Course set for year ahead; CUPE BC wraps up 2025 convention

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After four days of discussion, debate and comradery, CUPE BC wrapped up its 2025 convention. A key theme of the convention, held in Vancouver, was dealing with growing economic and political uncertainty, much of which is being caused by turmoil from the United States.

 

“If we stand up for each other, build a strong coalition, act strategically, champion the principles of social democracy, and remember to be kind to each other as we go hard on our opponents, we can and will come out ahead in the years to come,” said Karen Ranalletta in her report to convention.

 

Ranalletta, who was re-elected at convention to another 2-year term as president of CUPE BC, said CUPE BC must continue to organize and mobilize locally, as it did to help re-elect a progressive NDP provincial government.

 

“I have never seen so much grassroots engagement in an election campaign by so many rank-and-file CUPE members who knew what was at stake,” said Ranalletta.

 

In his address to convention, B.C. Premier David Eby thanked CUPE members for their service to B.C., and said CUPE members are pivotal to the province weathering economic uncertainty.

 

“We stand on our own two feet with an economy that serves working people. One where strong public services are there when people are relying on them most. A strong B.C. in an independent Canada – where no one gets left behind,” said Eby.

 

In his report to convention, CUPE National President Mark Hancock, echoed the call that CUPE will lead the fight for workers in Canada. “We are Canada’s largest union, and we are Canada’s strongest union. Backing down is not in our playbook. Surrendering what we value is not in our dictionary. Not now – not ever!”

 

CUPE National Secretary Treasurer Candace Rennick said members in B.C. and across the country will have the support and resources to do this crucial work.

 

“Today our union is stronger than ever, and we will get stronger. And we have the resources to do even more in the year ahead,” said Rennick. “Let’s think and act boldly. Let’s stand united as a union, and in coalition with our allies. Because when we work together, in solidarity with others, when we are bold and brave and united and strategic, that’s when we win.”

 

In his first Secretary Treasurer’s report to convention, Tony Rebelo assured delegates CUPE BC was ready to support locals needing to fight for better collective agreements. Rebelo, who was elected to his first full term as CUPE BC Secretary Treasurer, said locals can have the confidence to say, ‘We’re not afraid to strike if we have to’ and know they have access to the resources they need to demand better.

 

CUPE BC 2025/27 Executive Board

Elections were held at convention for the next 2-year Executive Board term.

 

President

Karen Ranalletta

 

Secretary-Treasurer

Tony Rebelo

 

General Vice-Presidents

Dal Benning

Sheryl Burns

Nicole Cabrejos

Amber Leonard

 

Regional Vice-Presidents

Fraser Valley

Ryan Doman

 

Kootenays

Dustin LePage

 

Metro

Donald Grant

Lee-Ann Lalli

Tammy Murphy

 

North

Paula Bass

 

Okanagan

Lois Rugg

 

Vancouver Island

Tiffany McLaughlin

Kirk Mercer

 

Diversity Vice-Presidents

 

Indigenous Workers

Debra Merrier

 

Pink Triangle

Joyce Griffiths

 

Persons with Disabilities

Morning Star Trickey

 

Racialized Workers

Edward Parsotam

 

Alternate Regional Vice-Presidents

Fraser Valley

Joseph Fadel

 

Kootenays

Sarah Mooy

 

Metro

Chloe Martin-Cabanne

 

North

Sian Nalleweg

 

Okanagan

Dawn Armstrong

 

Vancouver Island

Amy Issel

 

Alternate Diversity Vice-Presidents

 

Indigenous Workers

Shawn Bortolon

 

Pink Triangle

Cody Beyer

 

Persons with Disabilities

Juno Diane

 

Racialized Workers

Cindy Ozouf

 

David Robertson was also elected as Trustee (3-year term)