The second day of CUPE Nova Scotia’s annual convention opened with a smudging ceremony led by Ty Loppie, Local 1082 member and Young Worker on the division executive, and Kim Loppie, Vice President of Local 1082 and member of the National Indigenous Council, both also members of the CUPE Atlantic Maritimes Indigenous Council.
On the convention floor, proceedings started with a toast to public water led by members of Local 759, the workers whose labour brings clean drinking water to communities across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
“Cheers to a world where every drop counts and every sip is a statement of solidarity.”
– Local 759
Delegates then heard the final report from Nan McFadgen, CUPE Nova Scotia president. Nan announced well ahead of this year’s convention that she would not be re-offering as she is retiring this year.
“I didn’t know it at the time, but my life changed the day I started paying union dues.”
– Nan McFadgen
All those present were moved by Nan’s poignant and rousing words as she delivered her report of the past year and reflections on her time as CUPE Nova Scotia—and as a worker. Delegates honoured Sister McFadgen with a standing ovation.
National President Mark Hancock then addressed delegates, speaking to the need for our continued solidarity as workers, as CUPE members, and our continued commitment to fighting back against attacks on public services, and improving the lives of workers across the country and around the world.
“Backing down is not in our playbook, not now, not ever.”
– Mark Hancock, CUPE National President
The Constitutional Amendments and Resolutions Committee took to the floor today and delegates discussed the following constitutional amendments:
#1 Standing committees and ad hoc committees – CARRIED
#4 Resolutions and constitutional amendments – CARRIED
#2 Electronic ballots – CARRIED
#6 Representation at conventions – CARRIED
#3 Payments by CUPE Nova Scotia – CARRIED
#7 Young Worker Vice President – DEFEATED
#5 Land acknowledgment and recognition of African Nova Scotians – CARRIED
#1 Support the Centre for Migrant Workers Rights Nova Scotia – CARRIED
#2 Continue to fight privatization with information sharing – CARRIED
#3 Connect with all library worker in school in all RCEs – REFERRED
#9 Building bonds with African Nova Scotian community-based organizations – CARRIED
#13 Lobby the government to for answers about the Remedy – CARRIED
#12 Lobby the government for a provincial vision care program – CARRIED
The CUPE Atlantic Maritimes Indigenous Council (CAMIC) delivered their committee report, and delegates also heard a presentation from Matthew Stella, Senior Communications Officer with the national union.
Shelley McNeil, President of Local 5047 presented the Betty Jean Sister of the Year Award to fellow Local 5047 member Kirstin Welbourne.
The day closed with an address from Danielle Sampson, Atlantic Regional Director of the Canadian Labour Congress and an election forum with candidates for division president.