More than 30 USJE members from across the Pacific region met on October 28-29 in Vancouver to deepen their understanding of USJE, strengthen their skills regarding the Workforce Adjustment Appendix, and learn about mental health supports available to our members.
Following a land acknowledgement and Conference housekeeping items, President Neufeld addressed the delegation with information about USJE’s current and future campaigns, particularly USJE’s multi-pronged response to the government’s Comprehensive Expenditure Review which will require most departments to reduce spending by 15% over the next 3 years. He was clear that USJE will fight for our members and their jobs.
President Neufeld also acknowledged the local leaders in attendance, USJE National Staff, and the Pacific Regional Vice-Presidents: Kirsty Havard, Zoe Johnston, and Jeff Sandelli.
After a short break, members of the USJE Communications team facilitated a session on taking engaging photos and videos on their phones as a way to share our union work and message. Congratulations to photo/video contest winners Katherine Bisaillon and Pippa Mann!
Delegates then hopped on a bus to the Department of Justice building at 840 Howe St and participated in a rainy rally. Several USJE members working at Justice are affected by Workforce Adjustments (WFAs), so delegates were proud to show solidarity.
The afternoon consisted of reports from USJE’s Labour Relations, Finance and Communications Directors, and trainings on the Workforce Adjustment Appendix and USJE’s Triennial Convention.
On October 29, the morning went to the dogs—literally. Participants had the pleasure of meeting with volunteers and their therapy dogs as part of a research-based workshop focused on developing an animal-aware workforce. Facilitators Dr. Colleen Dell and Dr. Darlene Chalmers highlighted the various roles of dogs in supporting humans and explained the differences between therapy dogs, service dogs, emotional support animals and companion animals. To demonstrate our gratitude, USJE made a donation of $200 to St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs as well as a donation of $500 to Animal Awareness for the Substance Use Workforce.
The afternoon consisted of an in-depth workshop from the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT). CIPSRT representative, Melissa Scheltgen, addressed the trauma that too many USJE members have experienced through their day-to-day work. She also outlined the resources available to our members through CIPSRT—such as the free courses for public safety personnel and their spouses. These courses are open to all USJE members and do not require a referral.
Overall, the USJE Pacific Regional Conference was a great opportunity for Local representatives to come together and hone their skills. After the Conference closed, delegates headed home, ready to share their learnings and continue building our union movement.
The next regional conference is set to take place in Saskatoon, SK on November 4-5.