntyre, Andrew MacRae, Bert van Helden, Graham Williams.

2. Opening
The meeting was called to order by President Burden at 5.06 pm.

3. Minutes of the 1992 Annual General Meeting
The 1992 Annual General Meeting minutes appeared in CAP Newsletter 15(2):4-12 (December 1992). One correction was noted: it is proposed to hold the 1995 AASP meeting in Ottawa, not the 1996 meeting which will be held in Houston in conjunction with the 9th IPC. This correction was included in CAP Newsletter 16(1):19. Minutes, with correction, were accepted. Proposed Legault, seconded by McIntyre. Unanimous acceptance.

4. President's Report
President Burden welcomed participants to the Annual General Meeting. He was pleased that the GAC meeting was going well. He noted that there had been a good turn out for the CAP Special Session, including some people from outside the association. He thanked the organizers of the Session. Burden identified President Elect Glen MacDonald to the meeting. Glen's fortitude in allowing his name to stand for election was greeted with riotous applause.

5. Secretary/Treasurer's Report
Martin Head (Secretary/Treasurer) was unable to be at the AGM due to financial constraints. Head had submitted Financial and Auditor's Reports and an interim Membership Report, which were distributed with the agenda to attendees at the Annual General Meeting. In his Financial Report, Head noted that:

CAP is currently in a healthy position with a balance of $992.16. Based on last December's mailing charges ($214.51 for approximately 90 members) and IFPS dues of US$1.00 per member, the cost per member to CAP is about $6.00. Our financial viability is thus secure as long as IFPS dues and postage costs do not increase by any significant amount.

In his Membership Report, Head noted that:

A detailed Membership Report will be presented in the November issue of the CAP Newsletter when a more complete picture of the year's developments will have emerged. CAP presently has 67 members and correspondents in good standing. On behalf of CAP, I welcome four new members/correspondents: Ian Campbell, Forestry Canada, Northwest Region (Edmonton, Alberta), Brian F. Cumming (Queen's University, Kingston), John D. Shane (ARCO Alaska Inc.) and Zicheng Yu (University of Toronto and Royal Ontario Museum).

These reports were accepted as submitted. Proposed Legault, seconded Williams. Unanimous acceptance.

6. Dues Structure
Beaudoin introduced this item by noting that several recent issues of the Newsletter have been quite large. With ever-increasing postal charges, mailing the Newsletter represents the largest cost to CAP. If there are increased postal rates, as seems probable, then the dues (currently $7 per year) are unlikely to cover the full costs of membership, particularly for overseas correspondents for whom mailing charges are greater. Beaudoin also pointed out that producing black-and-white half-tones and screened photographs for the Newsletter is a cost for production that should be covered from the dues and has not been an item considered in costs in the past. Beaudoin also remarked that it has been the practice in the past to carry members whose dues are not paid up for two years; in this time more than their dues would have been consumed in mail and IFPS affiliation costs.

Various ways of dealing with these issues were discussed. Beaudoin mentioned that one way to keep mailing costs down would be to limit the size of the Newsletter so that it does not exceed 100 g; she would be reluctant to see this measure implemented. Campbell noted that the Newsletter is the main value of CAP and he wanted to see it kept as "newsy" as possible. The general feeling was that limiting the Newsletter size was not a reasonable option. Campbell also indicated that he might be able to help in production of half-tones for illustrations.

Various methods for reducing mailing costs were discussed. Van Helden pointed out that the recent mail list contained several names that could be removed, thus reducing the number of issues sent out. Beaudoin concurred. Williams suggested including copies for people at the same institution in one envelope and noted that the GSC does have an internal mail system which could be used for GSC-affiliated members. MacDonald indicated that the IUTS (Inter-University Mail System) could be used to send Newsletters to University-affiliated members in Ontario. These methods would necessitate some changes to the way the Newsletter is mailed out. Beaudoin and Van Helden will discuss these further.

However, it was the general consensus of the meeting that if costs continue to increase, it would be prudent to increase dues now rather than to wait until the situation becomes critical. Various amounts were discussed.

As a visitor, Alley said he liked the Newsletter, having picked up some back issues at the CAP Special Session. He indicated that he thought it was good value for money and that the dues were so small that an increase would not be a great burden.

Generally, the sense of the meeting was that a $1/year dues increase was too small to be worth implementing when another rise might be contemplated in a year or so. Williams proposed setting the annual dues at CAN$10/year, seconded by Legault. Carried unanimously.

President Burden therefore concluded that, effective 1994, the CAP annual dues will be raised to $10/year. This would not affect those who have already paid dues for up to three years ahead, i.e., those who have already paid dues for the years 1994 and 1995. As required by the CAP bye-laws, this increase will be announced in the December issue of the Newsletter prior to implementation (see page 5).

