Our National Executive Board met in Ottawa March 25-27, 2025. These are the highlights of their deliberations and decisions.
In Memory
The National Executive Board observed a minute of silence to reflect upon the loss of members of our CUPE family. Remembered were: Amanda Fawcett, CUPE 4701; Brian Biggers, CUPE 4370; Moorease “Moe” Scott, CUPE 4174; Shaun Scully, CUPE 416; Patricia Mack, retired staff; David Werlin, retired staff; Philomena “Ena O’Brien, retired local staff.
New Regional Vice-Presidents
Following the resignations of Frédéric Brisson, Regional Vice-President, Quebec and Trevor Davies, Regional Vice-President, British Columbia, Fanny Demontigny was elected as Regional Vice-President, Quebec and Tony Rebelo was elected as Regional Vice-President, British Columbia. Fanny and Tony were welcomed to the National Executive Board.
Financial Support
The National Executive Board approved 24 cost-shared campaign requests totaling $1,821,857, nine requests for legal and arbitration support totaling $256,773, and three requests for legal support through the strike fund to preserve collective bargaining rights totalling $225,000.
CUPE Quebec – Fightback Funding
The National Executive Board passed a motion to provide financial support of up to $500,000 to fight back the Quebec government’s attack on the right to strike following the introduction of Bill 89, “An Act to give greater consideration to the needs of the population in the event of a strike or a lockout”, on February 19.
2025 National Convention
We are looking forward to CUPE’s National Convention, being held October 6-10, 2025 in Toronto.
Advance notice for convention will be sent to all chartered organizations on April 10. This package will include information on submitting resolutions and constitutional amendments (which must be received at National Office by July 8); the National Convention and Events Assistance Fund (with a deadline for application of June 6); and the call for nominations for various awards (with a nomination deadline of July 8).
The National Executive Board also appointed Yolanda McClean, Carmen Prefontaine, and Ashley Clark to a sub-committee that will review applications to the National Convention Assistance Fund and make recommendations to the Board at its June meeting.
Trial Panelists
The National Executive Board approved the re-appointment of 42 members from across the country to serve on regional trial panels, in accordance with Appendix F of the National Constitution.
Economy at Work
CUPE’s Senior Economist, Angella MacEwen, joined the National Executive Board meeting to provide an economic update, which included a discussion on Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs, the impact of dismantling what is referred to as “interprovincial trade barriers” on crucial regulations, and the federal government’s recent decision to abandon plans to increase the tax on capital gains. These topics are covered in CUPE’s quarterly publication, Economy at Work. A downloadable version of the publication, can be found online here: Economy at Work.
Montréal Declaration
The National Executive Board formally adopted the Montréal Declaration that was endorsed by the participants at the Building Strong Locals conference in March. The link to the declaration may be found here: Montréal Declaration.
