On this Emancipation Day, the Union of National Employees (UNE) honours the strength, resistance, and enduring legacy of those who fought for the abolition of slavery across the British Empire, which legally came into effect on August 1, 1834.
We recognize that while emancipation marked a legal end to slavery, the deep-rooted impacts of colonialism, anti-Black racism, and systemic inequality persist to this day. As union members, we reaffirm our commitment to justice, equity, and dignity for all workers, especially Black workers who continue to face barriers in the workplace and in society.
UNE stands in solidarity with the Black community in the ongoing fight for true liberation, fair representation, and reparative justice. Emancipation is not a moment in history; it is a call to action. Together, we must dismantle the structures of oppression and build systems rooted in accountability, healing, and radical hope.
We invite all UNE members to take time to reflect, educate, and engage in actions that honour this day and push forward the work of liberation.
Based in Trois-Rivières, Que., Daniel Toutant has been a cornerstone of the Parks Canada Agency since 2002, serving as technical services supervisor and project manager at La Mauricie National Park. As president of UNE Local 10269, Daniel’s leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to human rights and mental health in the workplace. He previously served as UNE national vice-president, human rights (2011–2016) and UNE national president for Human Rights (2017–2023) and co-founded the UNE Francophone Committee in 2010.
This marks Daniel’s fourth term on the Parks Canada-PSAC bargaining team, where his expertise and advocacy are invaluable. Since 2016, he has spoken across Canada on mental health at various federal departments and agencies. Daniel is unwavering in his fight against harassment, discrimination and racism, always keeping a vigilant eye on the mental well-being of his union family. His experience and dedication make him a trusted defender of members’ rights and a passionate advocate for positive change.
Kevin Alldread
Kevin Alldread calls Peterborough, Ont. home and has been a maintenance technician at the historic Trent-Severn Waterway since 2014. As president of UCTE Local 00056 and an active union member since 2016, Kevin is stepping onto the Parks-PSAC bargaining team for the first time.
A steadfast champion of safety, inclusivity and fairness, Kevin is known for standing tall and speaking out on behalf of his colleagues. He is committed to protecting members’ rights and ensuring that their voices are heard at every level. Kevin pledges to fight for what is right and fair, bringing a strong sense of justice and determination to the bargaining table.
Josée Tremblay
A dedicated bilingual activist, Josée Tremblay hails from Shawinigan, Que. and has made British Columbia her home since 1992. Josée joined Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island in 2010, starting as an administrative assistant and advancing to supervisor for visitor experience in 2016.
As president of Local 29266 since 2017, Josée has organized Phoenix demonstrations in both Ucluelet, B.C. and Ottawa, Ont. and is well-known for her commitment to representing members and engaging with management at all levels. She counts her in-depth knowledge of the collective agreement and her ability to connect with members nationwide as her biggest strengths.
Josée is passionate about securing a strong, robust collective agreement – especially considering new interpretations around call-back procedures. She advocates for wage adjustments for General Services (GS) and General Labour and Trade (GL), better protections for seasonal and term workers, and improving work-life balance. Josée’s on-the-ground experience and solutions-oriented approach bring a fresh perspective to the bargaining team. She is enthusiastic about working towards a more equitable future.
Chris Waldinsperger
Chris Waldinsperger began his public service career in 2017, working at Parks Canada as a student at Ontario Waterways. While there, he supported canal operations along the Trent–Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal National Historic Sites. He currently works as a project coordinator at Jasper National Park where, since 2022, he has worked on an aquatics-based conservation project.
Chris is the local president for UNE Local 30115. Chris provides frontline support in response to crises, like the 2024 Jasper Wildfire. As a young person on the bargaining team, Chris feels a strong sense of pride to have the chance to help push for meaningful and lasting change.
Birch Howard
With over 21 years as a Park Warden for Parks Canada, Birch Howard has served in Banff, Wood Buffalo, Kluane, Vuntut, Ivvavik National Parks, and the Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site across the Yukon and northern BC. As an armed Peace Officer, Birch upholds the Canada National Parks Act and other legislation, ensuring the conservation of natural and cultural resources and the safety of visitors.
Birch is deeply concerned about the inequalities facing Parks Canada members, particularly regarding benefits and compensation compared to other federal employees. He is committed to negotiating a fair deal that brings parity for all members, especially park wardens and first responders.
A member of UNE Local Y0104, Birch has served as Shop Steward, Vice President, and President, and sits on several national committees. This is his third term on the Parks Canada-PSAC bargaining team. Birch takes pride in the benefits he has helped secure, and the many members he has supported through grievances and tough conversations with management.
Shilla Furaha Johnson
Shilla Furaha Johnson resides in the stunning hamlet of Lake Louise, within Banff National Park, Alberta. Now in her third year with Parks Canada, she works at the Lake Louise Visitor Centre and is serving her second term as Vice President of Local 30402.
