On Monday Nov. 10, Member of Parliament William Stevenson joined five members of the USJE Local 30011 Executive to tour Grande Cache Institution. Local USJE representatives shared their serious concerns regarding the upcoming federal budget cuts and how these cuts will affect our USJE members, and consequently Canadian public safety.
Among other areas, MP Stevenson was provided with a thorough tour of the GCI Carpentry Shop where USJE members support offenders in learning basic and advanced carpentry skills as a form of rehabilitation. In addition, he was introduced to the Indigenous Initiative area and spoke with members about programs that address the diverse needs of the growing offender population.
During the tour, USJE members shared their perspectives that the federal austerity measures would inevitably increase workloads, due to fewer staff and offender population pressures, coupled with other potential budget cuts to operations and programs.
They expressed the toll that the work and these concerns take on our USJE members, and the consequent importance of USJE’s Presumptive Injury Campaign. MP Stevenson was presented with a USJE PTSI pin and an information leaflet.
During the tour, MP Stevenson listened intently to the Local Executive. He asked questions and shared concerns about the lack of resources he witnessed. As the tour concluded, he noted how impressed he was with the excellent work being done by USJE members and others throughout GCI. Just days after the tour, MP Stevenson’s office reached out to suggest a follow-up visit to both the site and the town for an upcoming community event.
Local Vice-President Balaji Beshakrao organized this first ever MP tour of Grande Cache. Having participated in various USJE events and conferences and reviewed USJE’s Lobbing kits, Balaji was inspired to take action. He also took the collaborative step of inviting UCCO Local President, Marc Ducharme, to participate in the tour.
On reflecting on the work of organizing this first ever MP site visit, Balaji noted the length of time it takes and the perseverance required, given the complexities and the size of the Riding and MP Stevenson’s schedule. From his first email to MP Stevenson’s office, it took well over two months to make the tour happen. Balaji also acknowledged the support of GCI senior management for their help in facilitating the tour at short notice.
Balaji also recognized the significant assistance he received from Regional Vice President (RVP), Zef Ordman, who provided crucial guidance throughout. Further, he noted that Jeff Sandelli (RVP) and even President Neufeld had provided support as well.
When looking back at the tour and thinking about the Local’s next meeting with their MP, Balaji thanked the Local President, Sharon Hamilton, the four Executive Members who participated in the meeting, as well as the UCCO Local President. He noted: “Everyone involved in the tour was great at getting our points across. We’re all looking forward to meeting MP Stevenson again”.