Nicole Anozie
Hello everyone!
My name is Nicole Anozie, I’ve been working in OPSEU for the past 6 years. Since being in the Ministry I’ve held different positions and have created and been a part of various councils within OPESU.
I bring diversity not only in race and culture but also in life and career experience to the position. I hail from West African descent. I am a champion for an inclusive, fair and diverse workplace. I enjoy educating, supporting and empowering Blacks and people of colour through their career and personal journey in OPSEU/SEFPO. As I said in my application for this position, the benefits I hope to gain from being an Equity Executive Board Member would be networking with various individuals who hold positions throughout the Ministry and using the opportunity to learn from them how to further my career, which in turn creates more paths for others to follow in my footsteps.
I look forward to using the Equity Executive Board Seat to continue this and know that I will be a part of making OPSEU/SEFPO a truly equitable workplace for all marginalized employees.
Tracey Ann Halkyard
I am a deaf woman who is active within the Community. I am a member of the Disabilities Rights Caucus, and also an active member for the equity Council in my workplace. I was raised as a hearing person and the barriers that I have pushed though were difficult and constant. I choose to devote my time to education support and a facilitator to our members to bring greater ease into our daily lives and to inspire each other.
Tina Stevens
– Co Operative Housing Federation Of Canada
– Past-President Recording Secretary
– OPSEU Indigenous Circle Recording Secretary
– OPSEU SEFPO Region 1 Area Council 1st Vice-President
– London and District Labour Council Co-Op Housing Activist
– Indigenous Leader
– Determined patient teacher
– Has a hug that can heal a heart
Tina is an Algonquin member of Kitigan Zibi First Nation and also connected as an Ojibwe woman from Kettle and Stoney Point. Tina belongs to the Loon clan which is strongly connected to the positions she has held in relation to her employment, labour union and outside Indigenous groups.
For the past number of years, Tina has served as the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada’s President. Being in the position as the Indigenous Director has provided a number of opportunities and challenges in dealing with Indigenous issues including poor housing conditions, the end of operating agreements, diversity and inclusion and has openly addressed issues of racism and discrimination. Together with CHF Canada staff, the Reconciliation Toolkit was created and Tina has supported all forms of CHF Indigenous Education.
Tina has been an active member of Local 102, 5 years after commencing her work as a Court Clerk at the courthouse in 1996 and had been a key leader during the following 2 strikes defending the OPSEU Collective Agreement. Since, then Tina was active as Local Secretary for the Local and then around 2010, has been serving as the 1st Vice-President under various Presidents for the Local. Recently, over the past 3 years, Tina had been serving as Acting President and then transitioned to being successfully elected as President for the local for a 2nd term. Over the same period of time since 2008 and onwards from 2010, Tina has served as Recording Secretary for the Region 1 Area Council, Recording Secretary and now 1st Vice-President for the London and District Labour Council and Recording Secretary for the Indigenous Circle.
Currently, Tina serves as Committee Member for OPSEU SEFPO’s SMP Committee, and along the way prioritized her involvement in the Adhoc committees for the creation of the Equity Board Seats. Concurrently, Tina has been working with an OPSEU SEFPO group that was established to address the Anti-Black and Anti-Indigenous Racism by making a commitment to educate OPSEU SEFPO members in the Dismantling Systemic Racism. Tina truly believes that it is imperative to break down barriers so that there is inclusivity, diversity and equity at all levels.
Tina strongly believes that Indigenous issues have to remain as a priority within the labour movement and continues to be a strong leader and advocate for OPSEU. Tina continues to demonstrate her commitment looking at all elements of Canadian Labour through an equity lens and to continue with her work on building bridges.
In addressing diversity, equity and inclusion, Tina examines the common intersectionality elements when addressing groups through open forums and education to unite people in the understanding of their differences and encourages everyone to find what we share with one another as Treaty people.
Dan Brisson
Bonjour Annii Hello Je suis Dan Brisson… – 28 ans de travail au collège
- A passé 7 ans sur le Comité francophone en tant que président
- Jpassé 4 ans sur le comité d’équité et j’ai été président pendant 2 ans.
- J’ai été président pendant 8 ans à ma section locale, 26 ans comme délégué syndical.
- Vice-président de la Division au CAAT à temps plein
- Président du Comité Relation Employé Employeur au CAAT à temps plein
- Président du Comité Invalidité longue durée et Bénéfices au CAAT à temps plein
- Membre de l’équipe de soutien du TCAA à temps plein (3 équipes)
- Président du conseil régional de Sudbury
- Membre du conseil de Travail pour Sudbury et Disctrict
Embrasser l’équité : Un voyage vers la diversification, l’égalité et l’inclusion
Dans un monde où les inégalités sociales persistent, j’ai pris conscience de l’importance primordiale de l’équité. C’est avec beaucoup de passion et de détermination que j’aspire à devenir vice-présidente chargée de l’équité. Ce poste offre une occasion unique de conduire des changements significatifs, de démanteler les barrières systémiques et de favoriser une société qui valorise et célèbre la diversité. Grâce à mon expérience, à mes compétences et à mon engagement sans faille, je souhaite créer un avenir plus inclusif et plus équitable pour tous.
