Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends:
This report comes just a few weeks after our national convention, and I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt thanks to all CUPE delegates and members across the country for their continued support. It is an incredible honour and privilege to represent CUPE’s 800,000 members. As I begin my third mandate as your National Secretary-Treasurer, I do so with renewed energy and determination to continue supporting the members of this great union, because we are worth everything we are fighting for, and so much more.
Work in the National Secretary-Treasurer’s Office didn’t slow down after convention. As soon as our event wrapped up in Toronto, we moved straight into budget season with all the meetings, discussions, and careful planning that come with it. Allocating financial resources to support the work of CUPE locals across the country is a critical part of what we do. In the months ahead, our members will be leading significant battles, whether through campaigns, at the bargaining table, on picket lines, or in the political arena.
Our union will continue to invest in their activism and initiative, because it’s our members’ dedication that strengthens our workplaces, our communities, and our collective power.
CUPE’s strength lies in our solidarity and shared purpose. The work of this office is not only about managing resources, but it’s also about ensuring our union has the means to defend public services, support workers, and confront inequality wherever it appears. Every decision we make is guided by the conviction that when workers stand together, we have the power to create lasting change.
Unpaid Work Won’t Fly
On September 16, I joined members of CUPE’s Airline Division on Parliament Hill to send a clear message: unpaid work will no longer fly. This powerful demonstration came just weeks after the historic CUPE strike at Air Canada, which brought renewed attention and some real progress on the issue of unpaid work. It also followed the federal government’s shameful decision to invoke section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to try to end that strike.
This is the same government that refused to address unpaid work through legislation, claiming it was a matter for collective bargaining. Yet when airline workers exercised their right to bargain and take action, the government stepped in to try to shut them down. Members of the Airline Division see this for what it is: a clear acknowledgment that unpaid work is a legislative issue. And they will continue to raise their voices to ensure the government finally does what’s right. I’ll be proud to stand with them.
Shine a Light on Early Learning and Child Care
On September 18, I had the immense privilege of joining members of CUPE’s National Child Care Working Group as they delivered their petition, “Shine a Light on Early Learning and Child Care” to Parliamentary Secretary Anna Gainey. The petition calls for greater federal government investments to attract and retain the dedicated workers who care for our children during some of their most formative years.
The group met with Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, and Anna Gainey, Parliamentary Secretary for Children and Families, to discuss these demands. The working group highlighted that lifting child care workers out of poverty and recognizing the full value of their essential work is critical to maintaining affordable, high-quality child care programs that benefit families and strengthen communities across the country.
Union of BC Municipalities
From September 22 to 25, I had the opportunity to join an influential group of CUPE leaders and staff at the Union of BC Municipalities’ annual convention in Victoria, British Columbia. Representing tens of thousands of municipal workers across the country, our union values opportunities like this to connect directly with municipal leaders, a vital part of the advocacy and lobbying work we do every day.
My sincere thanks to General Vice-President Karen Ranalletta for the invitation and for her outstanding leadership throughout the event. I also extend heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved for the exceptional work they did to showcase CUPE’s strength, credibility, and unwavering commitment to public services. Their professionalism and expertise ensured that CUPE’s voice was not only heard but truly respected at this important gathering.
Leading from the Heart – Judy Darcy’s Book Launch
On October 2, I had the privilege of attending the launch of Leading from the Heart the memoir of CUPE’s past president Judy Darcy. At the event, Judy read a chapter from her book and shared deeply personal stories that span a lifetime of activism, from her early work before joining CUPE, through her leadership within the union, and continuing into her efforts as British Columbia’s minister of mental health and addictions. Listening to her speak so candidly about her experiences was inspiring and a powerful reminder of the enduring impact one committed individual can have on so many lives.
CUPE’s 32nd Biennial Convention
Our 32nd Biennial Convention was held from October 6 to 10 in Toronto, with additional meetings, caucuses, and events on the days prior. Over 2,300 delegates, 114 guests, and nearly 500 staff came together to discuss our union’s progress and future. I was proud to present my report on our achievements in 2023-2024 and the steps we are taking to strengthen our impact through 2025 and beyond.
