Former UN special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa the featured guest speaker this year
VICTORIA— Renowned orator and former United Nations ambassador Stephen Lewis will be the featured guest speaker at the 46th annual convention of the B.C. division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, to be held April 22-25 at the Victoria Conference Centre.
Lewis, the author of the best-selling book, Race Against Time, a Companion of the Order of Canada and the holder of 28 honorary degrees from Canadian universities, is making his second appearance as guest speaker, following his riveting address at the 2004 CUPE BC convention. This year’s speech is on Thursday, April 23, at 11 a.m.
Other guest speakers this year are BC NDP leader Carole James (April 23, 2 p.m.) and BC Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair (April 25, 11 a.m.). CUPE National president Paul Moist will present his report to convention on April 23 at 3 p.m. while CUPE National secretary-treasurer Claude Généreux will present his report on April 24 at 11:15 a.m.
More than 500 delegates are expected at this year’s convention, which is also an election year for the union. The positions of president, secretary-treasurer, general vice-presidents, trustee and diversity vice-presidents are all going to a delegate vote.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 22 until Saturday, April 25/09
WHERE: Victoria Convention Centre