CUPE responds
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), its members, officers and employees offer their sincere condolences to the families and to all the people of L’Isle-Verte and the region, struck by the tragedy that has taken so many lives at the Résidence du Havre in L’Isle-Verte, near Rivière-du-Loup.
CUPE has responded to the emergency fundraising effort by guaranteeing a contribution of $15,000 to assist those affected by the event. This donation comes from the some twenty members of CUPE 2795 working at the MRC of Rivière-du-Loup ($2500), CUPE-Québec ($2500) and CUPE National ($10,000).
The president of CUPE 2795, Vincent Bélanger, said that his first thoughts are with the families of victims. He added, “while this is a tragedy for our community, in the last two days, I have also seen the best of humanity in their expression of solidarity.”
Through their work, two employees of the MRC have been at the forefront of the drama, namely the director of fire safety and the safety practitioner. Bélanger acknowledged the work that they do.
“On behalf of CUPE members across Canada, I offer my deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy, as well as the entire community,” said Paul Moist, national president of CUPE. “I hope that our donation will provide some comfort for those affected by the fire, knowing that the thoughts of 627,000 CUPE members are with them during these difficult days.”
The president of CUPE-Québec said that she was very moved by the tragedy at L’Isle-Verte. “The members of CUPE always respond when a disaster like this occurs,” said Lucie Levasseur. “Anything that touches humanity touches us. I urge everyone to support our fellow citizens during this trial. “
CUPE has 627,000 members in Canada. With more than 111,000 members in Quebec, CUPE is present in 10 sectors, including social services, communications, education, universities, energy, municipalities, Quebec government corporations and public agencies, urban and air transport, and the mixed sector.
More information:
Robert Bellerose, mobile 514-247-9266; rbellerose@scfp.qc.ca