7. Newsletter Editor's Report
This report was also distributed to meeting attendees. In her report, Beaudoin noted that:

The May 1993 issue of the CAP Newsletter has been mailed out and should have been received by most CAP members by the time of this meeting. I have several articles promised for the December 1993 issue. I want to draw attention to the following points:

1. There has been a wide range of material submitted to the Newsletter recently, including research news, book reviews and conference reports. I would like to include more articles on research and field activities.

2. I have continued to attempt to improve reproduction of photos in the Newsletter. This will be an on-going process but I would like to encourage people to submit photos, diagrams and other graphics for inclusion.

3. CAP members generally publish many research articles. To facilitate communication among the disparate branches of palynology, I could include a listing of recent publications by CAP members, including journal articles, book chapters etc.

I thank everyone who has contributed material to the Newsletter over the last year and Bert van Helden for dealing with the printing and mailing. I ask that people continue to send me items for future issues. I would also appreciate receiving suggestions for new features, improvements or changes to the Newsletter. I will be glad to continue as editor.

MacDonald noted an error in the most recent newsletter issue. His correct E-mail address is Gmmacd@sscvax.cis.mcmaster.ca

Williams proposed a vote of thanks to the Newsletter Editor, seconded by MacDonald, and carried unanimously.

Approval of the Editor's report was proposed by Campbell, seconded by Legault, and carried unanimously.

8. IFPS Councillor's Report
David Jarzen (IFPS Councillor) was unable to be present at this meeting. Beaudoin reported a 'phone conversation with him. Jarzen indicated that he will submit a report for the December newsletter; he noted that there is little new news to report other than the appointment of the new IFPS vice-presidents, of whom he is one, as announced in CAP Newsletter 15(2):40, 1992.

9. Nominating Committee's Report
Members of the nominating committee (Rob Fensome and Colin McGregor) were not present. It was noted that all officers are in mid-term and that, if all are willing to continue to serve to the end of their terms, then nominations are not needed at this time.

10. Appointment of Auditor
Beaudoin reported that Geoff Norris is willing to serve as Auditor again, according to Head.

11. Improving half-tone illustrations for Newsletter
This item had been discussed earlier. No further discussion.

12. Discussion of membership structure
It was felt that the membership structure had been adequately discussed in the past (1990 AGM in Banff) and did not require further discussion at this time.

13. Location of AGM for 1994
The two viable options for the 1994 AGM are the AASP meeting, to be held at College Station, Texas, in the early fall or the GAC/MAC Meeting to be held in Waterloo, Ontario, in May. Burden pointed out that the Waterloo meeting is likely to be more feasible for Canadians and will probably attract more CAP members than Texas. After some discussion of who among the CAP members and executive were likely to attend, Williams proposed that the CAP AGM should be held at the GAC meeting, seconded by Campbell. Motion carried unanimously.

Suggestions for the 1995 meeting were also discussed. It was pointed out that CAP will be hosting the 1995 AASP meeting in Ottawa, through Jarzen's involvement. Hence the 1995 AGM will be held in Ottawa.

Venues for the 1996 were suggested. In 1996, the IPC and AASP meetings will be held in Houston. Williams suggested that an alternative might be the North American Paleontological Convention. No firm decision was taken on the location for the 1996 Annual General Meeting.

Under this item, a number of ancillary issues were discussed. It was felt that the CAP Special Session at this GAC/MAC meeting was such a success that the Association should try to mount similar events in the future. It was pointed out that CAP will have a major role to play in the Ottawa meeting which should raise the profile of the organization. MacDonald reported that he had been approached by a member of the CANQUA executive to explore the possibility of a joint CANQUA/CAP meeting in 1995. Burden, while agreeing that this was a good idea, indicated that commitments already entered into precluded this venture. Generally, it was felt that such joint meetings should be encouraged in the future because they are likely to attract more attendees and it may be easier for people to get to a joint meeting.

14. Other business
a. Beaudoin noted that the CAP Special Session attracted between 24 and 41 listeners. This was felt to be an excellent attendance for a very specialized session. Burden noted that many of the audience were not CAP members and that this session had a larger audience than several others that he had attended. Williams proposed a vote of thanks to the Session Organizers (McIntyre, van Helden and Beaudoin), seconded by Legault and carried unanimously.

b. Williams reported on the progress of a proposal for a CAP poster, as raised at the last AGM (CAP Newsletter 15(2):6, 1992). He announced that he has discussed with Rob Fensome some ideas for one based on dinoflagellates. This was felt to be an excellent idea and they were encouraged to proceed.