Delegates adopted our strategic directions for the next two years, seven constitutional amendments, and 34 resolutions covering 19 others. The convention also highlighted the outstanding work of CUPE locals nationwide and the dedication of activists supporting our members every day.
This year’s convention introduced several new initiatives for delegates. Over 120 participants attended our virtual community intervention training, along with a new delegate briefing, while an in-person session was also offered before the convention officially began.
Our daily 30-minute overdose-response workshops were particularly well received. These sessions not only trained participants to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and respond effectively using naloxone, but also provided practical, hands-on demonstrations to build confidence in administering the medication. Many delegates shared that this training left them feeling better equipped to respond in an emergency, whether at their workplaces, in their communities, or at future union events.
We also continued the Safe Walk Program, launched at our 2023 convention in Quebec City, ensuring delegates had access to companionship and support on their walks back to their hotels. This program remains a valued element of our commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces at all CUPE gatherings.
Our event featured inspiring guest speakers, including Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto; Bea Bruske, President of the CLC; Timothy Caulfield, University of Alberta; Lee Saunders, President of AFSCME; and Magali Picard, President of the FTQ. We were honoured to welcome international guests: Margarita Lopez (SINTRACUAVALLE, Colombia), Maria Luisa Regalado (CODEMUH, Honduras), Yvette Gauthier Etienne (CTSP, Haïti), Carine Metz (DWRC, Palestine), Lana Nazzal (Health Service Employees’ Union, Palestine), Santi Dasmarinas (COURAGE, Philippines), Christina McAnea (UNISON, UK), Ethan Young (PSI, US), and Nadia Revelo (CoDevelopment Canada).
Conventions also provide an important opportunity to elect our National Executive Board. I am profoundly honoured to continue to carry the voices and priorities of CUPE members at the national level and to advocate for the issues that matter most to us. I also want to extend my warm congratulations to the newly elected members of the National Executive Board, whose leadership will guide us in the years ahead. Finally, I offer heartfelt thanks to those stepping down this year for their dedication, service, and lasting contributions to our union and the broader movement.
Canadian Labour Congress – Canadian Council
On October 22 and 23, I took part in the CLC’s Canadian Council meeting in Ottawa, where labour leaders from across the country gathered to discuss key issues shaping the future of work in Canada. In today’s challenging global political climate, particularly in the age of Trump, the discussions on trade, tariffs, and the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) were especially timely and thought-provoking. The meeting also provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the candidates for the leadership of the federal NDP, offering important insight into their plans for the party’s direction and their vision for advancing the interests of working people across the country.
Work is well underway on the CLC Convention scheduled to take place in May in Winnipeg.
Alberta All-Leaders’ Meeting
Danielle Smith has struck again, this time invoking the Canadian Charter’s Notwithstanding Clause to strip Alberta teachers of their right to strike. Using this constitutional “nuclear option” doesn’t just target teachers; it sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the fundamental rights of all workers and may embolden other right-wing governments to follow suit.
In response, CUPE’s local leaders in Alberta came together several times over the last week of November to share updates, strategize, and discuss possible actions. I was honoured to join them virtually on October 27 and hear their thoughtful insights and determination to build a strong, united labour response. My deepest appreciation goes to all the Alberta leaders who are stepping up in this challenging time, and special thanks to Regional Vice-President Raj Uppal for her steadfast leadership and commitment to defending workers’ rights.
CLC Emergency Meeting
CUPE Alberta was not alone in its outrage over Danielle Smith’s latest overreach. I joined fellow leaders from the Canadian labour movement at an emergency meeting of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) on October 28, where we heard firsthand updates from Alberta and worked together to chart a collective response. The Canadian Council unanimously adopted a resolution committing to challenge the UCP government’s use of the Notwithstanding Clause through coordinated legal action and public campaigns. This united front sends a clear message that attacks on workers’ rights will not go unanswered.
CUPE British Columbia Treasurers’ Academy
On November 4 and 5, I was extremely pleased to join CUPE members at the fall 2025 weeklong union education school in Nanaimo, British Columbia. As a union, our core mandate is to support members in achieving and enforcing strong collective agreements. That work depends not only on our dedicated staff and frontline leaders, but also on the financial officers whose efforts often happen behind the scenes, as well as our treasurers and trustees. Spending time with these local financial leaders as they strengthened their skills and deepened their understanding of their vital roles was truly inspiring. I want to thank Tony Rebelo, CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer, for organizing this important gathering for financial officers.
