During the final day of Convention, delegates addressed outstanding resolutions from the Bylaw and General Committee.
- Bylaw
The Bylaw Committee proposed non-concurrence for following resolutions, meaning that the committee did not recommend their approval:
- Resolution 1 – Amendments to the regulation so that USJE National Office covers expenses for all Local and Section delegates, instead of individual locals or sections. It also confirms that National Executive Officers’ expenses are paid by the National Office and that they count as delegates within their own bargaining units. Carried.
- Resolution 10 – Proposes a cost-sharing program to help locals with fewer than 100 members attend union events, addressing financial barriers faced by smaller or remote groups. Approved expenses would be split 30% by USJE and 70% by the local, with eligibility rules set by the National Executive. Carried.
- Resolution 9 – This resolution creates an additional financial oversight process for any National Executive-approved expenditure over $25,000 outside the convention process. Such expenditures could be reviewed by an elected five-member Financial Oversight Committee, which could provide recommendations to support transparency, accountability, and responsible use of union funds. Carried.
- Resolution 8 – This resolution adds a bylaw provision requiring a two-thirds majority vote of the National Executive for any expenses not included in the Convention Budget or Strategic Plan. It aims to balance fiscal responsibility with the need for the National Executive to make necessary financial decisions between conventions. Carried.
- Resolution 12 – USJE Delegates were asking to consider suspending the Equity Conference for the upcoming triennial cycle; and that funds allocated to the Equity Conference be redirected to either reserve funds or campaigns/awareness directed at protecting public safety jobs under the USJE umbrella. The committee was unanimous in not supporting this resolution, as it was felt that the value the Equity conference brought to USJE is strongly needed. Carried.
An additional motion was voted on by the delegates which grants three paid days off to USJE staff who worked on the Convention in recognition of their work and contributions to the event’s success. The intent is to acknowledge the significant effort required to plan, support, and deliver the Convention. This motion was carried.
- General
The General Resolutions Committee proposed non-concurrence for following resolutions, meaning that the committee did not recommend their approval:
- Resolution 31 – Proposes adding a rule to the PSAC constitution requiring that any approved changes be formally updated in writing and shared with all members within four months of approval. Carried.
- Resolution 22 – Proposes that USJE creates a dedicated negotiation table for members working in justice and public safety roles, funded using the USJE reserve fund. A motion was approved to refer this Resolution back to the Committee with instructions in order to address additional considerations. The substance of the referral was not supported by the Committee, and Convention delegates were asked to consider the original motion. A motion was put forward to change the committee’s recommendation to concurrence. After vigorous debate, the motion to change the committee’s recommendation to concurrence was passed, but ultimately the resolution failed.
After addressing the above resolutions, a motion to defer all unfinished business to the next National Executive Meeting was moved and adopted.
Subsequently, the newly elected and re-elected Regional Vice Presidents took their oath of office which was administered by National President for PSAC Sharon DeSousa. It was re-confirmed that USJE’s next National Triennial Convention will take place in Moncton, New Brunswick in 2029.
Finally, Elder Raymond Gros-Louis, a prominent Huron-Wendat Elder and knowledge keeper based in Wendake, Québec, and his partner Johanna Lafromboise returned to conduct a closing ceremony and invited all delegates to reflect on the themes of friendship, respect, and sharing. He also emphasized the importance of “intention” in our actions, and honouring the ancestors who have come before us and are always walking alongside us.