Congratulations to the winners of the 2012 NUPGE scholarships

Thank you for honouring some of the issues we all care so much about with your time and with your words." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

Ottawa (28 Sept. 2012) - Each year, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) offers four $1500 scholarships that reflect its pursuit of equal opportunity for all workers.

They are offered to the children of the National Union's 340,000 members who are starting a post-secondary education.

"On behalf of the National Union, I want to congratulate the winners of the 2012 scholarships but most importantly, I want to thank everyone who submitted essays," said James Clancy, NUPGE National President. "We are impressed, year after year, at the quality of the writing and the passion applicants have for making our world a better place. Thank you for honouring some of the issues we all care so much about with your time and with your words."

As no entries were received for the Scholarship for Aboriginal Canadians this year, the National Union is pleased to announce that there are two recipients of the Tommy Douglas Scholarship.

Tommy Douglas Scholarship

Nathan Ostenberg is the son of Susanne M. Frank, a member of Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA / NUPGE). In his essay, Nathan recognizes the access to health care as contributing to equality in Canada:

“Tommy Douglas....by creating universal health care, raised the standard of living of everyone in the country and made it a more equitable society because everyone gets health care no matter their financial position.”

Cassandra Petersen is the daughter of Patricia Petersen, a member of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE). In her essay, Cassandra recognized Tommy Douglas' contribution to equality in Canada by pointing out:

“In his first year as Premier, over 100 bills were passed with the focus being on labour standards, education, public hospitalization and medical care, or 'medicare', and removing sales taxes from food and meals.”

Scholarship for Visible Minorities

Jennifer Yee is the daughter of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) member Kai Yee. Jennifer wrote about the importance of quality public services in enhancing the quality of life of visible minorities. It's hard to argue with Jennifer when she asserts: 

“Equality in people starts in schools. With more funds for education, each child will receive the attention they'll need to succeed in school and life. Children of visible minorities will no longer be held to a disadvantage because of their language barrier. Everyone will have the same opportunities to achieve the same goals in life if they work hard enough for it.”

Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship

Dustin Schulz is the son of Deborah Schulz, a member of the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU/NUPGE). Dustin wrote a very personal essay which stated:

“I can attest to the importance of access to educational institutions. This access to quality public services will change my life forever.”

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE