Convention 2026 – Minutes of Convention 2025 – Section B

Minutes of Convention 2025 – Section B Convention 2026

Minutes of OPSEU/SEFPO Convention 2025

April 24 – 27, 2025 – Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Convention 2025 Procession

The Indigenous Circle lead procession enters the Convention Hall in the following order:

1. Drummers and singers including members of the Indigenous Circle.
2. Elder Dan Bowers.
3. Elder Ethel LaValley.
4. Elder Joanne Webb.
5. President JP Hornick.
6. First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell.
7. First Nations, Metis, and Inuit members attending Convention.

Krista Miracle, L571 Indigenous Circle Chair, introduced Elder Dan Bowers, Elder Ethel LaValley, and Joanne Webb to Convention 2025.

Elder Ethel LaValley, and Elder Dan Bowers offered remarks and opening prayers to Convention 2025.

Call to Order

Convention was called to order at 9:25a.m., and President JP Hornick was in the Chair.

President JP Hornick provided a Land Acknowledgement.

Elder Joanne Webb provided welcome remarks to Convention 2025.

President JP Hornick thanked Ethel LaValley, Elder Dan Bowers, Elder Joanne Webb, the Indigenous Circle members, and staff for their hard work on Convention 2025.

President JP Hornick introduced the OPSEU/SEFPO Reconciliation Story video to Convention 2025.

The Statement of Respect video was played.

President JP Hornick directed members and staff to OPSEU/SEFPO Equity Staff assisting with those who may feel harassed or discriminated against during Convention 2025.

The Canadian National Anthem video was played.

A minute of silence was observed for the OPSEU/SEFPO members and staff who have passed away since Convention 2024.

President JP Hornick welcomed the OPSEU/SEFPO Staff Unions Presidents to Convention 2025:

1. Len Elliot, Vice-President of the Administrator Staff Union (ASU)

• Cheryl Wing, President of the Ontario Public Service Staff Union (OPSSU)

President JP Hornick thanked the staff for their effort to bring forward Convention 2025.

First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell was in the Chair to provide Convention 2025 announcements.

President JP Hornick was in the Chair.

Credentials

Credentials Committee

Region 1                                          Natalie D’Onofrio, L102                                                        Member

Region 2                                          John Dickson, L222                                                        Member

Region 3                                          Grace Grieve, L302                                                        Member

Region 4                                          Paul Lahaise, L416                                                        Member

Region 5                                          Angela Lockhurst, L590                                                         Member

Region 6                                          Mia Cyr, L648                                                        Member

Region 7                                          Janet Ford, L701                                                        Member

Executive Board                               Nicole Anozie, L411                                                                  Board Liaison

Staff                                                 Jamie Corner                                                            Staff Advisor

Staff                                                 Amber Danbrook                                                        Secretary

Credentials Committee Report as of 10:07a.m.

Moved by Angela Lockhurst, L590/Grace Grieve, L302

• Motion to adopt the Credentials Committee Report as of 10:07a.m. as presented.

Motion to adopt the Credentials Committee Report as presented: CARRIED

Section A – Convention 2025 Agenda

Moved by Rod Bemister, L561/Tracy MacMaster, L561

• Motion to adopt the Convention 2025 Agenda as presented.

Moved by Erica Benn, L4106/Sandi Blanchert, L106

• Motion to amend the Convention 2025 Agenda to extend the budget time up to two (2) hours (from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.).

Motion to amend the Convention 2025 Agenda: CARRIED

The motion as amended.

• Motion to adopt the Convention 2025 Agenda as amended.

1. The Convention 2025 Agenda was amended to extend the budget time up to two (2) hours (from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.). 

Motion to adopt the Convention 2025 Agenda as amended: CARRIED

Section B – Minutes of Convention 2024

Moved by Rod Bemister, L561/Tracy McMaster, L561

• Motion to adopt the Minutes of Convention 2024 as presented.

Motion to adopt the Minutes of Convention 2024 as presented: CARRIED

President JP Hornick introduced the “Year in Review” and a video highlighting the work of the union played.

The President’s Address

President JP Hornick addressed the Convention Delegation bringing focus to the meaning behind the 2025 Convention theme, “Our Time is Now.”

President JP Hornick discussed the importance of solidarity amongst all workers now that there are deliberate efforts made to divide, disconnect and disenfranchise workers from one another. They called upon the labour movement to continue the fight for solidarity amongst each other emphasizing the call to be better, bolder, and stronger.

They reflected on the legacy OPSEU/SEFPO within Ontario, the growth of the union within each of the Ontario sector, and the opportunities for change within out current Labour climate.

President JP Hornick introduced the head table at Convention 2025:

Alison Neilson-Jones, Procedural Advisor

Cheri Hearty, Procedural Advisor

Jarrelle Johnson, Recording Secretary

Karlene Henry, Backup Recording Secretary

President JP Hornick introduced Barb Byers, former Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress, as the Rules of Order Advisor to Convention 2025.

President JP Hornick welcomed the Resolutions Committee to move the Statutory Resolutions.

Section G – Resolutions

Resolution Committee

Region 1                                          Darryl Bedford, L110                                                        Vice Chair

Region 2                                          Kevin MacKay, L240                                                        Member

Region 3                                          John Shirk, L362                                                        Member

Region 4                                          Christine Kelsey, L416                                                        Chair

Region 5                                          Rod Bemister, L561                                                         Member

Region 6                                          Laura Dumoulin, L675                                                        Member

Region 7                                          Stefanie Bourelly, L710                                                        Member

Executive Board                               Joel Usher, L381                                                                   Board Liaison

Staff                                                 Marc Casey                                                            Staff Advisor

Staff                                                 Gita Singh                                                        Secretary

Statutory Resolution A1

Submitted by: The Executive Board

Recommendation: For

Moved by Kristine Kelsey, L416/Darryl Bedford, L102

• Therefore be it resolved that as required by section 17 of the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, Convention confirms and approves the actions of the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board that created or amended a bylaw of OPSEU/SEFPO, as reflected in the minutes of the meetings of the OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board from the closing of the last Convention until the closing of this Convention.”

Motion to adopt Statutory Resolution A1 as presented: CARRIED

Statutory Resolution A2

Submitted by: Executive Board

Recommendation: For

Moved by Kristine Kelsey, L416/Darryl Bedford, L102

• Therefore be it resolved that as required by section 68 of the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, Convention appoints MNP LLP as Auditors of OPSEU/SEFPO for the fiscal year 2025 or until their successor is appointed.

Motion to adopt Statutory Resolution A2 as presented – Carried

Section E – Executive Board Report

President JP Hornick moved for the adoption of the Executive Board Report.

Moved by President JP Hornick /First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell

• Motion that the Executive Board Report be adopted as presented.

Motion to adopt the Executive Board Report as presented – Carried

Section C – Audited Financial Statements

First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell was in the Chair.

First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell invited Joe Bates, MNP Auditor, to the stage to present the Audited Financial Statements for the period ending December 31, 2025.

Joe Bates, MNP Auditor, presented the Audited Financial Statements for the period ended December 31, 2025.

First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell opened the Q&A session to the Convention floor and the virtual platform.

President JP Hornick was in the Chair.

President JP Hornick provided an update to the Cyber Incident and thanked staff for their efforts during the disruptions to normal operations.

President JP Hornick welcomed the Resolutions Committee to continue their report.

Section G – Resolutions (cont.)

Resolution L3

Submitted by: Region 1 Area Council, and also submitted by the Indigenous Circle, Sault Ste Marie & District Area Council, the Provincial Human Rights Committee, Nipissing Area Council, Kingston Area Council, Ottawa Area Council, the Provincial Young Workers Committee, the Provincial Women’s Committee and Sudbury Area Council

Recommendation: For

Moved by Stefanie Bourelly, L710/Christine Kelsey, L416

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has made the commitment to support the efforts and calls to action from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman and Girls (MMIWG) National Inquiry; and

Whereas this has been expanded to now include two-spirted, lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual plus (2SLGTBQIA+) people; and

Be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will renew its commitment to the 231 Calls to Justice, and National Action Plan to end Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and two-spirited, lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual plus (2SLGBTQIA+) people; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will renew its commitment by continuing to lobby the provincial, federal, and territorial governments and hold them accountable for failures to implement all the calls to justice.

Call for Justice 1.7 Final Report

Convention 2025 Recessed at 12:00 p.m. for Lunch.

Convention 2025 Resumed at 1:30p.m. for the Afternoon Session.

President JP Hornick was in the Chair.

Credentials

Credentials Committee Report as of 1:28p.m.

Moved by Grace Grieve, L302/John Dixon L222

• Motion to adopt the Credentials Committee Report as of 1:28p.m. as presented.

Motion to adopt the Credentials Committee Report as presented: CARRIED

Section D – Budget 2025

First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell presented the 2025 OPSEU/SEFPO Budget on behalf of the Executive Board.

Rebekah Okunade, Administrator of the Finance and Operations Division, and Art Slade, Supervisor of Accounting and Payroll were in attendance.

Moved by First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell/President JP Hornick

• Motion to adopt the 2025 OPSEU/SEFPO Budget as presented.

First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell opened the Q&A session to the Convention floor and the virtual platform.

Moved by Kingsley Kwok, L575/Tijana Rousety, L552

• The question was called for Closure on the question-and-answer period.

The question called for Closure on the question-and-answer period: CARRIED

Moved by Melissa Shaw, L475/Joel Usher, L381

• Therefore be it resolved that the 2025 OPSEU/SEFPO Budget is amended as follows:
• The 30% Regional Education Fund surplus reduction made by the Executive Board is returned and added to the 2025 Regional Education Fund; and
• The deduction from the Non-Right-to-Strike Fund made by the Executive Board that are inconsistent with the policy for accessing the Non-Right-to-Strike Fund are returned to the Non-Right-to-Strike Fund.

Moved by Darryl Beford, L110/Chad Croteau, L110

• Motion to divide the amendment into two logical parts.

Motion to divide the amendment into two logical parts: CARRIED

The first divided motion:

• Therefore be it resolved that the 2025 OPSEU/SEFPO Budget is amended as follows:
• The 30% Regional Education Fund surplus reduction made by the Executive Board is returned and added to the 2025 Regional Education Fund; and

Moved by Farhad Rahaman, L526/Michael Kaminski, L568

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion period.

The question called for Closure on the discussion period: CARRIED

The first divided motion:

• Therefore be it resolved that the 2025 OPSEU/SEFPO budget is amended as follows:
• The 30% Regional Education Fund surplus reduction made by the Executive Board is returned and added to the 2025 Regional Education Fund; and

Motion to adopt the amendment as presented: CARRIED

The second divided motion:

• Therefore be it resolved that the 2025 OPSEU/SEFPO budget is amended as follows:
• The deduction from the Non-Right-to-Strike Fund made by the Executive Board that are inconsistent with the policy for accessing the Non-Right-to-Strike Fund are returned to the Non-Right-to-Strike Fund.

Moved by Joel Usher, L381/Chris Butsch, L388

• Motion to amend the amendment to add, “And for those items approved from the Non-Right-to-Strike Fund to be approved by the General Fund.

As per the amended Convention 2025 Agenda, Orders of the Day occurred at 3:30p.m. which precluded further debate and voting on the amendment to the amendment and the second divided motion listed above.

The motion as amended.

• Motion to adopt the 2025 OPSEU/SEFPO Budget as presented.
• The 30% Regional Education Fund surplus reduction made by the Executive Board is returned and added to the 2025 Regional Education Fund; and

Motion to adopt the OPSEU/SEFPO Budget 2025 as amended: CARRIED

Section G – Resolutions (cont.)

Resolution L3 (cont.)

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has made the commitment to support the efforts and calls to action from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman and Girls (MMIWG) National Inquiry; and

Whereas this has been expanded to now include two-spirted, lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual plus (2SLGTBQIA+) people; and

Be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will renew its commitment to the 231 Calls to Justice, and National Action Plan to end Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and two-spirited, lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual plus (2SLGBTQIA+) people; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will renew its commitment by continuing to lobby the provincial, federal, and territorial governments and hold them accountable for failures to implement all the calls to justice.

Call for Justice 1.7 Final Report

Moved by Matthew Turner, L703/Andrew Kurtz, L724

• Motion to reconsider the Convention 2025 budget.

Moved by Dave Wakely, L277/Betty Palmieri, L206

• The Chair’s decision was challenged.  

First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell was in the Chair.

The decision of the Chair: UPHELD

President JP Hornick was in the Chair.

The motion continued:

Moved by Matthew Turner, L703/Andrew Kurtz, L724

• Motion to reconsider the 2025 OPSEU/SEFPO Budget.

Moved by Oliver Obaji, L446/ Mark McNulti, L499

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

The motion continued:

Moved by Matthew Turner, L703/Andrew Kurtz, L724

• Motion to reconsider the 2025 OPSEU/SEFPO Budget.

Motion to reconsider the 2025 OPSEU/SEFPO Budget: DEFEATED

Section G – Resolutions (cont.)

Resolution L3 (cont.)

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has made the commitment to support the efforts and calls to action from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman and Girls (MMIWG) National Inquiry; and

Whereas this has been expanded to now include two-spirted, lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual plus (2SLGTBQIA+) people; and

Be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will renew its commitment to the 231 Calls to Justice, and National Action Plan to end Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and two-spirited, lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual plus (2SLGBTQIA+) people; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will renew its commitment by continuing to lobby the provincial, federal, and territorial governments and hold them accountable for failures to implement all the calls to justice.

Call for Justice 1.7 Final Report

Motion to adopt Resolution L3 as presented: CARRIED

Resolution O1

Submitted by: Local 532

Recommendation: For

Moved by Laura Dumoulin, L675/John Shirk, L362

• Whereas a trade war hurts workers on all sides. Protectionism is the enemy of the impoverished and powerless; and

Whereas the foundation for social progress is solidarity with workers everywhere. An injury to one is an injury to all; and

Whereas Donald Trump has threatened a 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico to the USA (10% on all Canadian bitumen). Canada has stated that it will respond with a 25 per cent counter-tariff on $155 Billion worth of American goods (as of February 1, 2025) and

Whereas U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to “annex by force” Greenland and the Panama Canal, and to absorb by “economic pressure” the Canadian state and its riche; and

Whereas the rate of union representation in the USA was 11.2 per cent in 2023, compared to 20 per cent in 1983. In the Canadian state, union density was 29 per cent in 2023, compared to 37.6 per cent in 1984; and

Whereas America’s unfavourable conditions for workers, including collapsing public health care, education and transportation systems, its growing social inequality, its surging house-less population, its looming climate crisis, and its forever wars, including its complicity with genocide are all reasons not to join the United States; and

Whereas Ottawa and the mainstream politicians promote a Team-Canada approach. But as every worker knows, there are two Canadas – one for the rich, another for everyone else.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will call on the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) to actively build an alliance with unions and popular movements in the USA and Mexico to resist trade war protectionism; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO’s response to Trump’s trolling invitation to become the “51st state” is simply “No”.

Moved by Louise Beneteau, L163/Stephanie Miller, L163

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Resolution O1 (cont.)

