Tag Archives: convention

2021 PSAC National Equity Conferences: Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion a priority for CIU delegates 

Photo of CIU flag

The Customs and Immigration Union is proud of the work accomplished by its delegates at the 2021 PSAC National Equity Conferences, which took place from November 23 to November 28, 2021. With a focus on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, CIU members were active within all four conferences — Indigenous, Racially visible, Pride, and Access — and, through sustained mobilization and engagement with delegates from other components and directly-chartered locals, played a key role in passing important resolutions to be sent to the 2022 PSAC Triennial Convention.

A total of eight delegates (two from each group) were elected to attend the 2022 PSAC Triennial Convention, with two CIU members amongst them: Sister Brea Baresinkoff as a delegate for the Access group, and Sister Tamara Lopez for the Pride group. This follows the election — earlier this year at the PSAC Women’s Conference — of Sister Karen Sutton as a delegate for the Women’s group, ensuring a strong representation from CIU within equity groups at next year’s PSAC Convention.

For more information, or for any questions about equity matters, please contact the CIU national Human Rights Representative, Murray Star.

19th National Convention — Last Day

2021 CIU Convention Banner

On the last day of the 19th Convention, delegates voted on Convention Resolutions, and elected the new CIU National Executive, Human Rights Representative, Young Workers Representative, and Alternates:

  • National President Mark Weber (elected)
  • 1st National Vice-President Rick Savage (elected)
  • 2nd National Vice-President Ken Turner (elected)
  • 3rd National Vice-President Claude Bouchard (acclaimed)
  • 4th National Vice-President Michael Aessie (elected)
  • National Human Rights Representative Murray Star (acclaimed)
  • Alternate National Human Rights Representative Sophie Martin (elected)
  • National Young Workers Representative Yanniv Waknine (acclaimed)
  • Alternate National Young Workers Representative Sandra Richard (acclaimed)

Larry Rousseau overseeing the elections of the new CIU National Executive and National Representatives & Alternates.

Outgoing National President Jean-Pierre Fortin chairing the last day of the 19th National Convention.

Swearing in of new the nine new representatives

Jean-Pierre Fortin swearing in the new national representatives. From left to right, top: Ken Turner, Michael Aessie, Sandra Richard. Left to right, middle: Murray Star, Richard Savage, Yanniv Waknine. Left to right, bottom: Sophie Martin, Mark Weber, Claude Bouchard.

19th National Convention — First Day

2021 CIU Convention Banner

July 8, 2021, was the first day of CIU’s 19th National Convention. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was also the first day of our union’s first ever virtual convention, with the CIU National President, Jean-Pierre Fortin, chairing the meeting from the studio in Ottawa, and all delegates attending virtually.

Despite these unusual circumstances, delegates were keen to take on Convention business, and had the opportunity to hear reports from the National President as well as from CIU National Representatives. We were also glad to welcome PSAC National President Chris Aylward for the opening address, as well as FB national negotiator Morgan Gay.

CIU National President Jean-Pierre Fortin and PSAC National President Chris Aylward in studio, in Ottawa

Jean-Pierre Fortin listens as Morgan Gay addresses Convention.

19th National Convention – July 8, 9 and 10, 2021

2021 CIU Convention Banner

The National Convention, which is the supreme governing body of our Union, is held once every three years and provides an opportunity for all CIU members to become involved in the operation and future of their Union. Although the Convention initially planned for October 2020 had to be postponed, we are pleased to announce that the event has been rescheduled to July 2021. Given the pandemic, the event will be held virtually.

We invite you to see the following documents for more information: