Printable PDF of Agenda – Section A Convention 2026

Welcome to the 2026 OPSEU/SEFPO Annual Convention!

The following documents are available on the website:

• Agenda – Section A Convention 2026
• Minutes of Convention 2025 – Section B Convention 2026
• Audited Financial Statements and Notes– Section C Convention 2026
• Budget – Section D Convention 2026
• Executive Board Report – Section E Convention 2026
• Remuneration and Expenses – Section F Convention 2026
• Resolutions – Section G Convention 2026
• Constitutional Amendments – Section H Convention 2026

Convention Office

The Convention Office is located in Room 204 on Level 200 of the MTCC.

• Wednesday, April 8 – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday, April 9 – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, April 10 – 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 11 – 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Registration, Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC)

• Wednesday, April 8 – 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Room 205/206AB (street level)
• Thursday, April 9 – 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Room 205/206AB (street level)
• Thursday, April 9 – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Convention Office (Room 204)
• Friday, April 10 – 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Convention Office (Room 204)
• Saturday, April 11 – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Convention Office (Room 204)

Please note that you must register and obtain your badge before you can attend Convention.

Convention 2026 Agenda

Thursday, April 9, 2026

9:00 a.m.

• Call to Order
• Indigenous Welcome
• Land Acknowledgement
• Statement of Respect
• Minute of Silence
• Opening Ceremonies
• Credentials Committee
• Adoption of Agenda
• Adoption of 2025 Convention Minutes
• President’s Address
• Nominations: Office of President
• Nominations: Office of First Vice President/Treasurer
• Report: Financials-Auditors
• Statutory Orders
• Executive Board Report
• Resolutions Committee
• Constitution Committee

12 noon

• Lunch
• Draw for the “Question-and-Answer Session” questions takes place beginning at noon. You must be present when your question is picked for it to be considered.

1:30 p.m.

• Budget Report

2:15 p.m. 

• Reports Continue
• Resolutions Committee
• Constitution Committee

3:00 p.m. 

• Recess Session for:
  • President – Question and Answer Session
  • First Vice-President/Treasurer – Question and Answer Session
  • Equity Question and Answer Session (15 minutes each)

5:30 p.m.

• Recess – General Session

Friday, April 10, 2026

9:00 a.m. 

• Call to Order
• Credentials Committee
• President Candidate Presentations
  • Election → President
• First Vice President/Treasurer Candidate Presentations
  • Election → First Vice President/Treasurer
• Ranking of Vice Presidents
• Constitution Committee
• Resolutions Committee

12 noon

• Lunch
• The People Vs. Doug Ford: Political Theatre Production (taking place in front of the MTCC)

1:30 p.m.

• Introduction of Solidarity Guests Reports Continue
• Resolutions Committee
• Constitution Committee

3:15 p.m.

• Equity Update
• DSRP Update
• Social Mapping Update

3:45 p.m.                                  

• Reports Continue
  • Resolutions Committee
  • Constitution Committee

5:00 p.m.

• Recess – General Session

7:30 p.m.

• OPSEU/SEFPO Awards Night (John Bassett Theatre) (Doors open at 7 p.m.)

Saturday, April 11, 2026

9:00 a.m.

• Call to Order
• Oath of Office – Executive Board
• Credentials Committee
• Outgoing Executive Board Members Recognition

9:30 a.m.

• Guest Speaker – Linda McQuaig

10:00 a.m. 

• Reports Continue
  • Constitution Committee
  • Resolutions Committee

11:45 a.m.

• Indigenous Closing

12 noon

• Adjournment

OPSEU/SEFPO Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy

This Policy, including the Statement of Respect, is to be posted in a visible location in all OPSEU/SEFPO buildings, as well as advertised through the website, newsletters and bulletins, locally, regionally and provincially. In addition, the list of approved Advisors, as well as any forms, will be available through regional offices and on the website.

Harassment and Discrimination Advisers

• Adviser 1: (416) 795-0657
• Adviser 2: (416) 795-0684

Statement of Respect

Harassment or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated at OPSEU/SEFPO functions.

Whenever OPSEU/SEFPO members gather, we welcome all peoples of the world. We will not accept any unwelcoming words, actions or behaviours against our union members.

We accord respect to all persons, regardless of age, creed, political affiliation and racialization including and not limited to People of African descent, Black, Caribbean, South Asian, Asian, Palestinian, women, men, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of ethno-racial groups, people with disabilities, gays, lesbians, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, and gender diverse persons, francophones and all persons whose first language is not English.

In our diversity we will build solidarity as union members.

If you believe that you are being harassed or discriminated against, contact any of the staff who are located at the back of the hall for immediate assistance or by calling the one of the numbers listed below.

Allergy Alert

Scent-free, Vape-free, Nut-free and Pet-free Policies

Workers are increasingly becoming sensitive to chemicals, scented products and certain foods, such as peanuts, peanut butter, pecans, walnuts, many chocolate bars and energy/nutrition bars.

For many individuals, attending conferences and meetings, and being exposed to perfumes, other strong scents and certain foods, can pose serious health risks, such as asthma attacks, respiratory problems and/or migraine headaches.

In the interests of the health and safety of the sisters and brothers whose health may suffer from any of these exposures, we ask you not to wear scented products or to consume nut products at any OPSEU/SEFPO events or OPSEU/SEFPO locations.

Also, due to these allergy concerns, OPSEU/SEFPO allows only service animals in any meetings, caucuses and hospitality suites, and on the Convention floor.

Environment – Water Policy

“To adequately safeguard the drinking water and the environment in Ontario, government laboratories must do all testing, and it is mandatory that all results be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.” (OPSEU/SEFPO Convention 2002)

“OPSEU/SEFPO will support and continue to promote efforts to bring privately-controlled water facilities under public control and promote increased transparency and public accountability of waterworks already under public control.” (OPSEU/SEFPO Convention 2002)

Please note: water coolers, insulated tumblers and compostable cups are provided for your use at Convention.

No Coca-Cola Products Policy

At the 2008 Convention, delegates passed a resolution to join the Coca-Cola boycott supported by several other unions, NGOs and social organizations from all over the world.

This resolution also instructs us to lobby the federal government to stop the negotiation of the Canadian-Colombia free-trade agreement based on the horrendous human and social rights violations record in Colombia, as well as on the negative effects it will have on job security here in Canada and on labour conditions in Colombia.

This policy is being implemented at OPSEU/SEFPO by banning all Coca-Cola products from all OPSEU/SEFPO offices and by ending the provision and sale of all Coca-Cola products at all OPSEU/SEFPO functions.

The following is a list of the most popular trademarks owned or used under licence by the Coca-Cola company and its related affiliates:

• Bacardi Mixers
• Barq’s
• Big Crush
• Bimbo
• Canada Dry
• Chinotto
• Dasani Water
• Fanta
• Five Alive
• Fruitopia
• Full Throttle
• Fuze Tea
• Inca Kola
• Mello Yello
• Minute Maid
• Peace Tea
• Powerade
• Sprite
• Swerve Daily Drink

OPSEU/SEFPO Green Policy

OPSEU/SEFPO is proud to make significant efforts towards reducing our carbon footprint. By working together, we have implemented several eco-friendly measures to reduce waste, minimise our carbon footprint and make convention more sustainable than ever before.

We have reduced the amount of paper printed by half, as attendees had an option to let us know they no longer require hard copies as part of the registration process.

We have also eliminated cover stock from printed materials, which not only saves resources but also lowers production costs.

We all have a responsibility to the environment, our communities, and the future of our planet to take action to reduce our environmental impact in everything we do. Please join us in making an effort to make this convention as sustainable as possible and let’s all continue to work towards a cleaner, greener union.

Common Abbreviations Used in OPSEU/SEFPO

• ACL – Association for Community Living
• ASU – Administrative Staff Union
• AGM – Annual General Meeting
• BPL – Building Powerful Locals
• BPS – Broader Public Service
• CAS – Children’s Aid Society
• CAAT – College of Applied Arts and Technology
• CCAC – Community Care Access Centre
• CCBA – Colleges Collective Bargaining Act
• CECBA – Crown Employees Collective Bargaining Act
• CERC – Central Enforcement and Renewal Committee
• CFSA – Child and Family Services Act
• CBS – Canadian Blood Services
• CLC – Canadian Labour Congress
• COLA – Cost of Living Allowance
• CSAO – Civil Service Association of Ontario
• CSC – Community Services Council
• CTC – Children’s Treatment Centre
• CWWA – Compressed Work Week Agreement
• DivEx – Divisional Executive
• EBM – Executive Board Member
• (E)ERC – Employer/Employee Enforcement and Renewal Committee
• EI – Employment Insurance
• ESA – Employment Standards Act
• GSB – Grievance Settlement Board
• HCDC – Health Care Divisional Council
• HLDAA – Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act
• HOODIP – Hospitals of Ontario Disability Income Plan
• HOOPP – Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan
• HPD – Hospital Professionals Division
• HSTAP – Hospital Sector Training and Adjustment Program
• LBED – Liquor Board Employees Division
• LEC – Local Executive Committee
• LERC – Local Enforcement and Renewal Committee
• LHIN – Local Health Integration Network
• LMC – Labour-Management Committee
• LTIP – Long Term Income Protection
• MDT – Membership Development Trainee
• MERC – Ministry Enforcement and Renewal Committee
• MPAC – Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
• NUPGE – National Union of Public and General Employees
• ODSP – Ontario Disability Support Program
• OFL – Ontario Federation of Labour
• OHRC – Ontario Human Rights Code
• OHSA – Occupational Health and Safety Act
• OLBEU – Ontario Liquor Boards Employees Union
• OLRA – Ontario Labour Relations Act
• OLRB – Ontario Labour Relations Board
• OJTBF – OPSEU Joint Trusteed Benefit Fund
• OPS – Ontario Public Service
• OPSEU – Ontario Public Service Employees Union
• OPSSU – Ontario Public Service Staff Union
• OPT – OPSEU Pension Trust
• PHRC – Provincial Human Rights Committee
• PSLRTA – Public Sector Labour Relations Transition Act
• PWC – Provincial Women’s Committee
• PYC – Provincial Young Workers’ Committee
• PSA – Public Service Act
• RVP – Regional Vice-President
• SAROC – Systemic and Anti-Racism Organizational Change Program
• SEFPO – Syndicat des employés de la fonction publique de l’Ontario
• SUB – Supplementary Unemployment Benefit
• TQM – Total Quality Management
• UMC – Union-Management Committee
• VEO – Voluntary Exit Option
• WSIA – Workplace Safety and Insurance Act
• WSIB – Workplace Safety and Insurance Board

Activities at a Glance

The following spaces will be available from Thursday, April 9 to Saturday, April 11

Last chance to bid on Silent Auction items is Saturday at 11:00am!

Tuesday, April 7

Wednesday, April 8

Thursday, April 9

Friday, April 10

Saturday, April 11

Simultaneous Interpretation of Convention Proceedings (French/English)

Simultaneous interpretation is provided for our Convention proceedings.

Receivers can be picked up from the simultaneous interpretation desk located at the top of the escalators, outside of Convention Hall. If you are not bilingual, you will need to keep you receivers handy during Convention sessions, since both official languages will be used.

These are battery operated receivers, and the batteries need recharging every night. Members are required to sign the receivers out each morning and return them to the simultaneous interpretation desk each evening for recharging.

The receiver must be returned to the simultaneous interpretation desk at the end of Convention.

Rules of Procedure: Use of Microphones

Pursuant to OPSEU/SEFPO’s Procedures Manual, there will be sixteen (16) microphones for the exclusive use of Delegates, eight (8) “Pro” and eight (8) “Con”. These microphones will be distributed across the Convention Floor and will be designated for use only by Delegates from the region in which they have been placed.

There will be two (2) microphones (Pro/Con) on the east and west ends of Convention Floor for the exclusive use of Alternates and Observers.

All microphones will be consecutively numbered 1 to 20, except that Region 5 will have four (4) microphones, two (2) “Pro” and two (2) “Con” but not numbered consecutively with the original set. The Region 5 microphones will be numbered: 1 (“Pro”) and 2 (“Con”), and 15 (“Pro) and 16 (“Con”).

On points for discussion open to the Delegates on the floor, the Chair will start at microphone 1 and work through subsequent microphones until closure/final vote on the point. Note that this procedure will mean speakers will be automatically alternating between “Pro” and “Con” arguments.

On subsequent points open for discussion, the Chair will open at the next following microphone. For example, if a previous discussion ended at microphone 7 (“Pro”), the next discussion will start at microphone number 8 (“Con”).

The Chair or designate will control microphone numbers so that appropriate direction can be given to Delegates.

Delegates wishing to raise a procedural point, in accordance with the Rules of Order, may use either “Pro” or “Con” microphones in their section or Region.

