Today (July 16), USJE Members elected their National Executive team for the 2026-2029 and addressed key convention business.
National President David Neufeld was acclaimed for the 2026-2029 term and recognized with a standing ovation in appreciation of his leadership and dedication over the past term. In his remarks, President Neufeld thanked his family, parents, USJE members, and Regional Vice-Presidents for their unwavering support, and pledged to continue working diligently on behalf of the union throughout the coming term.
President Neufeld has clearly made it his life’s mission to work closely with his National Executive and staff team to ensure that USJE is fully prepared and equipped to respond to whatever challenges may arise.
This is particularly true regarding the current Workforce Adjustment process being undertaken by departments and agencies; a process that has happened without any consultation or feedback from USJE. Workforce Adjustment decisions are already creating and will continue to create tremendous stress for many of USJE’s members. Further, the outcomes from this process risk compromising public safety, something that USJE is already flagging for senior elected officials across party lines.
Regional caucuses also elected their RVPs for three-year terms (2026-2029). The results of the elections were as follows:
- CSC Community – PBC (East): Carol Osborne
- Atlantic (CSC): Laurie Ann Wesselby
- Atlantic (RCMP-Justice-PPSC): Lynette Robinson
- CSC Community – PBC (West): Jeff Sandelli
- Quebec (CSC): Patrick Ménard
- Quebec (RCMP–Justice–PPSC–CSC Community–PBC): Annie Blanchette
- Ontario (CSC): Julie Bowen
- Ontario & NCR (RCMP-PPSC-CSIS-Justice-LCC): Bella Skalin
- NCR (RCMP): Sonia O’Brien-Colterman
- NCR: Jean-Paul Surette
- Manitoba (CSC): Kirk McIntosh
- Saskatchewan (CSC): Shauna Ward
- Saskatchewan & Manitoba (RCMP-Justice-PPSC): Heather McKinnon
- Alberta (CSC): Zef Ordman
- Alberta, Northwest Territories & Nunavut (RCMP-Justice-PPSC): Valda Behrens
- British Columbia (CSC): Kirsty Havard
- British Columbia & Yukon (RCMP-Justice-PPSC): Zoe Johnston
This was followed by the election of the National Vice-President (NVP) for a three-year term. Both candidates for the position, Lynette Robinson and Carol Osborne addressed the delegates from the podium. After a secret vote, it was announced that Lynette Robinson had been re-elected as National Vice President.
USJE Honorary Members
USJE was pleased to make the following individuals Honorary Members – John Edmunds, Ken Friesen, Barry Stolar and the late Sandy Berthelotte (who sadly passed away in 2025). Their nominations were introduced by their respective Regional Vice President who highlighted their decades of service and described their powerful impact on USJE and the labour movement. Delegates were moved to hear these stories, and to take an opportunity to recognize how these individuals have shaped who USJE has become today. USJE was honoured to have the family of the late Sandy Bethelotte in attendance.
Equity Committee Presentation
The Chair of the National Equity Committee, Shauna Ward reported on the committee’s significant progress in advancing Equity priorities over the past three years. She highlighted the success of the second annual National Equity conference held in Halifax in May 2025, which brought together delegates from across the country to share experiences, build networks, and strengthen engagement within the union.
She also provided an update on the Committee’s CR-03/CR-04 campaign, including member town halls, surveys, and outreach aimed at addressing concerns related to classification, compensation, workplace safety, and mental health. The Equity Committee continues to advance equity initiatives and amplify member voices across USJE.
To conclude the day, the following Non-Concurrent Resolutions from the Bylaw Committee were addressed:
- Resolution 15 – USJE delegates considered whether to amend Regulation 7 to stipulate that the USJE elected delegates to the PSAC National Bargaining Conference shall elect, for their table, up to two priority candidates for USJE election support at the PSAC National Bargaining Conference, and that the elected priority candidates be members of the USJE National Bargaining Committee. The Bylaw Committee recommended non-concurrence. By majority vote, delegates voted in favour of the Committee’s recommendation of non-concurrence and the resolution was defeated.
- Resolution 16 – USJE delegates deliberated over the proposed resolution to create three regional delegate seats (East, West, and Quebec) for young workers at the USJE Triennial Convention, with each local allowed to nominate one candidate who is then elected through regional virtual meetings. All selected delegates must meet eligibility requirements in section 7 of by-law 10. The recommendation from the Committee was non-concurrence. By majority vote, delegates voted in favour of non-concurrence and the resolution was defeated.