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"Collectively, we have been through a lot over the past few years — as a society and as a union. I am honoured to have the opportunity to guide the NSGEU/NUPGE through this next term and help advance the cause of all workers.” — Sandra Mullen, NSGEU President
Halifax (16 May 2022) — During the final day of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union's (NSGEU/NUPGE) Triennial Convention, a new Executive team — consisting of President, 1st and 2nd Vice-Presidents, and Secretary-Treasurer — was elected by delegates.
Mullen acclaimed as NSGEU President
Sandra Mullen, a licensing officer with the Department of Community Services in Yarmouth (Local 16), was acclaimed as President.
"Collectively, we have been through a lot over the past few years — as a society and as a union,” said President Mullen. "I am honoured to have the opportunity to guide the NSGEU/NUPGE through this next term and help advance the cause of all workers.”
Hugh Gillis, a correctional officer from Local 480C, was elected as 1st Vice-President.
Tammy Gillis, a deputy prothonotary with the Department of Justice from Local 2, was elected as 2nd Vice-President.
Peter Perry, an anesthesia assistant from Local 122, was elected as 3rd Vice-President.
Darren McPhee, a community care Worker for the Department of Community Services, was acclaimed as Secretary-Treasurer.
"Congratulations to Sandra on her acclaimation as the next President of the NSGEU," said Larry Brown, who was in attendance to address delegates at the convention. "Sandra is a strong, principled leader who will fiercely represent our members in Nova Scotia. The union is in good hands."
Key resolutions passed by delegates
The 316 voting delegates in attendance at convention passed a number of key resolutions during the 3-day convention, laying a strong foundation for the union’s upcoming 3-year term. A special resolution was passed to protect publicly funded and publicly delivered health care as the provincial government executes its strategic plan. A resolution was passed to obby to ensure that those who need gender-affirming care have access to comprehensive, publicly funded gender-affirming care. In addition, a resolution to lobby governments for access to affordable housing was passed.
"Front-line workers are the ones who have gotten us through the worst of this pandemic. Now, these same workers are facing extraordinary cost of living increases and staffing shortages in their workplaces,” said Mullen.
"We will continue to stand together to achieve meaningful improvements to the lives of our members, working people and their families.”
Other convention highlights
The convention also included:
- an opening performance by Mi’kmaw author and poet, Rebecca Thomas;
- a keynote address from Lily Chang, Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC);
- an address from Larry Brown, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE);
- an evening comedy show by the Cape Breton Summertime Revue'
- donations by union locals of more than $10,400 for the NSGEU’s Cancer Care Fund, which supports NSGEU/NUPGE members who are affected by cancer, and donations of $1,050 for Period Poverty.