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'Public services represent an investment in our common good... in our communities... in each other.'
Halifax (11 May 2009) - Joan Jessome has been acclaimed for a sixth term as president of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE).
Jessome was elected by delegates at the union's 2009 convention, which concluded over the weekend in Halifax. She was given a standing ovation when nominations closed and her election became official.
Darren McPhee of the Halifax Regional Municipality was also acclaimed as secretary-treasurer of the union. Other elected officers of the union are first vice-president Jason MacLean from Cape Breton, second vice-president Don Goss from Metro Halifax and third vice-president Dawn Ferris, also from Metro Halifax.
Jessome addressed delegates on the importance of investing in public service, especially in the current economic climate.
"Public services represent an investment in our common good... in our communities... in each other,” she said. “The NSGEU can be a positive voice for change for all Nova Scotians."
Outgoing first vice-president Martha Brown spoke about the years of dedication and commitment that Jessome has brought the union, noting that she is now the second longest serving president.
The theme of the convention was Your Voices, Your Rights, Our Strength with a particular focus on the issue of Labour Rights as Human Rights.
Larry Brown, national secretary-treasurer from the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), gave the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of defending all labour rights within the context of the rights set out for all Canadians in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Other speakers included Patricia Bishop, a local farmer who brought the message of her Buy Local campaign to convention and former NSGEU president Dave Peters who gave the opening address.
The NSGEU unveiled a new logo and a new dynamic website created by Great Orb Studios in Halifax.
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