B.C.’s largest union is setting its course to defend crucial public services and the rights of workers that deliver them. CUPE BC, the provincial division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, kicked off its annual convention yesterday in Victoria with over 500 union members and guests from across the province.
Karen Ranalletta, president of CUPE BC, set the tone for the 4-day convention by highlighting how CUPE members in the province have dealt with growing economic and political uncertainty over the past year.
“We continue to face existential threats from the United States, and this has challenged all of us to think more about our own complacency when it comes to ensuring we have a strong and independent economy,” said Ranalletta in her opening address. “I am so proud that this tough situation sparked CUPE members into action with the gritty and principled approach that so many CUPE locals took to bargaining tables across the province.”
Ranalletta asked convention delegates to further support Canada’s economic independence by working to fix post-secondary education.
“Our post-secondary education system is directionless and underfunded,” said Ranalletta. “If we don’t fix the post-secondary education and skills training system, we will fail in our larger goal of building the stronger and independent economy we need to deliver prosperity to our communities and families.”
Over the 4-day convention, CUPE BC delegates will be deciding the union’s direction on a wide range of issues, such as expanding public childcare in B.C. public schools and preparing for the upcoming municipal elections in B.C.
“In communities across the province, CUPE members have experienced some real and deep challenges that can only be resolved by a change in direction at the municipal council or school board level,” said Ranalletta. “It is incumbent on all of CUPE BC to work hard to elect progressive, competent, and capable leaders.”
The 2026 CUPE BC Convention continues until Saturday. Guest speakers include CUPE National President Mark Hancock, CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick, and B.C. Premier David Eby.