Our National Executive Board met in Ottawa from September 22-24, 2026. 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: Barry Jones, CUPE 116; John Leonard, CUPE 498; Lynn Raback, CUPE 997; Emelyne Demosthene, CUPE 4429; Bryan “B-Y” Harris, CUPE 1252; Kristen Lejeune, CUPE 1726; Gord Delbridge, CUPE 500; Jenna Croucher, CUPE 3324, workplace fatality; Mike MacKenzie, CUPE 3324, workplace fatality; Geraldine McGuire, Former National Secretary-Treasurer; Steve Smith, Active Staff; Maureen Mathews, Retired Staff; Robert Byers, Retired Staff; Pierre Lamothe, Retired Staff; Stephanie Smith, Fraternal – BC General Employees’ Union.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the National Executive Board welcomed Bridget Tolley, Families of Sisters in Spirit, who shared her personal story and her ongoing journey seeking justice and accountability for Indigenous women and girls.
Appointment of Regional Trial Panelists
The National Executive Board approved the appointment of 28 regional trial panelists for a two-year term, September 2026 to September 2028.
Financial Support
The National Executive Board approved 38 cost-shared campaign requests totaling $2,281,031.38 and eight requests for legal and arbitration support totaling $568,247.63.
National Disaster Relief Fund
The National Executive Board passed a motion to contribute $50,000 to its National Disaster Relief Fund to support Canadian communities affected by wildfires and other natural disasters.
CUPE 5490 (Pascan Aviation)
The National Executive Board passed a motion to authorize a $10,000 donation from the National Strike Fund to CUPE 5490, Pascan Aviation, who were on strike for nearly 11 months, since October 28, 2025.
2025 Convention Climate Impact
The National Executive Board passed a motion authorizing donations totalling $120,096 to the following environmental organizations, as recommended by the National Environment Committee:
- Conservation Corps / Green Team
- EcoTrust Canada
- ROEÉ (Quebec coalition of energy and environmental organizations)
- Southeast Environmental Association
- Eastern Ontario Model Forest
This amount is equivalent to the cost of offsetting the convention’s carbon emissions and will be distributed equally among the five organizations, with each organization receiving $24,019.20.
Resolution – Trade War
The National Executive Board adopted a resolution calling on CUPE to use public procurement as a tool to protect and create good union jobs, strengthen Canadian industries and supply chains, and build public-sector capacity. The resolution commits CUPE to promoting Canadian and union-made products and services, reducing reliance on U.S. suppliers, supporting locals in bringing contracted work back in-house, and working with other unions and organizations on lobbying, political action and public campaigns in support of affected workers and industries. CUPE will also review its own procurement practices and develop resources to help chartered organizations advance these objectives. The full text of the resolution can be found here.
Resolution – Defending the Right to Strike
The National Executive Board adopted a resolution calling on CUPE to fight for the repeal of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code and to protect workers’ right to strike and bargain freely. The resolution commits CUPE to lobbying and public education, working with the CLC and other unions, supporting member and local engagement with parliamentarians, and pursuing legal strategies where appropriate. It also calls for amendments to Bill C-39 to strengthen contract-flipping protections, prevent unnecessary delays in bargaining, and ensure unions have a say in the appointment of special mediators. The full text of the resolution can be found here.
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