After a relaxing evening of dinner and dancing at the Kitchen Party, delegates gathered for the last day of Convention 2021.
The General Resolutions Committee returned to the stage to present a final series of resolutions. There was lively discussion with delegates voting to uphold the Committee’s recommendations of non- concurrence.
The National Equity Committee accepted donations for Stella’s Circle in St John’s during the Convention and collected close to $850 for the organization, which provides services to adults who face barriers to fully participating in their community.
Outgoing President Stan Stapleton spoke of USJE’s solidarity with our sister union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), who began a general strike for fair pay across New Brunswick today, saying any workers’ strike is also our battle. He encouraged members to show solidarity in any way they can.
There was a tribute from the floor to Stan, led by National President David Neufeld – which led to yet another standing ovation in acknowledgement of Stan’s contributions to USJE over the years. Stan thanked the National Executive, National Office staff and he particularly thanked USJE members for doing such crucial work – in oftentimes such difficult circumstances.
There were also warm wishes for three Regional Vice-Presidents who retired at this Convention. Jackie Oswald, former RVP Saskatchewan & Manitoba; RCMP-Justice-PPSC; Lise Dagenais, former RVP Quebec RCMP & Justice; and Barry Stolar, former RVP Saskatchewan, CSC. There will be a small, evening, reception for them at a nearby pub.
After closing prayers and smudging with Métis Elder Amelia Reimer, Chair Stan Stapleton brought the 18th National Triennial Convention to a close.
USJE’s Triennial Convention will meet again in July 2023, keeping to the original, pre-COVID, Triennial Convention schedule.
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