A passionate unionist, Shilla is dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and is committed to fighting for members from coast to coast. As a first-time bargaining team member, she is eager to learn, collaborate, and bring her problem-solving skills to the table. Her priorities include job security and fair compensation for all.
Outside of work, Shilla enjoys reading and learning new skills. She draws inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s words: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Shilla looks forward to making a meaningful impact and ensuring every member’s voice is heard.
Alternates:
Mohamed Zaid
André Miller
Jonathan Jeet
Hunter Lemon
Adelaide (Ady) King
Ellen Cross
Michael Kvern
The bargaining team is supported by the following PSAC staff:
When a date has been assigned, a National Labour Relations Officer will follow up with the member directly.
Once your case is with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), they will follow up advising you of when your case is scheduled.
For escalation of grievances contact the Director of Member Representation and Labour Relations.
All policy grievances are held with the PSAC, therefore follow up with the office of the National President.
Please refrain from following up for status updates as we are not yet set up to monitor status, and we will be in touch when we are preparing your case.
We expect to have additional new tools in the fall of 2025.
Thank you,
Alisha Kang (nee Campbell) National President Union of National Employees
Following the deadly rock slide at Bow Glacier Falls, north of Banff, Alberta, the Union of National Employees (UNE) extends its thoughts and prayers to everyone affected — including our Parks Canada members and their families.
The incident occurred Thursday afternoon, when a large section of rock collapsed to the right of the falls. Two fatalities and several serious injuries have been reported so far. Parks Canada and the RCMP have stopped search efforts for any additional hikers who may have been caught in the slide.
UNE National President Alisha Kang expressed her support:
“I would like to acknowledge and thank the Parks Canada visitor safety teams and first responders who acted swiftly to airlift the injured to safety. This is a tragic incident for all those involved.”
Anyone with missing loved ones who may have been in the area is urged to contact the Parks Canada Banff Detachment at 403-762-1470.
As part of our ongoing independent structural review of the Union of National Employees (UNE), we are reaching out to gather your insights and lived experiences as a valued member of the union. Your voice is critical in shaping a structure that better serves all members across our diverse community.
We invite you to complete the UNE Members Survey, which will take approximately 30 minutes to one hour to complete. Your participation is completely anonymous, and all responses will be reviewed in confidence to help inform recommendations that reflect the needs, realities, and aspirations of our membership.
We ask that you please complete the survey before or by the latest 12 noon EST on the 4th July 2025, there after you will no longer be able to access the link to participate.
Your feedback will directly support the development of a more inclusive, responsive, and representative UNE structure. This review is the first of its kind in 2 decades, and your voice will play a central role in building a stronger future for our union.
We also encourage you to share this survey with fellow members in your networks to ensure broad and diverse participation from across the country.
Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this important process. Your input is essential to ensuring UNE evolves in a way that truly reflects its membership.
O’Siyo ᎣᏏᏲ “o-si-yo,” (Cherokee: I see you) Hello and Bonjour Union Sibling(s),
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing to share an important development that will shape the future of our union. As many of you know, during our 2023 Convention, delegates passed a resolution calling for a comprehensive review of UNE’s structure. This resolution reflected a shared recognition that, as UNE continues to grow and serve a diverse membership across more than 60 employer types, it is critical that our structure evolves to meet the needs of our members today and in the future.
I’m pleased to let you know that the UNE Structural Review is now officially underway.
To support this process, UNE has engaged Intersol Group, a Canadian consulting firm with more than 30 years of experience in strategic facilitation, change management, and structural review—particularly within union and public service environments. Intersol is known for its collaborative and values-based approach, and they bring strong expertise in supporting organizations like ours through thoughtful, member-centered transformation.
This structural review is independent and impartial. Its purpose is not to impose a pre-defined solution, but to explore how our current structure is serving us—and where it may need to evolve to better support equity, representation, and service delivery across all regions and employer groups.
Over the coming months, Intersol will engage with members, locals, and regional representatives across the country to gather insights and ideas. One of the first steps will be a set of surveys tailored to each of these groups. These will be launched in the coming days, and we strongly encourage your participation. Your voice matters. The more perspectives we gather, the more grounded and effective the recommendations will be.
We understand that UNE has been through a time of significant change in recent years, and that trust is something we must earn—every step of the way. This review is an opportunity to reflect, to listen, and to build something stronger together.
Thank you in advance for your engagement and for all you do in support of our members.
Thank you, Merci, ᏙᎾᏓᎪᎲᎢ “di-da-yo-li-hv-dv-ga-le-ni-s-gv,” which means “Until we meet again”
Pronom: Elle iel/ellui
Pronouns: She/her they/them
Alisha Kang (nee Campbell)
National President | Présidente nationale
Union of National Employees | Syndicat des employées et employés nationaux
