RVP Carol Osborne attended as a delegate the 56th Convention of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour from May 25-27, 2025, held in Saint John, NB. The theme was “Workers Uniting for a Better Tomorrow!”.
RVP Osborne, along with 4 other USJE members; Caroline Morais Gregan, Erin Bateman, Ryley Hallahan and Rita McIntyre attended on behalf of the USJE, along with many other Components of the PSAC. Any Local who is affiliated with the NB Federation of Labour can register and send delegates. Out of the 5 USJE delegates in attendance, 3 were elected to a Position or a Committee; Caroline Morais Gregan – Vice-President Representing PSAC Members, Erin Bateman – Women’s Committee Member and Ryley Hallahan – Vice-President Responsible for Young Workers. RVP Osborne was proud to witness the level of activism within the USJE contingent at this Convention.
On day one of Convention, Indigenous Elder Chris Brooks welcomed delegates to the city of Saint John. Elder Brooks is also a retired USJE/PSAC member, who worked for the Correctional Service Canada. RVP Osborne was pleasantly surprised to learn that her member was invited for the Indigenous opening and closing.
Elizabeth Weir, former leader of the New Brunswick NDP and MLA for Saint John was the keynote speaker at the Women’s Caucus. Participants in the Convention greatly enjoyed Ms. Weir’s address as it painted a very accurate picture of the obstacles facing the labour movement in the province.
On the final day of Convention, delegates lead a rally up King Street to King Square in support of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) who are currently on strike.
Elder Brooks rejoined Convention for the closing and led an inspiring drum session which engaged the entire delegation.