The Outside Canada region held its regional seminar last weekend. The region includes union members working at the departments formerly known as the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Canadian International Development Agency and Pɑssport Canada.
Given the major changes at these departments, there was a lot to talk about.
“With Pɑssport Canada being split in two and CIDA merging with DFAIT, I think it’s fair to say that my region is affected,” said Assistant Regional Vice-President Karl Lafrenière.
Lafrenière noted that the CIDA Local has been hit especially hard; it’s become the smallest Local in his region, a spot formerly occupied by his pɑssport Local.
Even the Foreign Affairs Local isn’t immune to all these changes. There’s still some uncertainty about what the amalgamation will mean for the members at 125 Sussex Dr.
“As both organizations come together, we can’t help but be nervous about possible reductions,” explained local president Gordon McAllister, who represents members at DFAIT. That said, he’s hopeful that last weekend’s seminar has paved a better future for members of DFAIT and CIDA.
“On a positive note, both Locals have agreed to work closely together,” explained McAllister. “I invited their executive as guests to our next annual general meeting.”
He’s also planning other joint meetings with the CIDA Local’s president to better understand each workplace’s issues.
“From my perspective, that’s one of the bigger wins from the seminar; having both Locals work closely together.”
Also notable about this seminar was the great number of young workers present. For Anna Borgognoni, a young worker from Local 70044, this seminar was her introduction to the UNE.
“Going into the event, I was quite nervous and unsure of what to expect,” admitted Borgognoni. “I was quickly embraced by the group, who provided me with information, answered my myriad of questions, and made me feel like an integral part of the team.”
“It was a great first taste of union activities for me, a newcomer to the union scene.”
Borgognoni added that she especially enjoyed drafting resolutions, the mock debate that followed and brainstorming outreach campaigns.
“Saturday’s presentation on Twitter and Sunday’s presentation on political action got a lot of high marks,” declared Regional Vice-President Heather Brooker.
“We had such an enthusiastic crowd; I think it’s clear now that political action using social media is in our future.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Karl Lafrenière, who also believes his members were able to build a bridge between the two presentations.
“People don’t understand how many tools we have at our fingertips to communicate with our members,” said Lafrenière. “At least ten people told me they’re leaving with some great ideas; I know they’re related to social media.”
“People were really happy. It energized them.”
But just in case you’re leaving with the impression that the seminar went off without a hitch, we should point out that on Saturday, the hotel moved an entire family into our hospitality suite. Ayayay!
Luckily that got sorted out, and members were able to enjoy themselves without having to share the room with strangers trying to catch some shut-eye.
“We normally don’t have a lot of opportunities to meet, all three Locals together,” explained Lafrenière. “It was nice to be able to connect.”