Today, delegates were welcomed to the Officer’s Breakfast by CUPE National President Mark Hancock and National Secretary Treasurer Candace Rennick, who provided us with details of CUPE’s Anti-Racism Strategy. They also gave out prizes to delegates whose names were selected in a draw.
Delegates heard a report from the Secretary Treasurer of CUPE Nova Scotia (Donna Van Kroonenburg), which was followed by Candace Rennick’s inspiring speech that highlighted wage justice, among other important issues. The Safer Spaces Working Group shared with delegates the progress they’ve made toward addressing harassment and violence.
The Health and Safety Award was officially renamed the Sean Foley Health and Safety Award, in memory of our greatly missed Brother. Sean held several positions within his union, but was particularly passionate about Health and Safety. The award was presented to Scott Carver.
Delegates continued to debate, vote on and ultimately pass several more resolutions. We heard a wonderful speech from NDP MLA and Labour Critic Kendra Coombes, who reinforced her party’s commitment to anti-scab legislation, and repealing the anti-union legislation that was previously enacted by the McNeil Liberals. Following this, delegates heard from the Acting Regional Director for CUPE in the Atlantic Region, Jenna Brookfield, as well as Allie Rose from the Nova Scotia Health Coalition, Tony Tracey from the Canadian Labour Congress, and Cheryl Burbidge, chair of the Global Justice Committee.
We finished the day by electing new members to the Human Rights, Women’s, Political Action and Pension committees, as well as filling vacancies on the Contracting Out and Privatization, and Education committees.