- Défense des communautés marginalisées : Mon objectif premier est d’amplifier la voix des communautés marginalisées. Je suis fermement convaincue qu’un véritable progrès ne peut être réalisé que lorsque chacun a un accès égal aux opportunités et aux ressources.
- Promouvoir la diversité et l’inclusion : La diversité n’est pas seulement un mot à la mode, c’est la pierre angulaire d’une société dynamique et innovante. En tant que vice-présidente chargée de l’équité, je m’efforcerai de créer un environnement qui célèbre et embrasse la diversité sous toutes ses formes. En mettant en œuvre des pratiques de recrutement inclusives, en encourageant les compétences culturelles et en promouvant la diversité dans les établissements d’enseignement, je vise à créer une société qui valorise et respecte chaque individu, indépendamment de sa race, de son sexe ou de son statut socio-économique.
- Lutter contre les disparités économiques : Je travaillerais sans relâche pour combler ce fossé en plaidant pour des politiques qui favorisent l’émancipation économique. En investissant dans les communautés défavorisées, en donnant accès à une éducation de qualité et en soutenant les petites entreprises, nous pouvons créer une société plus équitable où les opportunités économiques sont accessibles à tous.
- Partenariats de collaboration : La réalisation de l’équité exige un effort collectif. En tant que vice-président chargé de l’équité, je rechercherais activement des partenariats avec des organisations communautaires, des entreprises et des agences gouvernementales afin de favoriser la collaboration et de créer un changement durable. En tirant parti du pouvoir de l’action collective, nous pouvons élaborer des solutions innovantes, partager les meilleures pratiques et veiller à ce que l’équité reste au premier plan de notre programme collectif.
Devenir membre de l’équité sur le conseil n’est pas seulement un titre ou un poste ; c’est une vocation à avoir un impact durable sur la société. En défendant et en promouvant la diversité, en luttant contre les disparités économiques et en encourageant les partenariats, je m’engage à créer un monde où l’équité n’est pas une aspiration mais une réalité. Ensemble, entamons ce voyage vers un avenir plus inclusif et plus équitable pour tous.
Dr. Crystal Garvey
Dr. Crystal Garvey is a researcher, professor, and community advocate with over two decades of experience in Emergency and Mental Health Nursing. Dr. Garvey is a professor at Durham College teaching in the BScN Collaborative with Ontario Tech University. It’s her personal philosophy, belief, and dedication to ensure that all persons representing all intersectionalities have equal opportunities to succeed. This is evident by her commitment to research focusing on anti-bullying, anti-racism, mental health, and identifying barriers preventing equity in academic and professional settings. More importantly, Crystal’s works, scholarship and community engagement emphasize intersectionality to create inclusivity and safety in learning and all environments.
Dr. Garvey is an executive member and Chair of Durham College’s Black Student Success Network; she also holds an elected seat as an Equity and Diversity Steward for her Local. As a member of the OPSEU/SEFPO Social Mapping Project and Co-Chair of the Provincial Women’s Committee, she continues to showcase her proactive engagement in equity and diversity initiatives for women across her union.
As a mother of three, Crystal is active in her children’s school and the communities she serves within Peel and Durham Regions, where she actively supports organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and REST Centres. Her community research projects on mental health, diversity, and anti-racism have resulted in tangible outcomes such as curriculum development, evidence-based resources, and support modules for marginalized and at-risk youth and members of the community.
Her passion for disseminating information has produced a number of keynote podcasts, interviews, and educational presentations on Black Mental Health, anti-racism, navigating barriers in systems and equity in education; she was also instrumental in assisting in the contextualizing of and presenting a keynote talk on gender-based violence and mental health.
Dr. Garvey has earned recognition and accolades for her advocacy and social justice initiatives. Her positive impact on the lives of those she serves has garnered attention from community members, stakeholders, and leaders within her profession and from outside organizations. Her presentation at the recent OPSEU/SEFPO Provincial Women’s Committee Conference in December of 2023, where she created the educational and presented Revealing Women’s Silence Within Society While Navigating Social Constructs, which was described as transformative and life-changing, demonstrated her ability and commitment to fostering inclusive communities and advocating for the fair treatment of all women in society.
Dr. Crystal Garvey’s wealth of experience, commitment to equity, and transformative contributions make her an exemplary candidate for the women’s equity board seat at OPSEU/SEFPO.
