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Elections at the 2026 UNE Triennial Convention

The 2026 UNE Triennial Convention—taking place August 24 to 28—marks an important and encouraging moment for our Component.

This Convention represents a meaningful step forward in rebuilding UNE’s democratic structures. While trusteeship remains in place, Alex Silas, PSAC National Executive Vice-President and the UNE Trustee appointed by PSAC’s National Board of Directors (NBoD), has expressed confidence based on engagement with rank-and-file members and regional leaders that UNE is moving in a positive direction, with strong signs of progress and renewed engagement from members.

The upcoming elections are a key part of that ongoing journey.

We are happy to announce that elections will be held during 2026 UNE Triennial Convention on Thursday, August 27. National elections will take place on the Convention Floor and Regional elections will take place during regional caucuses.

National elections will be chaired by Alex Silas as Convention chair and Trustee. Regional elections, which may run concurrently in different caucuses, will be chaired by qualified individuals selected by the Trustee. A nomination committee of delegates to Convention will be struck shortly to review nominations forms.

National Elections

Delegates will elect the following National positions:

  • National President
  • National Executive Vice-President
  • National Vice-President, Human Rights
  • National Vice-President for Occupational Health and Safety
  • 1st Alternate National Executive Vice-President
  • 2nd Alternate National Executive Vice-President
  • Assistant National Vice-President, Human Rights

All-Candidates Debate

The All‑Candidates Debate for all national positions listed above will take place on Wednesday, August 26.

Regional Elections

Regional elections will take place during regional caucuses. Delegates will elect:

  • Regional Vice-President
  • 1st Assistant Regional Vice-President
  • 2nd Assistant Regional Vice-President
  • 3rd Assistant Regional Vice-President when applicable
  • Regional Human Rights Representative
  • 1st Alternate Regional Human Rights Representative
  • 2nd Alternate Regional Human Rights Representative
  • Delegates to the PSAC Convention (based on PSAC delegate allocation for the region)
  • Alternates to the PSAC Convention (regions may elect as many alternates as they wish)

These caucuses ensure strong, representative leadership across all UNE regions and help shape UNE’s voice at the PSAC Convention. The agenda of the week of Convention including caucus will be shared soon.

Call out for Nominations and Submitting Nomination Forms

An email will be sent to all locals shortly. If you are running for any elected office, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the following Policies and Bylaws to ensure democratic and fair elections:

A Meaningful Step Forward for UNE 

This year’s elections carry special significance. The decision to proceed with elections was not taken lightly by the UNE Trustee, it reflects the progress UNE has made in rebuilding its democratic structures and strengthening the organization. 

Over the past months, UNE has seen increased engagement and confidence from members and locals. More local are in conformance thanks to hard work of Deputy Trustees and UNE staff, who worked together to make improvements and support locals in their rebuilding efforts. UNE staff processes have strengthened, and important work in areas such as representation services has continued to move forward. 

These positive developments have contributed to renewed confidence in UNE and establishing positive conditions to conduct a full and fair electoral process. The upcoming elections mark an important milestone in the union’s ongoing renewal and demonstrate continued progress toward a strong, accountable, and member-driven Union of National Employees. 

Delegates will play a central role in choosing the leaders who will guide UNE through its next chapter and build on the momentum achieved to date. 

While there is still work ahead, the return to a full electoral process is a strong sign of momentum and confidence in UNE’s future.