c. Burden announced that GAC has seed money for publications and suggested that CAP should seriously consider the possibility of putting together a palynology volume. Williams asked if such a volume could be aimed at the general public. He pointed out that geology is more than dinosaurs and we need to get young people interested in science. One major drawback to a publication was the large amount of work that would inevitably devolve upon one or a few people to get it completed. Van Helden noted the recent fossils on stamps issued by Canada Post and wondered whether CAP could lobby for a palynological stamp. Burden pointed out that this publication opportunity was also a good one for CAP because the GAC may be prepared to enter into a revenue-sharing agreement, which could gain CAP some extra funds. Legault proposed calling for suggestions through an item in the Newsletter. Burden felt that while this would be useful, GAC is looking for proposals now and it would be wise to act quickly. After additional discussion, Burden, Williams, Legault, MacDonald and Campbell were assigned the task of looking into this further.

d. Burden reported that he had received correspondence from the organizers of the North American Paleontological Convention, which will be held in 1996 in Washington, DC. They were requesting input from CAP. Although CAP members have participated in these meetings in the past, it is unlikely that many will attend this conference and there was not strong feeling on any input.

e. Burden reported that he had received correspondence from David Liverman (Newfoundland Geological Survey) concerning a proposed IGCP Project 362 on Tethyan and Boreal Cretaceous. The project organizers from Utrecht were looking for Canadian involvement. The file was passed to Williams for action.

15. Closing
Legault proposed closing the meeting, seconded by Williams, carried unanimously. President Burden declared the meeting closed at 6.02 pm.

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Secretary/Treasurer's Reports
Membership Report

On November 14, 1993, CAP had a total of 71 members in good standing, comprising 48 full members, 20 correspondents, and 3 institutional members (see Chart below and Table on page 11). A dues reminder was not included in the spring issue of the CAP Newsletter (16(1), 1992) and therefore many members have not yet paid dues for 1993. Please consult the Dues Due section of this newsletter (on page 3) to see if you are in arrears. I hope records at the end of this year will show a continued trend in membership increase that began in 1990. Meanwhile as late payments came in this year I can report a slight increase in paid membership for 1992.

Martin J. Head, CAP Secretary/Treasurer, Toronto, Ontario

Paid up to 1991 (inclusive):	Full members 60 Correspondents 26 Institutional Members 3	TOTAL MEMBERSHIP 89
Paid up to 1992 (inclusive):	Full members 64 Correspondents 27 Institutional Members 2	TOTAL MEMBERSHIP 93
Paid up to 1993 (inclusive):	Full members 48 Correspondents 20 Institutional Members 3	TOTAL MEMBERSHIP 71
Prepaid to 1994 (inclusive):	Full members 21 Correspondents 9 Institutional Members 1	TOTAL MEMBERSHIP 31
Prepaid to 1995-98 (inclusive):	Full members 12 Correspondents 11 Institutional Members 1	TOTAL MEMBERSHIP 24

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Report of CAP Councillor to IFPS

A mini-council meeting of the International Federation of Palynological Societies (IFPS) was held on 25 October 1993 at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in conjunction with the 26th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists (AASP). President James Canright presided over the small group which included Owen Davis (Arizona), John Wrenn (Louisiana), Vaughn Bryant (Texas), Jan Jansonius (Alberta) and Lucy Edwards (Virginia).

Some of the highlights of the Council meeting are enumerated below:

1. The former Soviet Palynological Commission (SPC) has been reorganized as the Russian Palynological Commission (RPC) and has now paid all past and current dues. In a similar move, the German society, Arbeitskreis für Palaöbotanik und Palynologie (APP), and the Organization of Czech Palynologists (OCP) have regained full privileges and status within the IFPS through payment of past dues.

2. Attempts to attract the 560 members of the International Association of Aerobiology (IAA) as a society of IFPS failed once again. Canright noted that the first edition of the World Directory of Palynologists contained the names and addresses of all IAA member and, should a new directory be published with IAA representation, a "taxation for representation" should be levied. The Council members present agreed that should a new directory be produced, it should include the IAA membership (80% are not affiliated with any other IFPS society) but be distributed free only to those IAA members in attendance at the 9th IPC. A basic charge plus postage would be asked of IAA members not attending the 9th IPC.

3. Vaughn Bryant (Texas A&M University, College Station, TX) and John Wrenn (Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA) are co-chairs of the 9th IPC to be held June 22-29 1996 in Houston, Texas.

4. The Officers and Councillors present unanimously recommended that the IFPS annualmembershipsubscription be set at $1.50 (US) per individual per year, and that societies more than eight (8) months delinquent in payment of annual dues will be placed on inactive status. The recommended changes to the IFPS Bye-Laws will be circulated to all IFPS Council Members for comment. CAP Member comments may be sent by mail or FAX to me at the address given below:

David M. Jarzen, CAP Councillor
Canadian Musem of Nature, Ottawa, Ontario

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This summary originally appeared in CAP Newsletter 16(2):4-11, 1993. It has been slightly edited for clarity.