Convention resumed in full swing for Day 2 as delegates returned to the floor to debate resolutions, elect Prairie Region Council representatives, and make decisions that will help guide PSAC Prairies in the years ahead.
Regional Executive Vice-President Marianne Hladun took a moment to acknowledge June 6 as Blue Jean Jacket Day (also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous Men and Boys). Delegates wore blue jean jackets in solidarity and to raise awareness about the disproportionate violence experienced by Indigenous men and boys.
The day also featured an address from PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa, who spoke with delegates about key issues facing members in the Prairies. President DeSousa stood firm against the cuts to public services and showed solidarity with Prairie members who recently received Workforce Adjustment letters, reaffirming PSAC’s commitment to protecting the public services Canadians rely on.
President DeSousa celebrated REVP Hladun for her years of dedicated union activism and her commitment to ensuring Prairie priorities remained front and centre in national discussions. She also joined delegates in acknowledging the 12 Prairie members serving on national bargaining teams and advocating on behalf of members across the region.
Delegates, including many first-time speakers, embraced the opportunity to take the mic, raise regional concerns, and engage directly with the National President, making for a lively discussion on the Convention floor.
Convention delegates passed several general resolutions today, including resolutions aimed at increasing support and opportunities for equity-deserving members. The full list of general resolutions is available here.
- GEN-013, Recognizing Pregnancy Loss Before 20 Weeks
- GEN-007, Regional Young Workers’ Conference
- GEN-004, Regional Pride Conference
- GEN-005, Regional Indigenous Conference
- GEN-006, Regional Access Conference
- GEN-003, Funding for Mature Women’s Research and Education
Elections to the Prairie Region Council continued. Congratulations to these new and returning PRC members!
- Directly Chartered Locals Representative – Michelle Lang
- Separate Employer Locals Representative – Amanda Wakeford
- Indigenous Peoples Representative – Janette Husak
- Northern Alberta Geographic Representative – Stasi L’Hirondelle
- Southern Alberta Geographic Representative – Tania Fikus
- Northern Saskatchewan Geographic Representative – Dawn Montgrant
- Southern Saskatchewan Geographic Representative – Eric McCrimmon
- South-East Manitoba Geographic Representative – Kristin Bowler
- North-West Manitoba Geographic Representative – Michael Weisgerber
- Regional Women’s Committees Representative – Sherry Hunt
- Persons with Disabilities Representative – Natalie Slonowski
- Racially Visible Representative – Tury Al Jaqobi
P.S.: A look back at the political action from yesterday – delegates and observers stood strong and united to support their bargaining teams!
