What is Convention?
Convention is the union’s highest ranking authority, where delegates debate and vote on policy and constitutional motions. The 2024 Convention was attended by around 2000 members and took place April 25-27, 2024 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
This year’s theme was Workers Fight Back.
Executive Board Elections
As this was an election year, the union elected a variety of new and returning Executive Board members. JP Hornick was re-elected for another term as President of OPSEU/SEFPO – check out this video of JP’s 2024 President’s Address.
JP has a long history of activism and support of the labour movement. One of the most significant changes to OPSEU/SEFPO in their last term was a constitutional amendment passed at the 2023 Convention that saw the addition of seven Equity seats on the Executive Board. Read more about that decision here.
Equity in Action
Convention kicked off with a powerful procession and welcoming remarks from Mississaugas of the Credit Chief Claire Sault, Elders Ethel La Valley and Dan Bowers, and members of the OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle and Indigenous members and staff.
Celebrity Sightings
A few important political figures made an appearance at convention – namely Jagmeet Singh, MP and Leader of the NDP, and Toronto Major Olivia Chow! Our Local’s delegation also brushed shoulders with Secretary-Treasurer of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) Jason MacLean, who played a pivotal role as Chair of the Executive Board elections, maintaining order while delivering playful energy at the podium.
Local 527 Delegation
Delegates:
- Thor Martin
- Ariel Noguera
- Akezia Jainaraine
Alternates:
- Kim Farrell
- Gillian Prouse
- Sally Sihn
Observers:
- Sunny Chowdhury
- Terri Pissokas
- Deborah Holland