• Whereas a trade war hurts workers on all sides. Protectionism is the enemy of the impoverished and powerless; and

Whereas the foundation for social progress is solidarity with workers everywhere. An injury to one is an injury to all; and

Whereas Donald Trump has threatened a 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico to the USA (10% on all Canadian bitumen). Canada has stated that it will respond with a 25 per cent counter-tariff on $155 Billion worth of American goods (as of February 1, 2025) and

Whereas U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to “annex by force” Greenland and the Panama Canal, and to absorb by “economic pressure” the Canadian state and its riche; and

Whereas the rate of union representation in the USA was 11.2 per cent in 2023, compared to 20 per cent in 1983. In the Canadian state, union density was 29 per cent in 2023, compared to 37.6 per cent in 1984; and

Whereas America’s unfavourable conditions for workers, including collapsing public health care, education and transportation systems, its growing social inequality, its surging house-less population, its looming climate crisis, and its forever wars, including its complicity with genocide are all reasons not to join the United States; and

Whereas Ottawa and the mainstream politicians promote a Team-Canada approach. But as every worker knows, there are two Canadas – one for the rich, another for everyone else.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will call on the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) to actively build an alliance with unions and popular movements in the USA and Mexico to resist trade war protectionism; and

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO’s response to Trump’s trolling invitation to become the “51st state” is simply “No”.

Motion to adopt Resolution O1 as presented: CARRIED

Section H – Constitutional Amendments

Constitution Committee

Region 1                                          Chad Croteau, L110                                                        Vice Chair

Region 2                                          Dave Wakely, L277                                                        Chair

Region 3                                          Jason Dulmage, L351                                                        Member

Region 4                                          Gillian Axten, L417                                                        Member

Region 5                                          Jonathan Singer, L560                                                         Member

Region 6                                          Arlene Proulx, L607                                                        Member

Region 7                                          Stacy Grieve, L736                                                        Member

Executive Board                               Ken Steinbrunner, L642                                                                  Board Liaison

Staff                                                 Lesley Gilchrist                                                            Staff Advisor

Staff                                                 Alison St. Amand                                                        Secretary

Constitutional Amendment H01

Submitted by: Greater Toronto Area Council

Recommendation: Acceptance

Moved by Gillian Axten, L417/Chad Croteau, L110

• Whereas members who have been laid off but retain recall rights depend on fair representation from the Union to enforce their recall rights, and still maintain significant attachment to the workplace;

Therefore be it resolved that Article 6.4 of the Constitution be revised to allow members on active recall to maintain their membership in good standing.

Convention 2025 Recessed for the Day at 5:00p.m. 

Convention 2025 Resumed on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 9:05a.m.

Friday, April 25, 2025

President JP Hornick was in the Chair.

President JP Hornick provided announcements for Day 2 of Convention 2025.

Credentials

Credentials Committee Report as of 9:02a.m.

Moved by Paul Lahaise, L416/Mia Cyr, L648

• Motion to adopt the Credentials Committee Report as of 9:02a.m. as presented.

Motion to adopt the Credentials Committee Report as presented: CARRIED

President JP Hornick invited the Equity Chairs to present their report to Convention 2025.

Equity Chairs

Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel                   Billie Bridgewater, 162

Provincial Young Workers Committee     Dana Bruno, L708

Disability Rights Caucus                         Janet Ford, L701

Provincial Francophone Committee        Linda Kuizenga, L714

Indigenous Circle Committee                  Krista Maracle, L571

Provincial Women’s Committee              Michele Morrison, L222

Coalition of Racialized Workers              Carol Mundley, L500

Provincial Human Rights Committee       TJ Taylor, L559

The Equity Chairs discussed their work within their committees and provided updates regarding the Five Calls to Action.

President JP Hornick invited Elizabeth Ha, L154, Krista Maracle, L571, Megan Carter, Viviane Guemgno to provide and report on the Dismantling Systemic Racism Program.

The Dismantling Systemic Racism Program discussed the impact of System Racism in the Workplace and provided ways for members to get involved.  

President JP Hornick invited Taylor McPhillips, L116, and Eric Lacroix, L471, and BluePrint Representatives to provide an update on the Social Mapping Project.

An update was provided on the results of the social mapping survey that was conducted within OPSEU/SEFPO’s membership.

Section H – Constitutional Amendments (cont.)

Constitution Committee

Constitutional Amendment H01 (cont.)

• Whereas members who have been laid off but retain recall rights depend on fair representation from the Union to enforce their recall rights, and still maintain significant attachment to the workplace;

Therefore be it resolved that Article 6.4 of the Constitution be revised to allow members on active recall to maintain their membership in good standing.

Motion to adopt Constitutional Amendment H01 as presented: CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment H02

Submitted by: Local 416 and Ottawa Area Council

Recommendation: Acceptance

Moved by Jonathan Singer, L560/Jason Dulmage, L351

• Whereas in Composite Locals, delegates to Regional and Convention meetings are drawn at large from the membership without regard to Unit; and

Whereas this could result in an entire unit of members not represented at Convention;

Therefore be it resolved that the Constitution be amended to allow Composite Locals to amend their bylaws to establish voting procedures to enable locals to elect at least one delegate from each Unit where numbers of delegates allow.

Moved by Mike Kaminiski, L568/Farhad Rahaman, L526

• Motion to refer Constitutional Amendment H02 to the Constitution Committee with instructions that Line 4 is amended to, “Locals may elect their delegates by plurality. Locals may elect their alternates by plurality.”

Motion to refer amendment H02 to the Constitution Committee: DEFEATED

Moved by Rod Bemister, L561/David Pearce, L559

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment H02 (cont.)

