Submitted by Sean Ryan

There was a moment of silence held for the Ashlie Gough who died at the Occupy Vancouver camp. Everyone was very respectful with the moment of silence.

There were some announcements made including one regarding the planting of needles on/around the area by malcontents and that people should keep a look out. As well as one regarding a workshop being held tomorrow night about the omnibus crime bill at 8pm (please see calendar for more details).

Amendments from committees
Infrastructure committee wished to draw $2000 from the movement funds for creation of three separate structures which would provide 700 sq feet of indoor space for meeting/sleeping/other uses for the winter.
This generated an enormous amount of debate from many many members with issues ranging from if this was a wise use of the funds(risk of structure being torn down after being built) to consulting with the NCC before construction (declined) to safety of the structures (an architect student and general contractor are part of the discussion as well as other contractors etc). Basically this discussion went on a long time with multiple amendments and questions/points of interests/blocks being introduced and then debated. I can say that this was truly democracy in action. Finally the actual amendment was voted on and it did pass by majority so the funds have been allocated and the work shall proceed.

Another amendment was also passed regarding the allocation of approx. $300 for the purchase of a projector to be used to show documentaries to draw in more people and also to be used for entertainment at the camp in off hours. Amendments were introduced to ensure that the equipment would be secured when not in use (passed) and also should the movement collapse that the projector be donated to a group in need and not just be taken by some member etc. (this also passed). The overall amendment was passed and the money has been allocated for a projector for the camp.

Individual amendments were introduced by myself regarding creating contingency plans for if the camp should collapse due to police intervention or winterlude etc. and this was referred to multiple committees for possibly the creation of a working group which I'll have to get on. As well one other amendment was put forth regarding a march or some other form of action at a specific time each week so that more people turn as it becomes consistent (also will be useful if the camp collapses etc. This was referred to Direct Action however I also think something like that will work as part of a contingency plan.

There was only one more ending announcement regarding the workshop on the omnibus crime bill and then the GA was dissolved for the night with a fair amount of progress made.

All in all I must say that this was the most productive and also the most interesting GA which has been held yet and hopefully beckons well for the future. It may have been a messy affair however I'm reminded of a quote from the TV show "The West Wing" "There are two things you don't want people to see how their made, laws and sausages". Again this is just my re-hashing of what I witnessed/remember anyone who wants more information I would suggest checking out the minutes.