Panel Discussion - Does voting matter

Convention Bulletin – Monday, May 28, 2018

Why vote? Tammy Martin (NDP MLA for Cape Breton Centre and CUPE 8920 member), Lisa Blackburn (Councillor for District 14 in HRM), and Sue Leblanc (NDP MLA for Dartmouth North and CUPE 3912 member) held a panel discussion on the importance of voting and getting involved in politics. Watch video of their discussion here. “In this day and age, I think we can sum it up in two words: Donald Trump,” said Blackburn. Martin and Leblanc talked about how the NDP came two seats shy of controlling the balance of power after the 2017 provincial election – which reinforces the importance of every vote in every seat. “We were two seats away from taking the majority away from this Liberal government and taking away their ability to legislate collective agreements to Nova Scotians,” said Martin. Jagmeet Singh revs up convention NDP leader Jagmeet Singh paid a visit to convention on … Read more…

Jagmeet Singh

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh revs up CUPE NS convention

Delegates from across Nova Scotia were revved up by a speech by NDP leader Jagmeet Singh on Monday, focusing on fixing inequality in the Canadian economy and the importance of public services. Singh cited a recent study that showed over half of Canadians are within $200 or less of being unable to pay their basic necessities, and the fact that 80 per cent of wealth in the world is owned by one per cent of the world’s population. “People are hearing all these facts and figures about the economy doing so well, and they wonder: if the economy is working so well, why isn’t it working for ordinary people like me? Because that’s the way our economy is built right now.” In response, Singh called on CUPE activists to step up their fight against inequality, and spoke about the importance of universal social programs that lift everyone up, like universal Pharmacare and dental care. Too many seniors are … Read more…

55th annual convention of CUPE Nova Scotia

Convention Bulletin – Sunday, May 27, 2018

Opening of the 55th Annual Division Convention The 55th annual convention of CUPE Nova Scotia opened tonight, Sunday, May 27, 2018, at Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax. There were 221 people attending and delegates sang a loud and proud rendition of Solidarity Forever. Once seated, members shared the Equality Statement, Code of Conduct and were introduced to the CUPE Nova Scotia Executive Board and guests. The Convention was officially called to order and members of the executive gave their reports; all were adopted and official business ended. Credentials Report  8 – CUPE NS Executive Board members 0 – CUPE National officers and staff 1 – CUPE National Executive Board members 1 – CUPE Staff 10 – CUPE staff representatives 10 – Guest 3 – Observers 2 – Exhibitors 213 – Voting delegates 9 – Alternate delegates  New Delegates Orientation Over 40 delegates attended a lively introduction to the purpose of convention, its … Read more…