• Whereas in Composite Locals, delegates to Regional and Convention meetings are drawn at large from the membership without regard to Unit; and

Whereas this could result in an entire unit of members not represented at Convention;

Therefore be it resolved that the Constitution be amended to allow Composite Locals to amend their bylaws to establish voting procedures to enable locals to elect at least one delegate from each Unit where numbers of delegates allow.

Motion to adopt Constitutional Amendment H02 as presented: CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment H03

Submitted by: Executive Board

Recommendation: Acceptance

Moved by Stacey Grieve, L736/Gillian Axten, L417

• Be it resolved

Article 6 Membership

Every article not listed remains unchanged

6.3 A Member shall remain in good standing provided they are:

Not more than three months in arrears in payment of dues;

1. Gainfully employed in a bargaining unit for which the Union holds or seeks recognized bargaining rights; and
2. Not suspended or expelled from membership in good standing by decision of the Executive Board under Article 7.4. penalized by suspension or expulsion following a conviction under Article 30 of the Constitution; and
3. Not penalized by suspension or expulsion following conviction of a breach of the Union’s harassment and discrimination or personal harassment policy, provided that in accordance with any applicable laws, no such penalty shall require the employer to discharge such Member from employment.
4. Not penalized by suspension under Art. 16.10 of the Constitution.
5. Not penalized by failure to step down from an acting management or acting excluded management position under Article 6.8.2.

However, failure to meet the requirements of (a) or (b) above shall not disqualify Members who are absent from their regular place of employment on leave of absence, paid or unpaid

6.8.2 Any mMember who is in a temporary management or temporary excluded management position shall return to their home position when required, under

authority of the President, to do so. If they fail to step down, they shall be ineligible to seek or hold any Union office or function.

Article 7 Membership Rights

Every article not listed remains unchanged

7.2.2 All mMembers and Retired Members shall comply with may be removed from office and/or barred from running for office for a specified term by a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Board after a finding of a breach of the Union’s harassment and discrimination and or personal harassment policy (HDPP). Upon release of the final investigation report that details the finding of a breach of OPSEU/SRFPO’s HDPP, the Executive Board will meet within two weeks of the release of the final report and make a determination on the members status.

7.2.3 A member will be removed from office and will be barred from running for office if they refuse to return to their OPSEU/SEFPO bargaining unit position from an acting management or excluded management position when required, under authority of the President, to do so.

7.4 By two-thirds majority vote, the Executive Board may sanction a Member in good standing or a Retired Member for conduct that is contrary to Articles 6.8.2, 7.2.2, 14.7.3, 16.10, 29.9.4, 30, or for conduct that* the Executive Board determines is a serious breach of this Constitution or the policies of the Union.

7.5 Sanctions under Article 7.4 may include expulsion from membership, suspension from membership for a specified term, removal from elected or appointed union office, prohibition on seeking union office for a specified term, training programs, and other conditions placed on union membership.

7.6 Decisions made by the Executive Board under Article 7.4 shall be made in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness, including that affected Members and Retired Members shall receive reasonable notice and an opportunity to make representations to the Executive Board.

7.7 A Member or Retired Member who is suspended or expelled from membership shall continue to have the right to representation from the Union as required by law and all other rights required by law, but shall be ineligible to seek or hold elected union office, participate in union activities, or access other services from the Union.

Article 14 Election and Removal of Executive Board

Every article not listed remains unchanged

14.7.2 The Member-elect shall take the following oath during the Convention immediately following their election or appointment:

“ (I, , promise that I will uphold and obey the Constitution and duly-authorized policies of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union/Syndicat des employés de la fonction publique de l’Ontario, fulfil the obligations and responsibilities of my office to the best of my ability, and promptly deliver to my successor all monies, records, and other property of the Union in my possession at the close of my term in office.)

(I further promise to uphold the Union’s commitment to dismantling anti-Black racism, anti- Indigenous racism and all forms of racism and discrimination, and I will actively participate in all required OPSEU/SEFPO training and/or initiatives.)”

14.7.3 It shall be the duty of all Members of the Executive Board to uphold their oaths and failure to act in accordance with them shall be deemed to be contrary to the Constitution.

14.7.3 14.7.4 Except for the President and First Vice-President/Treasurer, the term of office for Members of the Board shall be from adjournment of the Convention at which they were Members-elect until adjournment of the regular Convention in the next election year. The terms of office for the President and First Vice-President/Treasurer may begin at any time up to 30 days after the adjournment of the Convention at which they were elected and shall end not more than 30 days after the adjournment of the regular Convention in the next election year, but salary shall be paid only for the period from adjournment to adjournment.

Article 16 Executive Board

Every article not listed remains unchanged

16.10 Members shall not participate or support any campaign to decertify or displace the Union in respect of any bargaining unit it is certified to represent. The Board may suspend from membership in good standing any member who participates in an attempt by another organization to displace the Union from its bargaining rights in respect of any bargaining unit it represents. Such suspension shall take place only as a result of a two-thirds majority roll call vote of the Board after the member has had an opportunity to present their views to the Board.

Article 30 Strikebreaking

Every article not listed remains unchanged

30.1.1 After giving reasonable written notice of a membership meeting to all Members of a Local for whom the Local has addresses, such notice to specify the purpose of the meeting and naming the Member(s) who is/are accused, and after all attending Members (and especially the accused) have had a reasonable opportunity to present their views, such local membership meeting may vote by a two-thirds majority to declare that a Member of that Local has engaged in strikebreaking, on more than one occasion, during a given legal strike by the Local.