Microphone Queuing – New for 2026

We have introduced an electronic microphone queuing system for Convention 2026.

Members who wish to speak will approach the “Pro” or “Con” microphone assigned to their Region in the same way they would any other year. They will go to the electronic queuing device and scan the QR code located on their name badge. Once a member scans their QR code, the electronic queuing device will display options: Debate, Point of Order, Point of Privilege, and Point of Information. The member will select the correct option. Once the member has selected the correct option, they will be placed in the microphone queue, based on their microphone number (which will be either “Pro” or “Con”), their reason to speak, and following Robert’s Rules of Order.

Please note that OPSEU/SEFPO staff will be stationed at each microphone to assist members, as in previous years.

Process for Members who Cannot get to a Microphone due to Mobility Devices

1. A member who cannot get to a microphone due to the use of a mobility device (Member) will ask another member (Placeholder) to stand in line at the appropriate microphone (“Pro”/”Con” of the Region).
2. The Placeholder will scan their own name badge at the microphone queuing system and select the Member’s reason for speaking. When the Placeholder is called upon by the Chair, they identify themselves using name, local number, and state they are holding the microphone for the Member (e.g., “My name is Jack Black, Local 999, and I am holding this spot for Jean Green, Local 999”).
3. The Placeholder at the microphone then removes the microphone from the stand and walks it to the aisle adjacent to the mic area and gives it to the Member.
4. The Member identifies themselves by giving their name and local number. They then speak to their issue.
5. At the conclusion of their remarks, they hand the microphone back to the Placeholder, who brings it back and replaces the microphone in the stand.

Motion forms

Copies of motion forms for delegates are available from staff at the back of the hall. When making motions, please make sure you write legibly.

Before speaking on your issue, identify yourself by name and local number or committee affiliation.

Completed motion forms must be handed to the recording secretary at the front of the room as soon as you have finished speaking.

Role of staff

Staff assigned to work at Convention are easily identified by their staff badge. Each staff person assigned to Convention has a specific role and responsibility either on the Convention Floor, or in an administrative capacity, i.e., registration, convention office, etc.

The primary role of assigned staff is to facilitate the smooth running of Convention and your cooperation in assisting staff in carrying out their duties will be appreciated.

If you need any general assistance or information, please go to the Convention Office (Room 204).

If you need assistance on the Convention Floor, please see the staff at the back of the Convention Hall identified with a blue or yellow name badge holder.

If you need approval for a notice to go on the digital screens, please see the Floor Manager, who is located at the rear of the Convention Hall.

Credentials Committee

Please note that the Credentials Committee is located outside of the Convention Hall, at the top of the escalators.

Terms of reference

1. To receive and rule on complaints and/or irregularities regarding delegate credentials.
2. To allow, or refuse entry to the Convention floor, to any persons whose delegate credentials are in dispute.
3. To rule on and supervise the transfer of credentials from alternate to delegates at conventions, in accordance with Article 13 of the Constitution.
4. The committee reserves the right to review its terms of reference as circumstances dictate, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.

Guidelines for operation

1. Duties of the Credentials Committee:

The duties of the Credentials Committee of the Convention are to scrutinize the credentials of Delegates, Alternates and Observers (referred to as D/A/O), verify their entitlement to attend in the capacity sought, ensure that the Constitution is followed in respect to credentials, rule on disputed credentials (subject to any appeal to the Convention), and make reports to the Convention, as required, as to the number of registered Delegates, Alternates, Observers and Guests.

2. Irregularities in credentials:

If an irregularity is noted at the Convention Registration Desk, the potential Delegate/ Alternate/ Observer (D/A/O) is referred to a member of the Committee, who identifies the D/A/O by OPSEU card and Local number and checks the Convention registration database for Local and name. If verified, the Committee member makes a note in the registration data base, escorts the D/A/O to the registration desk. The registration staff will then issue the required credential.

If there is no documentation in the Convention registration database and the potential D/A/O has a photocopy, the Committee member makes a note in the database, escorts the D/A/O to the registration desk. The staff will then issue the required credential.

If there is neither documentation nor photocopy, the potential D/A/O must be verified as duly elected by reviewing the Local Credential or by an affirmation form signed by an EBM from the region and/or staff representative and/or the Local President. The Committee member makes a note in the registration database and escorts the D/A/O to the registration desk. The staff will then issue the required credential.

