Convention Notes – Day 1

AUPE’s 48th annual Convention kicked off with an exciting display of this year’s theme, “Union Power.” Over 1,000 Delegates loudly and passionately sang a rendition of Solidarity Forever, adopted the Convention agenda, and welcomed all Locals.

AUPE President Guy Smith then delivered the President’s Address to Convention. He emphasized AUPE member’s collective power as the tool that can win the wage increases, job security, and benefits we deserve.

“All of you here are the embodiment of our collective struggles, our hard work, and our successes over the past year and those yet to come,” Smith said.

“It is you—and activists across the province, in worksites large and small—supporting your fellow workers and building union power every single day, that make us the union we are: strong, prepared, confident, and ready to fight.”

The President’s Address was followed by an Officer’s Report from each member of AUPE’s Executive Committee, updating Delegates on the progress that has been made over the past year.

The morning session concluded with Executive Officer nominations and a review of voting procedures for this year’s Executive elections. Convention resumed in the afternoon with the Candidates Forum (also known as the bear pit), where candidates presented their platforms and answered Delegates’ questions.  

Delegates will elect AUPE’s next Executive Committee on October 24, which includes one President, one Executive Secretary-Treasurer, and six Vice-Presidents.

Candidates for President:  
Sandra Azocar
Bonnie Gostola  
Guy Smith  

Candidates for Executive Secretary-Treasurer:  
Justin Huseby
Harpreet Parhar

Candidates for Vice-President:  
Bobby-Joe Borodey
Nancy Burton
Randy Butler
Shamanthi Cooray
Remona Fox
James Gault
Darren Graham
Paulette Harrison
Curtis Jackson
Jason Latoszek
Percy Ogden
Jesse Philp
Laura Sadler
Merle Terlesky
Dalton White
Sherry Wickwire
Andrew Wilson