USJE RVP Carol Osborne and USJE Local 60001 President Caroline Morais-Gregan attended the PSAC Atlantic Access Summit in Halifax, NS from November 14th – 16th, 2025. There were 20 participants from across the region from PSAC Components and the DCLs.
On day 1, the Summit began with an Indigenous Opening with Elder, Geri Musqua-Leblanc. After remarks from the PSAC REVP, Chris Di Liberatore and introductions of the Steering Committee, participants did an ice breaker activity where they highlighted access wins. Closing the day there was a presentation from Nicole Blanchard on the Sunflower Program. The Sunflower Program is a global initiative where individuals with non-visible disabilities can voluntarily wear a sunflower lanyard to discreetly signal that they may need extra support, help, or more time. This program helps to raise awareness and create a more inclusive environment in public spaces like airports, shops, and workplaces by providing a visual cue to staff and colleagues.
Day 2 began with a workshop on Supporting/Promoting Disability Justice, which was facilitated by PSAC Moncton Regional Representative, Tobie Castonguay. In the afternoon, there was a session on Law & Order: The Duty to Accommodate with PSAC Grievance & Adjudication Officer, Leslie Robertson. To end the day, there was a session on Men’s Mental Health with PSAC Members, Sarah Bolger, Easson Haskin and David Martin. This session spoke to normalizing conversations about mental health issues and reducing the stigma that can prevent men from getting help. It is important to note that the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions may present themselves differently in men.
Day 3 commenced with a workshop on Defending Employment Equity which was facilitated by PSAC Halifax Regional Representative, Sharon Barbour. She also facilitated the final session on Strategic Planning, where participants integrated what they have learned during the summit to utilize in their workplaces in order to highlight the importance of access and address accommodation concerns on behalf of their members.
It was an engaging and motivating weekend for all who attended. The group became so close that they have since created a chat group to continue their collaboration. Well done PSAC and participants of the 2025 PSAC Atlantic Access Summit.