30.1.2 Where a Local has been placed under trusteeship by reason of the proportion of strikebreakers, a declaration that a Member has engaged in strikebreaking contrary to Article 30.1.1 may only be made by the Region’s EBMs will determine following a two-thirds majority vote after providing affected Members with reasonable notice and an opportunity to make representations. which of the Local’s Members have engaged in strikebreaking. Such determination will only be made after a notice has been sent to all Members of the Local, identifying the members under consideration as strikebreakers, and after all Members have had a reasonable opportunity to present their views. After the matter of strikebreakers has been determined, the trusteeship shall be lifted.

30.2 Any declaration that a Member has engaged in strikebreaking contrary to Article 30.1.1 shall be referred to the Executive Board for consideration under Article 7.4. The assessment for damages to the Union for strikebreaking shall be an amount equal to 100 per cent of the strikebreaker’s wages earned during the strike, to a maximum of $10,000, in consideration of the harm to the Union caused by the strikebreaker’s action.

30.2.2 The strikebreaker will be suspended from membership, removed from any Union office currently held, and the Member’s name will be recorded on a central public registry. These penalties shall remain in effect until the assessment in Art. 30.2.1 has either been paid or collected, if necessary through enforcement in civil court.

30.3 The Member so penalized and/or assessed damages shall have the right to appeal to the Executive Board, which, after hearing all relevant evidence and arguments, shall have the authority to confirm, vary or nullify the penalty and/or forgive or vary the assessed damages, as it may in its discretion decide. After a period of one year from the date of imposition of the assessment set out in Article 30.2.1, and the penalty set out in Article 30.2.2, an individual may apply to their Local for the penalty to be lifted and/or the assessment to be forgiven. The Local may decide to confirm, vary or nullify the penalty and/or forgive or vary the assessed damages at its discretion.

30.3 Any Member who has been designated by statute and/or collective agreement as providing essential or emergency services and who is called to perform such work during a legal strike shall not be subject to any declaration, sanction, charge, damages,or penalty under this Article as long as the Member performs only such essential or emergency duties.

Move by Rachel Griffioen, L474/Mandy Steele, L474

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment H03 (cont.)

• Be it resolved

Article 6 Membership

Every article not listed remains unchanged

6.3 A Member shall remain in good standing provided they are:

Not more than three months in arrears in payment of dues;

• Gainfully employed in a bargaining unit for which the Union holds or seeks recognized bargaining rights; and
• Not suspended or expelled from membership in good standing by decision of the Executive Board under Article 7.4. penalized by suspension or expulsion following a conviction under Article 30 of the Constitution; and
• Not penalized by suspension or expulsion following conviction of a breach of the Union’s harassment and discrimination or personal harassment policy, provided that in accordance with any applicable laws, no such penalty shall require the employer to discharge such Member from employment.
• Not penalized by suspension under Art. 16.10 of the Constitution.
• Not penalized by failure to step down from an acting management or acting excluded management position under Article 6.8.2.

However, failure to meet the requirements of (a) or (b) above shall not disqualify Members who are absent from their regular place of employment on leave of absence, paid or unpaid

6.8.2 Any mMember who is in a temporary management or temporary excluded management position shall return to their home position when required, under

authority of the President, to do so. If they fail to step down, they shall be ineligible to seek or hold any Union office or function.

Article 7 Membership Rights

Every article not listed remains unchanged

7.2.2 All mMembers and Retired Members shall comply with may be removed from office and/or barred from running for office for a specified term by a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Board after a finding of a breach of the Union’s harassment and discrimination and or personal harassment policy (HDPP). Upon release of the final investigation report that details the finding of a breach of OPSEU/SRFPO’s HDPP, the Executive Board will meet within two weeks of the release of the final report and make a determination on the members status.

7.2.3 A member will be removed from office and will be barred from running for office if they refuse to return to their OPSEU/SEFPO bargaining unit position from an acting management or excluded management position when required, under authority of the President, to do so.

7.4 By two-thirds majority vote, the Executive Board may sanction a Member in good standing or a Retired Member for conduct that is contrary to Articles 6.8.2, 7.2.2, 14.7.3, 16.10, 29.9.4, 30, or for conduct that* the Executive Board determines is a serious breach of this Constitution or the policies of the Union.

7.5 Sanctions under Article 7.4 may include expulsion from membership, suspension from membership for a specified term, removal from elected or appointed union office, prohibition on seeking union office for a specified term, training programs, and other conditions placed on union membership.

7.6 Decisions made by the Executive Board under Article 7.4 shall be made in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness, including that affected Members and Retired Members shall receive reasonable notice and an opportunity to make representations to the Executive Board.

7.7 A Member or Retired Member who is suspended or expelled from membership shall continue to have the right to representation from the Union as required by law and all other rights required by law, but shall be ineligible to seek or hold elected union office, participate in union activities, or access other services from the Union.

Article 14 Election and Removal of Executive Board

Every article not listed remains unchanged

14.7.2 The Member-elect shall take the following oath during the Convention immediately following their election or appointment:

“ (I, , promise that I will uphold and obey the Constitution and duly-authorized policies of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union/Syndicat des employés de la fonction publique de l’Ontario, fulfil the obligations and responsibilities of my office to the best of my ability, and promptly deliver to my successor all monies, records, and other property of the Union in my possession at the close of my term in office.)

(I further promise to uphold the Union’s commitment to dismantling anti-Black racism, anti- Indigenous racism and all forms of racism and discrimination, and I will actively participate in all required OPSEU/SEFPO training and/or initiatives.)”

14.7.3 It shall be the duty of all Members of the Executive Board to uphold their oaths and failure to act in accordance with them shall be deemed to be contrary to the Constitution.

14.7.3 14.7.4 Except for the President and First Vice-President/Treasurer, the term of office for Members of the Board shall be from adjournment of the Convention at which they were Members-elect until adjournment of the regular Convention in the next election year. The terms of office for the President and First Vice-President/Treasurer may begin at any time up to 30 days after the adjournment of the Convention at which they were elected and shall end not more than 30 days after the adjournment of the regular Convention in the next election year, but salary shall be paid only for the period from adjournment to adjournment.

Article 16 Executive Board

Every article not listed remains unchanged

16.10 Members shall not participate or support any campaign to decertify or displace the Union in respect of any bargaining unit it is certified to represent. The Board may suspend from membership in good standing any member who participates in an attempt by another organization to displace the Union from its bargaining rights in respect of any bargaining unit it represents. Such suspension shall take place only as a result of a two-thirds majority roll call vote of the Board after the member has had an opportunity to present their views to the Board.

Article 30 Strikebreaking

Every article not listed remains unchanged

30.1.1 After giving reasonable written notice of a membership meeting to all Members of a Local for whom the Local has addresses, such notice to specify the purpose of the meeting and naming the Member(s) who is/are accused, and after all attending Members (and especially the accused) have had a reasonable opportunity to present their views, such local membership meeting may vote by a two-thirds majority to declare that a Member of that Local has engaged in strikebreaking, on more than one occasion, during a given legal strike by the Local.

30.1.2 Where a Local has been placed under trusteeship by reason of the proportion of strikebreakers, a declaration that a Member has engaged in strikebreaking contrary to Article 30.1.1 may only be made by the Region’s EBMs will determine following a two-thirds majority vote after providing affected Members with reasonable notice and an opportunity to make representations. which of the Local’s Members have engaged in strikebreaking. Such determination will only be made after a notice has been sent to all Members of the Local, identifying the members under consideration as strikebreakers, and after all Members have had a reasonable opportunity to present their views. After the matter of strikebreakers has been determined, the trusteeship shall be lifted.

30.2 Any declaration that a Member has engaged in strikebreaking contrary to Article 30.1.1 shall be referred to the Executive Board for consideration under Article 7.4. The assessment for damages to the Union for strikebreaking shall be an amount equal to 100 per cent of the strikebreaker’s wages earned during the strike, to a maximum of $10,000, in consideration of the harm to the Union caused by the strikebreaker’s action.

30.2.2 The strikebreaker will be suspended from membership, removed from any Union office currently held, and the Member’s name will be recorded on a central public registry. These penalties shall remain in effect until the assessment in Art. 30.2.1 has either been paid or collected, if necessary through enforcement in civil court.

30.3 The Member so penalized and/or assessed damages shall have the right to appeal to the Executive Board, which, after hearing all relevant evidence and arguments, shall have the authority to confirm, vary or nullify the penalty and/or forgive or vary the assessed damages, as it may in its discretion decide. After a period of one year from the date of imposition of the assessment set out in Article 30.2.1, and the penalty set out in Article 30.2.2, an individual may apply to their Local for the penalty to be lifted and/or the assessment to be forgiven. The Local may decide to confirm, vary or nullify the penalty and/or forgive or vary the assessed damages at its discretion.

30.3 Any Member who has been designated by statute and/or collective agreement as providing essential or emergency services and who is called to perform such work during a legal strike shall not be subject to any declaration, sanction, charge, damages,or penalty under this Article as long as the Member performs only such essential or emergency duties.

Motion to adopt Constitutional Amendment H03 as presented: DEFEATED

Section G – Resolutions (cont.)

Resolution C1

Submitted by: Local 701 also submitted by the Thunder Bay Area Council, Local 503 & 154

Recommendation: For

Moved by John Shirk, L362/Rod Bemister, L675

• Whereas Strike Pay for OPSEU/SEFPO members remains at the current rate of

$250.00 per week, with an increase to $350.00 per week for the fourth week and beyond; and

Whereas no cost-of-living increase has been applied to this rate.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO members receive an increased strike pay of $450.00 per week ($90.00 per day);

Be it further resolved that strike pay be increased to $550.00 per week ($110.00 per day) commencing week four and beyond;

Be it further resolved that the dependent entitlement be increased to $125.00 per week ($25.00 per day);

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO have a clear and transparent process to update strike pay, and dependent entitlement, equitably in a way that reflects the cost of living and is indexed to inflation to avoid falling behind in the future;

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO post this strike pay information in an accessible format to reassure the membership, and show resolve to all public sector employers; and

Be it further resolved that as part of its educational mandate, OPSEU/SEFPO provide ongoing education about the strike fund, supporting mechanisms (such as local top-up or hardship funds), the history of strikes, and how to prevent scabbing and strikebreaking.

