NDP MP LISA MARIE BARRON SPEAKS ABOUT WORKING TOWARD AN INTEGRATED RESPONSE TO CONTAINER SPILLS AND ABANDONED VESSELS
Delegates had the opportunity to hear from Lisa Marie Barron, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo Ladysmith. As the NDP critic for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, MP Barron spoke about her efforts to minimize the impact of container debris spills, ensuring that emergency plans are guided by local and traditional knowledge. Barron also spoke about her work to prevent abandoned vessels that have harmful effects on oceans, the ecosystem and food security.
UHEW SUPPORT FOR WILDFIRES IN NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Delegates voted to donate $10,000 to the Northwest Territories Emergency Response Fund, established by the NWT United Way to help with relief efforts for the ongoing wildfires there.
BY-LAWS COMMITTEE REPORTS TO CONVENTION
During the morning session, delegates heard from the By-Laws Committee. The Committee presented their top ten priority resolutions. The majority of the Committee’s priority resolutions passed. One resolution was defeated and another was referred back to the Committee with instructions.
SHARON DESOUSA ON ANTI-OPPRESSION WORK IN THE UNION
The afternoon session began with an address from PSAC National Executive Vice-President Sharon DeSousa. Sister DeSousa spoke about the PSAC’s anti-oppression efforts, noting that it is our duty as union activists to create safe spaces for everyone. It is an ongoing PSAC commitment to effect profound change: to get to the bottom of the barriers faced by marginalized members in our workplaces and in our union. Sharon then spoke to the PSAC’s Anti-Racism Action Plan and the report of the Gender Equity Task Force, which outlines the steps needed to move toward a more equity-focused union.
GENERAL COMMITTEE REPORTS TO CONVENTION
The remainder of the day was devoted to the General Committee’s report. Many of the resolutions debated centered on the need to improve UHEW communications with members. Before session recessed for the day, half of the Committee’s priority resolutions were addressed by delegates.
HELPING OUR COMMUNITIES
The day ended with the host committee’s second 50/50 draw. Today’s draw winner took home nearly $250. The other half of the funds raised are again being donated to the Kermode Friendship Society. The society provides supports to Indigenous community members in Terrace, BC.
REGIONAL CAUCUSES
Many of UHEW Regions conducted their caucus meetings Wednesday evening, after the Convention recessed for the day.