Where a D/A/O presents all copies of the credential form, the Committee member keeps the file copy and makes a note in the registration database. The Committee member escorts the D/A/O to the registration desk. A credential is then issued.

Escorts/aides for disabled Delegates/Alternates/Observers are issued guest badges at the registration desk. The escort/aid is entered in the database as a guest. The D/A/O is escorted by the escort/aide to a staff member at the door of the Convention, to be taken to the appropriate area of the floor. The escort/aide remains in the Guest section.

3. Lost Delegate/Alternate badges:

No replacement badge will be issued. The member may be issued guest badge only.

All accredited delegates must always wear their badge on the Convention floor.

Credentials Committee

Constitution Committee

Resolutions Committee

General information

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

For information on meetings in the area, please call 416-487-5591 (staffed 24/7)

Appeals for donations

The one-time Convention Donations Appeal takes place on Friday after lunch. Donation forms will be placed on the tables for delegates during the lunch break. Donations will be distributed among the various bona fide causes, and OPSEU/SEFPO will match all the donations collected up to a maximum of $5,000.

Escalators and elevators

As a safety precaution, all handout material must be distributed a minimum of 20 feet away from any escalator or 20 feet away from the front of elevator doors.

Fire exits

In case of emergency, please take note of the nearest fire exits on the Convention floor. The exits are clearly marked throughout MTCC.

Food court

The Simcoe Place food court is across the street. Accessible access to the food court is available from the CBC building.

Hotel checkout information for Saturday, April 11

Hotel checkout is 12 noon (no exceptions). You may bring your luggage to the bell captain’s desk in the main lobby of the hotel, where it can be stored until your departure.

Human rights accommodation

If you have mobility issues, please identify your evacuation needs with the hotel and the Convention floor regional staff assigned to your section.

Marketplace, Silent Auction and OPSEU/SEFPO Store in Constitution Hall (Lower Level – 105)

Don’t miss the displays in the Marketplace and don’t forget to bid on an item in the Silent Auction. Merchandise is also available in the OPSEU/SEFPO store. The Marketplace is open on Thursday and Friday. Please note that the Silent Auction closes on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Medical assistance throughout Convention

Ambulance paramedics are on duty on the Convention floor for emergency medical assistance.

Meeting announcements

Announcements of meetings of OPSEU/SEFPO groups during Convention may be shown on the digital screens. Please see the Floor Manager at the back of the room if you need a meeting announced.

Noise and electronic devices

Please note that all devices must be switched to “mute.” If you are outside the main doors to the Convention floor, please keep the noise down in the hallways.

No posting of advertising material

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre, all hotels contracted for Convention, Main Convention Floor and Marketplace prohibit posting of signs or any other promotional materials. Do not post anything on the walls in these buildings. Items posted will be removed immediately.

Security/lost and found at MTCC

The Security Unit and Lost & Found Services can be reached by calling 416-585-8160.

Please do not leave any personal items on the Convention floor.

Remember to take all your materials with you at the end of each day, as the tables will be cleared.

Future OPSEU/SEFPO Conventions

• April 8-11, 2027
• April 20-23, 2028
• April 26-29, 2029

O CANADA

O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all of us command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise The True North strong and free!

From far and wide, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Ô CANADA (version française)

Ô Canada! Terre de nos aïeux,

Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux! Car ton bras sait porter l’épée, Il sait porter la croix!

Ton histoire est une épopée Des plus brillants exploits.

Et ta valeur, de foi trempée, Protégera nos foyers et nos droits. Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

Solidarity Forever

When the union’s inspiration
 through the workers’ blood shall run
  There can be no power greater
   anywhere beneath the sun.
    Yet what force on earth is weaker
     than the feeble strength of one?
      But the union makes us strong.
          Chorus:
           Solidarity forever
           Solidarity forever
           Solidarity forever
           For the union makes us strong.
          They have taken untold millions
         that they never toiled to earn,
        But without our brain and muscle,
       not a single wheel could turn.
      We can break their haughty power,
     gain our freedom when we learn
    That the union makes us strong.
Chorus
 Solidarity forever
 Solidarity forever
 Solidarity forever
 For the union makes us strong.
  In our hands is placed a power
   greater than their hoarded gold;
    Greater than the might of atoms
     magnified a thousand fold,
      We can bring to birth a new world
       from the ashes of the old,
        For the union makes us strong.