The first-ever conference on local finances for executives in the Atlantic and Maritimes regions is taking place October 27- 30, 2024 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The event is hosted by the office of the National Secretary-Treasurer. 

The conference will offer three days of expert guest speakers and dynamic workshops that will equip executive members with the information and skills they need to feel confident making good financial decisions. With two streams of workshops, there is something for everyone. 

Registration for the conference is now closed. Please note there is no onsite registration. 

Agenda 

Sunday, October 27, 2024 

4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Registration 

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Opening plenary 

  • Joe Francis, Elder 
  • Welcome to Nova Scotia 
    • Nan McFadgen, Regional Vice-President, Nova Scotia 
  • Mark Hancock, National President 

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Meet and greet 

Monday, October 28, 2024 

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Plenary 

  • Candace Rennick, National Secretary-Treasurer 
  • Panel: The Politics of Union Dues 
    • Morna Ballantyne, Child Care Now 
    • Michael Bjorge, Dalhousie University 
    • Kathleen Monk, Monk + Associates 
  • Regional reflections 
    • Ashley Clark, Regional Vice-President, Prince Edward Island 
    • Kim Copp, Secretary-Treasurer, CUPE New Brunswick 
    • Sherry Hillier, General Vice-President, the East 
    • Nan McFadgen, Regional Vice-President, Nova Scotia 
  • Fraud identification and prevention 
    • Mike Stevens, CPA 

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch  

1:30 – 5:00 p.m. Workshops 

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Workshops 

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch 

1:30 – 5:30 p.m. Workshops 

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 

9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Closing plenary 

  • Panel: Ask the experts 
    • Bylaws 
    • Strike fund 
    • Campaigns 
    • Per capita 
    • Trustees’ audit reports 
    • Fraud prevention 
    • Budgeting best practices 
  • Closing remarks 
  • Grand prize draw 

Workshops 
The conference will have two streams of workshops. Participants may choose only one stream. 

Stream A (English or French) 
Financial Essentials and Financial Officers for trustees and treasurers 

Stream B (English or French) 
Participants may choose only three workshops from below. 

  1. Budgeting - Empower your local union with the important skills to create a strong budget that supports your goals and make timely strategic decisions throughout the year. 
  2. Bylaw Essentials - Learn the principles of good bylaws and how to make sure they are in compliance with CUPE’s national constitution. We’ll also look at how clear language bylaws help our members get involved. 
  3. Access to National Financial Resources - Learn about how to access national funds to support local campaigns. The workshop will explain how different resources can be accessed, the elements of a successful campaign, timelines and deadlines, and relevant regulations. 
  4. CUPE National per capita taxes and electronic ledger - Understand the payment structures to CUPE National and the processes behind remittances of local union dues. Gain an understanding of how to use the online CUPE Electronic Ledger. 
  5. Financial Officers Clinic - A place to explore specific questions about local union financial requirements with peers.