The USJE Prairies Regional Conference took place on November 4 and 5, 2025 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It brought together more than 50 USJE representatives for two days of learning, collaboration, and connection. Through workshops and sessions, the Regional Conference deepened delegates’ understanding of USJE, strengthened their knowledge of the Workforce Adjustment Appendix, and introduced them to key mental health supports for USJE members.
President Neufeld opened the day with updates on USJE’s ongoing and upcoming campaigns. He put a particular emphasis on USJE’s multi-faceted response to the federal government’s Comprehensive Expenditure Review. This Review will require most departments to reduce spending by 15% over the next three years. President Neufeld emphasized that USJE is fully committed to defending members and protecting their jobs.
Next, members of the USJE Communications team led a crash course in capturing compelling photos and videos and how to share the files with the USJE Communications Team. Taking engaging photos and videos is a practical way for Locals to share their work and strengthen their outreach. Congratulations to the winners of the photo and video contest, Balaji Beshakrao and Louise Paquet!
Over the lunch break, on the very day the federal budget was tabled, delegates held a spirited rally in front of the local Department of Justice office. The group was joined by PSAC-Prairies Regional Executive Vice-President Marianne Hladun. Together, they rallied in support of all colleagues impacted by Workforce Adjustments.
In addition to reports from USJE’s Directors, the afternoon program included a training session focused on the Workforce Adjustment Appendix led by USJE Director of Labour Relations, Melanie Crescenzi, and training on USJE’s upcoming Triennial Convention, led by USJE’s Director of Finance and Administration, Christina Hatchard.
The next day, delegates participated in a research-based workshop on developing an animal-aware workforce, featuring volunteers and their therapy dogs. Facilitators Dr. Colleen Dell and Dr. Darlene Chalmers shared valuable insights on the roles dogs play in supporting human well-being and outlined the differences between therapy dogs, service animals, emotional support animals, and companion animals. To demonstrate our gratitude, USJE made a donation of $500 to Animal Awareness for the Substance Use Workforce.
The afternoon session was led by Melissa Scheltgen from the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT). Ms. Scheltgen addressed the occupational trauma that many USJE members encounter in their daily work and provided an overview of the mental health resources available through CIPSRT. These include free, self-paced online courses for public safety personnel and their spouses. These courses are open to all USJE members and do not require a referral.
Throughout all sessions, delegates had the opportunity to liaise with Mindy Mackie of the Joint Learning Program. Many delegates were interested to hear more about this collaboration between the employer and the union to build healthy, safe, fair, diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Overall, the Prairies Regional Conference was an enriching and productive gathering, offering representatives the chance to exchange knowledge, strengthen leadership skills, and reinforce solidarity across the region. Delegates left the conference inspired and ready to share their learnings with their Locals and continue building a stronger union movement.
The next and final Regional Conference will take place in Quebec City, Quebec on Nov 18 – 19.