The National Union's scholarship winners for 2010

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

Ottawa (29 Sept. 2010) – Each year, the National Union of Public and General Employees offers four scholarships that reflect its pursuit of equal opportunity for all workers. They are offered to children of NUPGE's 340,000 members who are starting a post-secondary education. The National Union is pleased to announce the winners of these awards for 2010:

Tommy Douglas Scholarships

Stephanie Fox – Stephanie's mother, Andrea Fox, is a member of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE). In her essay Stephanie cited the greatest achievement of Tommy Douglas' work as equality for all Canadians. As she points out:

"He always fought for what he believed was right, and truly cared for all Canadians. He set things in motion to make Canadians of every nationality, colour, gender and tax bracket equal. This political giant shaped not only Canadian politics but also Canadian society, making it more just and equitable for all.”

Michael Kent – Michael is the son of Stephen Kent, a member of the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU/NUPGE). In his submission, Michael highlighted the role Douglas played in creating a universal Medicare system in Canada:

“By 1962, Medicare in Saskatchewan was such a success that Canada ... adopted it nationwide. Douglas showed Canada that it was possible to develop and finance a universal Medicare system."

Nicholas Barbour – Nicholas is the son of Connie Barbour, a member of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE). Nicholas looked at Douglas' role as a visionary Canadian politician:

"Tommy Douglas was a visionary who saw the possibilities, who took time to know the needs of the people and who took a practical and down to earth approach to government. I for one am grateful, that as a Canadian, I am able to reap the benefits of the work done by such a fine government official. I only wish that politicians today could have his focus, drive and vision."

Scholarship for Visible Minorities

Zohra Kassam – Zohra is the daughter of Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) member Mansoor Kassam. Zohra's essay focused on the importance of public services in a pluralistic society:

"This is a result of the public services that the Canadian government provides to Canada as a whole, not just any one or collective group of race or ethnicity. Ultimately this atmosphere promotes unity, and inspires Canadian pride and nationalism."

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