Edmonton

Following the disastrous flooding in Alberta last week, there is now a massive, ongoing cleanup effort requiring thousands of volunteers to rebuild communities and repair damages to houses and personal property.In an effort to coordinate PSAC members who have asked how they can help, we are organizing volunteer days to get out into the communities and provide support to the families and small businesses affected.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada extends its solidarity to Albertans, including PSAC members who have suffered losses during the flooding in Southern Alberta.

 Alberta Federation of Labour President Gil McGowan has called on the federal government to extend EI coverage for all those affected by floods in Southern Alberta. Only about 22% of unemployed Albertans are eligible for EI and the waiting period is 2 weeks.

In Attendance: Darlene Lewis – NHU 30016; Dragana Ristivojevic – UTE 30025; Deb Ferguson – USGE 30010; Sandra Relling – UNE 30067; Jerad Cooper (teleconference) – UTE 30025; PSAC Staff: Carm Chan – PSAC Rep

The Prairie Region Council (PRC) welcomes another new member with the addition of Darlene Lewis as Edmonton Area Council Rep. A Health Canada employee for more than 13 years, Lewis was elected to the position at an Edmonton Area Council meeting earlier this year.

I’d like to commence by, once again, thanking the PSAC for allowing me the privilege of representing young workers in the Prairie Region at the CLC Political Action Conference. In particular, appreciation goes out to REVP Sister Marianne Hladun, Jeffrey Vallis, and my fellow delegates, Sister Shannan Little, Brother Paul Daigneault, and Brother Jesse Todd, whose presence made this trip meaningful. 

Sean Friesen, the young worker representative who attended the CLC Political Action Conference on behalf of the PSAC Prairie Region, blogs about his experiences and the impact the event had on him.

Present: Sean Friesen (USGE 30010); Elaine Alt (NHU 30016); Dave Burchell (UNE 30067); Darlene Lewis (HU 30016); Ben Lemon (UEW 30703); Bryan Smith (NHU 30016); Deb Ferguson (USGE 30010); Liz Vandaelle (USGE 30010); Rachelle (via Teleconference)

The National Board of Directors of the PSAC has unanimously endorsed a plan to protect our members against new threats to our Collective Agreement rights.

Present: S Friesen(USGE 30010); Elaine Alt (NHU 30016); Dragana Ristivojevic (UTE30025); Dave Burchell (UNE 30067); Darlene Lewis (HU 30016); Ben Lemon (UEW 30703); Bryan Smith (NHU 30016); Robert Wolfe; Deb Sutton (via Teleconference)