The USJE Ontario Regional Conference took place October 15-16 in Kingston, ON with 61 participants coming together to connect with the union and each other. Ontario is one of USJE’s best attended Regional Conferences, with locals represented from across the province, including the National Capital Region.
USJE National President David Neufeld opened the conference. He addressed the members in attendance and spoke of USJE’s recent achievements, our ongoing priorities and challenges, and most importantly our path forward.
President Neufeld also acknowledged the commitment of all participants, USJE staff, union volunteers, and the five Ontario Regional Vice-Presidents, Bill Bailey, Sonia O’Brien-Colterman, Carol Osborne, Bella Skalin, and JP Surette to the success of the union.
Members of the USJE Communications team followed President Neufeld’s presentation with a phone photography and videography workshop on tips for taking quality shots. Conference participants were encouraged to practice their skills with a contest to award the best photo and best video of the day. Congratulations to Danielle Xie and Janet Jayasekera for your winning submissions!
Both the winning photo and video were captured during the lunchtime rally at CSC Ontario Regional Headquarters. USJE members marched along both entrances to the building and stopped cars to bring attention to the planned budget cuts, how they will impact our members’ work, and the many implications to public safety. President Neufeld ducked inside and attempted to meet with the Regional Deputy Commissioner, Kevin Snedden, however the Acting Assistant Deputy Commissioner Integrated Services, Jamie Contois took the time to come outside and meet with USJE. The rally was a huge success and a first for several participants!
The afternoon consisted of a wide range of informative and skill-building sessions including reports by each of USJE’s Directors, training on the Workforce Adjustment Appendix, and USJE National Convention preparation. The day closed with a reception where members were able to watch the Blue Jays game on television with their colleagues.
On the second day of the conference, participants started the morning with an in-depth session from RVPs JP Surette and Sonia O’Brien-Colterman on staffing complaints and how they differ from regular grievances.
Members then heard from Kingston 4 Paws Service Dogs—an organization that provides trained service dogs to people in need in Southeastern Ontario communities around Kingston. USJE recognized the important work being done by this organization and donated $500 to help continue their efforts.
In the afternoon, participants took part in a tour of the Kingston Penitentiary Museum which was then followed by a presentation by the Canadian Institute for Public Safety, Research and Treatment (CIPSRT).
In closing the Conference, President Neufeld took a moment to recognize three USJE members for their meaningful contributions to USJE: Tracy Coates, Lydia Picknell and Burcu Gurkan. These members were acknowledged for the consistent equity lens they bring to their work while representing USJE members on a variety of committees.
President Neufeld also acknowledged retiring RVP Bill Bailey and his decade-long commitment to union activism. Bill is admired for his thoughtful, caring, and powerful advocacy for all USJE members, and his sharp sense of humour. Bill was met with a standing ovation to recognize his service.
As participants at USJE’s Ontario Regional Conference packed up, a number of them noted that the workshops and trainings were key to their learnings. USJE’s next Regional Conference will take place in Vancouver on October 28 and 29.