Canada’s largest union will be holding its bi-annual national convention next week in Vancouver, B.C. Delegates from across the country representing the over 610,000 members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees will gather October 31 – November 4, 2011 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
This convention will mark a new era for the union, as it elects a new National Secretary Treasurer. Brother Claude Généreux, who has served as National Secretary Treasurer since 2001, has announced he is not seeking re-election. A vote of the over 2,000 delegates will be held on Nov. 2, 2011.
The five-day convention will feature Généreux’s final address to delegates and a keynote address from CUPE National President Paul Moist – who is seeking re-election to another term. Other keynote speakers include Distinguished Visiting Professor at Ryerson University Stephen Lewis, Federal NDP interim Leader Nycole Turmel, and Council of Canadians National Chairperson Maude Barlow.
The focus of this year’s convention will be preparing strategies to strengthen Canada’s public services, and to defend the collective bargaining rights and the right to strike of CUPE members and all Canadian workers.
“Canadian workers are facing unprecedented attacks on their rights, and as Canada’s largest union, CUPE must be prepared to unite, stand up and say no more,” says Paul Moist, national president of CUPE. “The message coming from Vancouver will be heard loud and clear across the country, especially in Ottawa, that CUPE members are ready for the challenges and fights ahead.”
October 31 – November 4, 2011
Vancouver Convention Centre - 1055 Canada Place
CUPE National Convention Speakers’ Schedule and Highlights
Monday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m.
Paul Moist, CUPE National President keynote
Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2:15 p.m.
Stephen Lewis, Distinguished Visiting Professor at Ryerson University
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m.
Election of National President & National Secretary-Treasurer
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2:30 p.m.
Maude Barlow, Council of Canadians National Chairperson
Thursday, Nov. 3, 9:30 a.m.
Nycole Turmel, Interim Leader of the NDP
For more information:
Greg Taylor
CUPE Media Relations
(613) 818-0067 gtaylor@cupe.ca
On-Site Media Room 216 / (778) 331-7661