The 2026 USJE National Triennial Convention officially began in Quebec City, bringing together 186 delegates, 23 observers and 9 guests for a total of 218 participants from across the country on the ancestral land of the Wendat, Innu, and Abenaki nations.
In order to equip delegates to fully participate in Convention discussions, a series of mock debates were offered to provide delegates with hands-on training. Following this session, the National Convention then officially opened with a powerful traditional ceremony from Elder Raymond Gros-Louis and his Elder’s Helper Johanna Lafromboise.
Delegates also heard opening remarks from the National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, Sharon DeSousa, who highlighted PSAC’s key priorities and ongoing efforts to challenge the Treasury Board on their approach to Workforce Adjustment.
She also thanked USJE’s National Executive for their leadership and support in helping members navigate the impacts of these ongoing changes. President DeSousa emphasized that USJE continues to play a particularly crucial role in advancing public safety priorities, advocating for proposed changes to the Government Employees Compensation Act, pushing back on return to office mandates, and that she was delighted to be joining USJE for the week.
National President David Neufeld then delivered an impassioned opening address, reflecting on the many challenges and accomplishments that have shaped USJE over the last 20 months. He underscored important advancements in several strategic areas, including the significant progress made the Budget Cuts Campaign, the release of the Correctional Program Officers Report, the National RCMP Campaign, improved union communications, reduced grievance backlog, and expanded political action initiatives.
Following President Neufeld’s remarks, members of the National Executive were introduced and invited to join him at the front of the stage. During this period of recognition, President Neufeld acknowledged the strong commitment and dedication Regional Vice Presidents have demonstrated over the past 20 months in serving USJE members. He noted that the employer has created many challenges – and expressed his sincere appreciation for their hard work.
Before turning delegates’ attention to the formal adoption of the National President’s report, USJE launched an energetic video recap of activities that took place over the last 20 months. The video captured a myriad of moments where USJE members have participated in campaigns, mobilization activities, site visits, and advocacy with elected officials. Reports from USJE’s 17 Regional Vice-Presidents were also received by delegates and then adopted. Several RVPs used this opportunity to recognize and thank outgoing local leaders for their service, and RVP Bill Bailey (Ontario, CSC) formally announced that he will be retiring.
President Neufeld then made history by unveiling the 2026 Convention Coin; this is a commemorative token created exclusively for Convention attendees. During the coin ceremony, President Neufeld highlighted its significance as the symbol of collaboration, dedication, and unity demonstrated by USJE members across the country. The coin will serve as a lasting reminder of the collective efforts and shared commitment that continue to strengthen the union.
Finally, delegates received reports from the Director of Labour Relations, and the Directors of Communication and Policy and Government Relations. The presentations generated considerable discussion among delegates, with a thoughtful exchange of questions and comments from delegates. The engagement reflected members’ interest and appreciation for the ongoing efforts and enthusiasm for continued progress in the future.