As a bonus, I had the chance to meet members participating in the Women in Leadership training and share with them our past president Judy Darcy’s new book. A big thank-you to CUPE BC President Karen Ranalletta and Secretary-Treasurer Tony Rebelo for offering such a great opportunity.
Walking the Picket Line with CUPE 3912
On November 12, I had the opportunity to stand with CUPE 3912 members on the picket line as they continue their fight for fair wages and real job security. Their struggle goes beyond their own workplaces; they are standing up for the quality of post-secondary education across Nova Scotia. As we know well, CUPE members’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions, and defending one means defending the other.
Despite stalling tactics from both universities, CUPE 3912 members stayed united and resolute. Their solidarity made a real difference: shortly after our visit, the negotiating teams at both Mount Saint Vincent University and Saint Mary’s University reached tentative deals.
Ontario Federation of Labour Convention
From November 17 to 21, I was pleased to attend part of the Ontario Federation of Labour Convention and witnessed CUPE’s Laura Walton win a second term as OFL President. CUPE delegates were out in full force, bringing energy to the floor and fully embracing the convention theme, “We Are One.” The message throughout the week was unmistakable: Ontario’s labour movement is organized, determined, and ready to confront the challenges posed by the Ford government head-on.
Racial Justice and Human Rights Conference and Women’s Breakfast
On November 27, at the annual women’s breakfast during the Racial Justice and Human Rights Conference, I was joined by Judy Darcy, our past National President. In a fireside chat, I interviewed Judy about her recently published memoir, Leading from the Heart. Judy covered her long history of activism, sexism and bullying in the labour movement, her family history, and her time as the first ever BC Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. This year’s conference theme was mental health, and Judy laid out a clear case for attendees on why mental health and addictions are union issues and human rights issues. She continues to inspire generations of CUPE women decades after her departure from the National President role. Big thanks to CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer Yolanda McClean for this invitation.
Visiting our Members at the Montreal Biodome
On November 28, I had the incredible privilege of visiting CUPE members at the Montreal Biodome, accompanied by our National President Mark and NEB member Hugo Tessier. The members of CUPE Locals 301 and 429, representing both outside and inside workers at the City of Montreal, exemplify everything we expect from municipal employees, and then some. Their work includes caring for the many visitors and residents of the Biodome, many of whom can be quite demanding.
It is truly a privilege to meet members in their workplaces and hear firsthand about the exceptional service they provide to the public and our communities. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Local 301 for organizing such an exceptional visit, and to Local 429 for joining us for a truly special behind-the-scenes evening at the Biodome.
Montreal Demonstration
On November 29, I was thrilled to join a large CUPE delegation, and over 50,000 others, in Montreal for a day of mobilization, full of energy, to denounce the Quebec government’s attack on workers and labour rights. In recent months, Legault and his right-wing allies have passed bills that weaken the labour movement by restricting the right to strike and seeking to make portions of union dues optional. These radical policies demand a strong and resolute response. The demonstration did not disappoint. I’m always inspired by the strength and solidarity these events generate in Quebec, and once again, it was an absolute honour to stand with our leaders and members in the beautiful streets of Montreal.
Visiting the Striking Members of Local 1281
On December 4, I had the pleasure of meeting with the eight members of Local 1281, who have been on strike since October 27. Their employer, the York University Faculty Association, arrived at the bargaining table with more than 100 concession demands. While most of those concessions have now been withdrawn, there is still considerable work ahead to secure the collective agreement these members deserve. It was inspiring to meet the members of this small but exceptionally strong local. I have no doubt they will achieve a successful outcome.
Budget Consultations
Each year, in the NSTO, the final two months are dedicated to preparing the budget for the year ahead. This involves reviewing submissions from each region and meeting with senior staff from across the country to understand their priorities, challenges, and resource needs. I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who participated in these discussions and contributed their insight on how to make the most effective use of the funds that come directly from our members’ hard work.
As always, the requests exceeded the resources available. Total requests from across the union totalled just over $24 million. After the base budget and specific line adjustments were finalized, we were left with just over $7 million for all new spending. Determining how best to use our available resources is always a challenge, but I am confident that the budget being presented at this Board meeting represents our best effort to balance those competing priorities and position our union for another strong and active year in 2026.
