The fourth National Triennial Convention of the Union of Health and Environment Workers officially began in Saint John, New Brunswick, bringing together 87 delegates, 22 observers, 11 guests and 2 NBOD members from across the country.
Under the Convention’s theme, “Solidarity Through Changing Tides,” delegates began the important work of setting the union’s direction and priorities for the next three years. It was noted that the convention theme speaks to the collective strength of the workers’ movement and the importance of working together.
STARTING IN A GOOD WAY
Noel Milliea of the Elsipogtog First Nation opened the Convention in a good way, sharing his experience working in government and his lifelong advocacy for Indigenous Peoples in concert with their ways of being and knowing that are embedded in all we do. Having spent his life dedicated to healing, education, and cultural preservation, Noel spoke about the challenges facing Indigenous Peoples, necessarily including the deep-seeded, systemic racism that has impacted all levels of government. Noel acknowledged UHEW members for their dedication and the important work they do every day while reminding everyone to make space for Indigenous Peoples to ensure they are included as we navigate inevitable changes on the horizon.
PROCEDURAL MOTIONS PASS
After opening remarks, introductions, and recognizing UHEW members who have passed since the last convention, delegates ratified the convention committees, rules of order, and adopted the agenda. Delegates also approved the procedures for electing delegates to the PSAC National Convention along with other procedural motions.
PRESIDENT AND NVP REPORTS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY
During the morning session, the reports of National President Shimen Fayad and National Vice President (NVP) Marc Blanchard were passed unanimously by convention delegates. Both spoke about the challenges over the last three years, referencing the aftermath of the historic national strike in 2023, the continued failures of Phoenix, the employer’s unilateral return-to-office mandate, growing workplace concerns, and the significant impacts of cuts and ongoing workforce adjustments taking place across the federal public service.
A common theme in both reports was on the importance of strengthening the union, both at the national and local levels in the face of these challenges. Building internal capacity in our Locals, activists and representatives remains a key priority as we take on current struggles.
Despite these challenges, President Fayad and NVP Blanchard expressed their pride for progress that has been achieved by UHEW members from coast to coast to coast. Both reiterated their continued commitment to advocating for meaningful improvements in workplace conditions, and the importance of making connections with members in the workplace to build the solidarity necessary to push back against the cuts to federal public services and the employer’s reckless actions.
PSAC NATIONAL PRESIDENT BRINGS GREETINGS
Delegates also heard from guest speaker PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa. President DeSousa acknowledged the critical work UHEW perform across the country—from fisheries officers and practical nurses to climate change researchers and DFO lab technicians. Sharon noted clearly that UHEW workers are not the ‘back-office workers’ in the federal public service; they are the backbone of Canada’s health and environmental services that people depend on. And despite the threat artificial intelligence presents for all of us, Sharon stressed that AI can never replace the dedicated workers who protect our wildlife and environment and support individuals and families in remote communities across the country. With that understanding paramount, Sharon went on to explain that given all the challenges facing PSAC members, we cannot and we will not back down. We will continue to advocate for the fair recognition of workers—whether it be early retirement for all frontline public safety workers, remote work flexibility, improving workplace conditions for all workers, or securing a fair deal at the bargaining table that respects the work our members perform.
2027-2029 BUDGET PASSES
During the afternoon of Day 1, the Finance Committee addressed delegates and spoke to their priority resolutions. The Committee’s first priority resolution was the proposed budget for 2027-2029. The Committee acknowledged the current economic climate in which this proposed budget is situated, recognizing the significant challenges posed by the federal government’s current and medium-term austerity measures. Taking into accounts these factors, the Committee provided that the budget is both realistic of costs and forward looking. As a result, the budget includes a dues increase in the first part of the three-year budget to reflect the full costs of member services and their administration. After a fulsome debate, delegates voted to adopt the budget as presented.
IMPROVING UHEW NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
The second resolution debated was on the establishment of full-time Communications Officer position, responsible for delivering regular, consistent, and accessible communication to UHEW members and maintaining and enhancing national communications tools. Delegates spoke to growing member concerns regarding gaps in UHEW communications and the need for a national strategy for communication and website redevelopment. Speakers pointed to the need for a coordinated, national UHEW social media presence, especially for the purpose of engaging and mobilizing activists across the union. This resolution was also carried.
BYLAWS COMMITTEE SPEAKS TO THEIR FIRST PRIORITY RESOLUTIONS
Near the end of the day, the By-Laws Committee was called up to speak to their first two priority resolutions. The Committee’s first concurrence resolution aimed to improve transparency and accountability by enshrining the rates of pay for the National Council within the UHEW By-laws. The Committee noted that by doing so remuneration decisions would need to be voted on delegates at UHEW National Conventions. After some discussion, delegates voted to adopt this resolution. The second priority resolution proposed adding some additional language to the By-laws to reinforce UHEW’s existing practice and use of Bourinot’s rules of order. Now adopted, the resolution specifically clarifies that the National President can only vote on issues brought to the National Council in order to break a tie.
PHOTOS FROM DAY 1