Kaylee Heath
Kaylee Heath currently sits on OPSEU/SEFPO’s Provincial Young Workers Committee for Region 3. She is an engaged, passionate leader who has a long list of union participation and community involvement from Region 3 locals all the way to the provincial level. With her considerate, social butterfly spirit, she is always willing to help wherever she can. Kaylee is consistently willing to listen, learn, and consider others points of view in all situations. She uses her background as a mental health nurse to best understand and form her own opinions, using a multifaceted approach. In addition, Kaylee has an enthusiasm for community and organizing, be it for the labour movement, human rights, health care, or any other number of causes that she champions for. Most recently, she organized a toiletry and clothing drive for children and women’s shelters in Simcoe County, engaging multiple locals and community partners, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North Simcoe. Kaylee also worked with the Ontario Federation of Labour’s Young Workers Committee to plan the OFL Young Workers’ Summit that kicked off the 2023 OFL Convention. These types of traits are why Kaylee received the inaugural OPSEU/SEFPO Young Worker of the Year award in 2022.
Kaylee also uses her other passion, roller derby, to fundraise and give back to the community. As the leagues Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee Chair, some of the charities she has supported include the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, Georgian Bay Native Women’s Association, and a local charity that supports youth participation in recreational activities. Kaylee also works to organize her league to volunteer with rotary events in Orillia, Muskoka Pride, and Huronia Transition Homes’ Take Back the Night walks and the ceremony for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. Kaylee’s other experience includes sitting on her hometown of Penetanguishene’s community wellbeing committee as the youth representative, ensuring that municipal planning remains equitable for youth in her community.
Kaylee will serve the membership well with dedication and heart. She perseveres despite adversity. This could be seen when she lobbied her town council to reconsider the motion of calling on the Ontario government to repeal Bill 124 after it was already voted down. She continues her learning as a current Canadian Labour College student and involvement with her labour and area council. So, while she is nearing the end of her time as a “young worker”, this is actually a benefit. She will bring her experience and drive to fight for workers to the next generation of activists, as well as to the new frontier of equity board seats.
Robert Hampsey
(They / Them)
Currently living and working within the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations, Robert’s history intertwines with both settler and Indigenous ancestries.
Growing up, they learned the stories of their settler ancestors, whose struggles and achievements were openly shared.
While the echoes of Indigenous wisdom resonated within family values and teachings, connection to their Mohawk ancestry was only selectively talked about.
Robert’s connection to the land, and respect for all of it’s inhabitants, continues to motivate and inspire:
- Seeing the degree of inequity within Ontario caused Robert to actively try to create a more equitable society.
- Currently a caseworker for the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, they have spent the past 18 years providing assistance to people with various disabilities. Robert recognizes his unique ability to provide insight, practical assistance, and inspiration to some of Ontario’s most vulnerable and “at-risk” citizens – something Robert finds immensely rewarding.
Serving in their first-term as the Ministry Employee Relations Committee (MERC) vice-chair, Robert is skilled at presenting member concerns to senior employer representatives, highlighting inconsistencies between policy and practise, and holding the employer to account.
In 2009, Robert was elected as chair of the Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ceil and also OPSEU / SEFPO’s Equity-Chairs Committee.
During several terms in these roles, Robert engaged in organizational reviews, developed resolutions to address inequities. A critical component of these roles was to educated members, staff, and the executive board around the needs and experiences of diverse equity seeking groups. Robert is proud to continue as a member of the Alliance, mentoring new members of the Committee, while providing insight into past practices, the history of the Committee, developing strategies for the future, and helping 2SLGBTQ communities throughout Ontario.
In 2014, Robert was recruited by the Ontario NDP party leadership, and was successfully elected by the party members as one of the two LGBTQ committee co-chairs and executive board members. Robert has since consistently been re-elected to this position and continues to bring LGBTQ issues and concerns directly to the party leadership.
Robert also serves regularly as one of the Party’s anti-harassment officers. Ensuring the Anti-Harrassment Policy is adhered to, at all party events and activities, is the primary task of this role.
Anticipating possible problems, interjecting and interrupting concerning behaviours, and seeking immediate resolution has become central to this objective. When complaints arise, officers are responsible for investigating complaints, writing reports to the Party President and Administrative Committee, making recommendations for resolution, and in many cases, mediating a resolution between affected parties. In this role, Robert has refined their ability to have tactful, respectful discussions even when the conversations are difficult and uncomfortable.
Robert has demonstrated a strong commitment and dedication to equity throughout the work they have done professionally, with OPSEU/SEFPO and the Ontario NDP.
If elected to the role of 2SLGBTQ Equity Board Member, Robert commits to representing the concerns of the community over geographic boundaries, sectors or divisions.