Safer Union Spaces Office
This fall, the Safer Union Spaces Office (SUSO) has focused on developing a sustainable casework framework to handle the growing number of referrals. So far in 2025, SUSO has supported over 100 cases, a number expected to rise as the Office’s services reach new regions and shifts in the Alternate Process are implemented. Support has included trial procedure/alternate process guidance, cultural assessments, mediation, accountability counselling, complex case consultation, interim measures, safety planning, conflict coaching, and risk assessment. These figures do not include Events Ombuds Program complaints unless referred to SUSO after the event.
SUSO supported the national convention by coordinating the events Ombuds Program and developing an event-wide risk assessment and safety plan. The team received 38 complaints, and the SUSO Director addressed 15 additional instances. Of roughly 52 issues, 16 were triaged for post-convention casework. The convention implementation offered learning opportunities, and SUSO has since built a complaint tracking framework to ensure harassment and discrimination cases are properly managed. To support program sustainability, SUSO collaborated with the Union Education Branch to create a Guide for Persons in Charge and co-develop an updated Ombuds Training Program for Quebec-based and bilingual staff, to be delivered this winter.
SUSO continues collaborating with the Legal Branch and the National President’s Office to develop the Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Process (the Alternate Process) within the Trial Procedure. The recent adoption of a constitutional amendment at the convention marks a key step toward implementing a trauma-informed process grounded in best practices, human rights and labour law, and member feedback.
SUSO has begun co-developing a Restorative Justice training program and manual with Community Justice Initiatives and the former director of the now-closed Centre for Indigegogy. A pilot training is planned for 2026 with a small group of staff, who will launch a Restorative Justice community of practice to support cases suited to this accountability framework. The five-day pilot will also inform a series of shorter trainings and workshops for staff and locals to deepen their restorative practice skills.
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
With the National Convention behind us, our events team is now turning its full attention to a busy events agenda for next year. The first major activity will be our All-Committees Meeting, taking place from February 23 to 26 in Ottawa. This year, we are preparing something a little different: in addition to giving all committees the opportunity to meet for the first time, participants will also take part in an action-packed week that includes a CUPE lobby day. Planning has just begun, but we are excited about this new direction and the opportunity for CUPE members to be on the hill advocating for strong public services.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
GENERAL FUND
Quarter 3 - Statement of Financial Position
Assets: The total assets in the General Fund were $457.9 million compared to $448.6 million at December 31, 2024.
The bank balance at September 30, 2025 of $9.4 million is a $9.4 million decrease from the balance at December 31, 2024. The bank balance includes various internal cash reserves which are set aside for the 2025 Convention, retirement payouts, future benefits funding, property maintenance, and the Regional Building Fund.
Liabilities: The total liabilities in the General Fund were $362.6 million compared to $358.7 million at December 31, 2024.
Employee Future Benefits Obligation: Under the method where we value the liability using the expected rate of investment earnings, the true liability as calculated by our actuary at December 31, 2024 stood at $293.2 million. That liability was increased to $301 million at September 30, 2025, progressing towards Eckler’s estimated value of our liability at the end of 2025. This amount is fully recorded under Long-Term Liabilities on our balance sheet.
Fund Balance: The Fund Balance was $95.3 million, of which a total of $4 million is restricted as follows: Convention and National Events Assistance Fund $1.6 million and Regional Building Fund, $2.4 million. Of the remaining Fund Balance, we also have invested $80.8 million in fixed assets, leaving a negative unrestricted balance of $10.5 million.
Quarter 3 - Statement of Operations
The operating surplus at the close of Q3 was $5.5 million.
Revenue: Total revenue was $215.1 million compared to the budget of $214.3 million. Per Capita Tax and Initiation Fees made up $213.4 million of the total revenue and came in on budget.
Expenses: Total expenses were $209.7 million, which came in at $5.9 million under budget.
Salaries are under budget by $2.8 million, while current benefits are over budget by $1.5 million. Directors’ and Representatives’ salaries are under budget by 2.5% or $1.6 million, while Administrative and Technical Salaries are 7%, or $938,000 under budget. Clerical salaries are under budget by 2.8%, or $511,000. Vacation Relief is over budget by 14.5%, or $239,000.
