We are thrilled to inform you that, as of September 14th, 2026, the Membership Development Trainee (MDT) and Staff Development Trainee (SDT) programs have officially kicked off. The purpose of these programs was to provide internal permanent staff and OPSEU/SEFPO members with an opportunity to experience working inside the organization and determine whether the position would be in line with their career aspirations.
With great anticipation, the following is the list of 2026 MDT and SDT participants. These programs could not run without the time and dedication of our wonderful staff mentors, supervisors and the Education Team. We recognize that mentoring takes time and commitment, often alongside their regular responsibilities. We are deeply grateful for their dedication to advancing and strengthening OPSEU/SEFPO.
2026 MDTs
- Neena Sharma will be a Staff Representative in London Regional Office, Negotiations Division.
- Donna D’Abreu will be a Staff Representative in Hamilton Regional Office, Negotiations Division.
- Ciji Correia will be a Staff Representative in Peterborough Regional Office, Negotiations Division.
- Fatemeh Samani will be a Staff Representative in Ottawa Regional Office, Negotiations Division.
- Thor Rune Martin will be a Staff Representative in Toronto (31 Wellesley St.) Regional Office, Negotiations Division.
- Cailin Frair will be a Staff Representative in Sault Ste. Marie Regional Office, Negotiations Division.
- Jesse Patterson will be a Staff Representative in Sudbury Regional Office, Negotiations Division.
- Cindy Mazan will be a Staff Representative in Thunder Bay Regional Office, Negotiations Division.
- Katrina DiGiacinto will be a Grievance Officer in the Arbitrations Unit, Contract Enforcement Division.
- Maya Ricker-Wilson will be a Human Rights Officer in the Equity Unit, Contract Enforcement Division.
- Kiran Sawhney will be an Education Officer in the BPS Campaigns & Education Unit, Political Action & Education Division.
2026 SDTs
- Raina Fernandes will be a Campaigns Officer in the BPS Campaigns & Education Unit, Political Action & Education Division.
- Sherifa Hadi will be a Negotiator in the Negotiations & Research Unit, Contract Negotiations Division.
- Karen Gventer will be a Pay Equity Negotiator in the Negotiations & Research Unit, Contract Negotiations Division.
- Matthew Baranyai will be an IT Help Desk Analyst in the Information Technology Unit, Finance & Operations Division.
Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to our OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board Members (EBM), Veronica Attard and Dr. Crystal Garvey, for their collaborative efforts in planning and executing the MDT program. We are grateful for all their hard work and commend their dedication to this process.
As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen OPSEU/SEFPO and improve career opportunities of our members and staff, the MDT and SDT programs have increasingly become important and impactful over time. Through skill development, job shadowing, and peer-to-peer mentorship, these programs will aid the participants’ professional development and give our members and internal staff the confidence to take advantage of new opportunities.
Together, let’s make sure these MDT and SDT participants are successful and have a positive OPSEU/SEFPO experience.
In solidarity,
People and Culture Division