The first in-person PSAC Prairies Convention in six years got underway today in Regina. Over 200 delegates are coming together over the next three days to set the direction of our union in the Prairies. Here’s a wrap up from Day 1.
Elder Archie Weenie opened the convention by welcoming participants to Treaty 4 territory and brought a powerful message of healing and reconciliation.
Delegates then adopted the agenda and rules of order and ratified the Convention Committees.
The Regional Executive Vice-president’s report and the Prairie Regional Council reports, which are available here, were adopted by delegates.
The Regina Pride Parade is taking place this weekend and delegates, guests, and observers showed their solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Regina and across the world. Eradicating homophobia and transphobia in workplaces and advocating for the full protection of 2SLGBTQIA+ members will continue to be priorities for PSAC Prairie members.
Components, Locals and Branches in the Region pledged over $30,000 to striking workers at Iqaluit Housing Authority. These PSAC members – many of them young Inuit workers – have been walking the picket line since March 17, while their employer refuses to bargain meaningfully, continues to table concessions and – worse – has brought in scabs. Visit psascnorth.com for more information and to find out how to support these workers.
Delegates also discussed and passed the Prairies Region budget, which is available here.
The Convention Bylaws Committee brought forward several important resolutions designed to ensure the work of the Prairies Region runs smoothly, brings the Bylaws in line with the PSAC Constitution, and removes barriers to participation. A full list of bylaws resolutions is available here.
- BYL-007, 2SLGBTQIA+, carried
- BYL-012, PRC Quorum, defeated
- BYL-002, Amendment to residency requirement for REVP’s, carried
- BYL-011, Regional Health & Safety Committees delegates, carried
The first election of the convention took place. Steve Sukhbir was re-elected as the 2SLGBTQIA+ representative on the Prairies Regional Council.
Candidates for Regional Executive Vice-President and Alternate Regional Executive Vice-President also addressed delegates at a forum held on Friday night. Elections for these position take place on Sunday.