Operating Expenses:
Below are some of the more significant items on operating expenses:
- Overall programs are $3 million under budget.
- Strategic Directions are $1.5 million under budget.
- Office expenses are $758,000 under budget.
- National Conferences’ costs are $898,000 over budget.
NATIONAL DEFENCE FUND
Quarter 3 - Statement of Financial Position
Assets: Total assets were $42.7 million in Total Assets which is unchanged from $42.7 million at December 31, 2024 and up from $40.2 million at September 30, 2024.
The cash balance of $6.8 million is up $374,000 compared to December 31, 2024. In addition, we have investments totalling $33.3 million, which is up $1.1 million from December 31, 2024.
Liabilities: Under Liabilities we have accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $2.6 million compared to $4 million at December 31, 2024. There is also $17.3 million in cost-shared campaign liabilities, which have increased by $2 million from December 31, 2024. Finally, $684,000 is owed to the General Fund at the end of the quarter.
Fund Balance: The Fund Balance is $22 million, up $1.2 million from December 31, 2024.
Quarter 3 - Statement of Operations
The Statement of Operations shows at Q3 a surplus before unrealized losses of $1.3 million.
Revenue: Total revenue in the Fund was $14.1 million. Per capita tax allocated to the Fund to September 30, 2025, was $12.8 million, and $1.3 million in interest was earned on investments.
Expenses: Total expenses in the Fund were $12.8 million as follows:
Cost-shared Campaigns: $6,060,844 in cost-shared campaigns have been approved by the National Executive Board. There was a recovery of $669,914 in unused funds from prior years’ cost-shared campaigns that have been closed out during the year. Our net Cost-shared Campaigns expense was $5,390,930.
Major Organizing Campaigns: Expenses were $2,273,120 against an annual budget of $4 million.
National Strategic Initiatives: Expenses were $1,843,216 against an annual budget of $2.7 million.
Regional Strategic Initiatives: Expenses were $984,635 with a budget for the year of $4.3 million.
Temporary Representative Positions: Actual spending was $2,275,501 against an annual budget of $4.6 million.
NATIONAL STRIKE FUND
Quarter 3 - Statement of Financial Position
Assets: Total Assets in the National Strike Fund were $110.1 million, down $25.7 million from December 31, 2024. These assets consisted of $2.2 million in cash, $2.5 million in per capita receivable, $253,000 in accounts receivable and $105.1 million in investments.
Liabilities: We have accounts payable and accrued liabilities totalling $2.8 million and $29,000 due to the General Fund.
Fund Balance: The Fund Balance was $107.3 million, compared to $132.6 million at December 31, 2024.
Quarter 3 - Statement of Operations
The Fund has an operating deficit of $25.3 million after an unrealized loss of $55,000.
Revenue: The total revenue in the Fund was $19.7 million. The Per Capita Tax allocated to the Strike Fund is $12.8 million. Investment income was $6.9 million.
Expenses: Total expenses were $45 million as follows:
STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS FOR THE Q3 2025 FINANCIAL REPORTING PERIOD
CUPE members are standing up and demanding more and better all across the country. During the Q3 reporting period, the following locals were on strike, or locked out:
- Approval of assumptions and methods for the Actuarial Valuation of the CEPP
as at January 1, 2026; - Confirmation of economic assumptions for Buybacks and RTAs in 2026
- Evaluation of investment managers;
- Adoption of new confidentiality and privacy policies.
- Insights into the psychological, health, and wellness aspects of retirement;
- An overview of the CEPP and government-sponsored pension programs;
- Financial planning information and resources.
CONCLUSION
As we begin a new two-year mandate, I’m filled with optimism and renewed determination to build on our progress. Our national convention reminded us of the incredible energy, passion, and determination that drive CUPE members in every corner of the country. That spirit of solidarity and activism will continue to guide us in the months ahead.
Together, we carry forward the momentum of convention – a renewed purpose and a deep sense of unity in our commitment to fairness, equity, and strong public services. With the dedication of our locals, leaders, and activists across the country, CUPE will keep growing our collective power and building a better future for all workers and the communities we serve.
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