Daily Convention Highlights - July 25

Morning Session

The final day of the Convention began with the Credentials Committee report. Delegates then continued committee business before the national elections.

Credentials Report

The morning report recorded 346 registered participants: 190 delegates, 121 observers, 9 guests, 8 Life or Honorary Members and 18 UTE staff members.

Final Committee Business

The Convention adopted several general resolutions, including those on private lactation rooms (326), improving union communications (307), supporting members dealing with addictions (306.b), representation of members from diverse groups on Local executives (308), and updating membership lists (312). Resolution 202, which proposed replacing the term “Equal Opportunities” with “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” was defeated.

Solidarity with the Bargaining Team

The Bargaining Resolutions Committee continued its work. Before the break, delegates joined the bargaining team for a group photo as a show of solidarity.

Afternoon Session

The afternoon session was intense and emotional. Union democracy took centre stage with elections for each of the four national positions, the announcement of the regional results, the swearing-in ceremony and the closing of the Convention.

Credentials Report

The final report recorded 345 registered participants, one fewer delegate than in the morning: 189 delegates, 121 observers, 9 guests, 8 Life or Honorary Members and 18 UTE staff members.

The Electoral Process

The Nominations and Elections Committee took the chair and explained each step of the process. Nominations received in advance were announced, and delegates were invited three times to submit additional names from the floor. Candidates had an opportunity to address delegates before each ballot; when necessary, a draw determined the speaking order. Each delegate voted using an electronic device; the doors were closed during voting, after which the results were announced. This process was repeated for each of the four national positions.

A Highly Emotional Presidential Election

Following speeches by Marc Brière and Adam Jackson, delegates elected Adam Jackson National President by 99 votes to 89, or 52.7% to 47.3%. Marc Brière immediately congratulated him, acknowledged his disappointment and emphasized that the decision belonged to the delegates. He stated that he fully respected this democratic choice and committed to supporting the new President during the transition. Adam Jackson thanked Marc for his years of leadership. Recognizing that the vote reflected differing views, he pledged to earn the trust and respect of those who had not supported his candidacy and to unite the Union.

National Executive Election Results

The elections continued one position at a time. Ken Bye was elected First National Vice-President with 154 votes (81.9%), ahead of Cosimo Crupi, who received 34 votes (18.1%). Eddy Aristil was then elected Second National Vice-President with 135 votes (71.8%), ahead of Heather Kenny, who received 54 votes (28.2%).

A Historic First for Equal Opportunities

The first-ever election for the new part-time position of National Vice-President responsible for Equal Opportunities featured seven candidates: Terrie Lynn Fowler, Pamela Salem, Mary Ellen Lucier, Laureen Harvey, Jacquelyn Whyman, Michelle Spencer and Heather Kenny. Several rounds of voting were required, with the candidate receiving the fewest votes eliminated after each round. Laureen Harvey ultimately won with 102 votes (54.3%), marking a historic milestone for the representation of equity groups on the National Executive.

Regional Election Results

The Regional Vice-Presidents (RVPs) and their alternates, elected on July 24, were announced:

The list of delegates and alternates to the next PSAC Convention was also announced.

Swearing-In and Closing

The PSAC National President administered the oath of office to the newly elected national and regional officers, who gathered before the delegates. The moment symbolized both continuity for the Union and the beginning of a new chapter. In his final message as Convention Chair, Marc Brière described the 20th Convention as historic, particularly because a position had been added to the National Executive. He noted that the debates had at times been intense and emotional, but always respectful, and called on members to remain united and continue fighting together. The Convention officially adjourned at 5:30 p.m., bringing a day filled with decisions, recognition and emotion to a close.