Moved by Tijana Roussety, L552/Meagan Christou, L535

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Resolution C1

Submitted by: Local 701 also submitted by the Thunder Bay Area Council, Local 503, and Local 154

Recommendation: For

Moved by John Shirk, L362/Rod Bemister, L675

• Whereas Strike Pay for OPSEU/SEFPO members remains at the current rate of

$250.00 per week, with an increase to $350.00 per week for the fourth week and beyond; and

Whereas no cost-of-living increase has been applied to this rate.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO members receive an increased strike pay of $450.00 per week ($90.00 per day);

Be it further resolved that strike pay be increased to $550.00 per week ($110.00 per day) commencing week four and beyond;

Be it further resolved that the dependent entitlement be increased to $125.00 per week ($25.00 per day);

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO have a clear and transparent process to update strike pay, and dependent entitlement, equitably in a way that reflects the cost of living and is indexed to inflation to avoid falling behind in the future;

Be it further resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO post this strike pay information in an accessible format to reassure the membership, and show resolve to all public sector employers; and

Be it further resolved that as part of its educational mandate, OPSEU/SEFPO provide ongoing education about the strike fund, supporting mechanisms (such as local top-up or hardship funds), the history of strikes, and how to prevent scabbing and strikebreaking.

Motion to adopt Resolution C1 as presented: CARRIED

Resolution B4

Submitted by: the Thunder Bay Area Council

Recommendation: For

Moved by Rod Bemister, L675/Laura Dumoulin, L675

• Whereas Executive Board Members are elected by the leadership in their regions and communities;

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO recognizes the significant workload and responsibilities of our EBMs, and

Whereas EBMs are often required to undertake union business which may result in their positions not being backfilled, leading to an increased workload upon their return, and

Whereas such workload increases may contribute to burnout and undermine the well-being of our EBMs, and

Whereas it is essential to ensure EBMs have sufficient time to carry out union duties effectively.

Therefore be it resolved OPSEU/SEFPO will implement a policy to book off EBMs full-time for union business up to executive Board member discretion. This policy will ensure EBMs are not expected to perform double duties upon their return to work and that adequate time is allocated for them to complete union business, promoting both their mental well-being and the effectiveness of the union. This policy aims to safeguard against burnout, support our EBMs in fulfilling their union duties, and uphold the overall health and productivity of the workforce.

Be it further resolved that this start in 2026.

Moved by Erica Benn, L4106/Julie White, L4106

• Motion to refer Resolution B4 to the Resolutions Committee with instructions to change all references to “EBMs” to “RVP EBMs,” and to return immediately.

Convention 2025 Recessed at 12:00 p.m. for Lunch.

Convention 2025 Resumed at 1:30p.m. for the Afternoon Session.

President JP Hornick was in the Chair.

Credentials

Credentials Committee Report as of 1:30p.m.

Moved by Natalie D’Onofrio, L102/John Dickson, L222

• Motion to adopt the Credentials Committee Report as of 1:30p.m. as presented.

Motion to adopt the Credentials Committee Report as presented: CARRIED

Section G – Resolutions (cont.)

Resolution B4 (cont.)

• Whereas Executive Board Members are elected by the leadership in their regions and communities;

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO recognizes the significant workload and responsibilities of our EBMs, and

Whereas EBMs are often required to undertake union business which may result in their positions not being backfilled, leading to an increased workload upon their return, and

Whereas such workload increases may contribute to burnout and undermine the well-being of our EBMs, and

Whereas it is essential to ensure EBMs have sufficient time to carry out union duties effectively.

Therefore be it resolved OPSEU/SEFPO will implement a policy to book off EBMs full-time for union business up to executive Board member discretion. This policy will ensure EBMs are not expected to perform double duties upon their return to work and that adequate time is allocated for them to complete union business, promoting both their mental well-being and the effectiveness of the union. This policy aims to safeguard against burnout, support our EBMs in fulfilling their union duties, and uphold the overall health and productivity of the workforce.

Be it further resolved that this start in 2026.

Moved by Erica Benn, L4106/Julie White, L4106

• Motion to refer Resolution B4 to the Resolutions Committee with instructions to change all references to EBMs to RVP EBMs, and to return immediately.

The Chair ruled the referral out of order.

Resolution B4 (cont.)

• Whereas Executive Board Members are elected by the leadership in their regions and communities;

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO recognizes the significant workload and responsibilities of our EBMs, and

Whereas EBMs are often required to undertake union business which may result in their positions not being backfilled, leading to an increased workload upon their return, and

Whereas such workload increases may contribute to burnout and undermine the well-being of our EBMs, and

Whereas it is essential to ensure EBMs have sufficient time to carry out union duties effectively.

Therefore be it resolved OPSEU/SEFPO will implement a policy to book off EBMs full-time for union business up to executive Board member discretion. This policy will ensure EBMs are not expected to perform double duties upon their return to work and that adequate time is allocated for them to complete union business, promoting both their mental well-being and the effectiveness of the union. This policy aims to safeguard against burnout, support our EBMs in fulfilling their union duties, and uphold the overall health and productivity of the workforce.

Be it further resolved that this start in 2026.

Moved by Gordon Garrity, L701/Leanne Esarik, L701

• Motion to refer Resolution B4 to the Resolutions Committee with instructions that OPSEU/SEFPO will implement a policy to book off EBM’s up to full-time union business, based on Individual EBM’s discretion.

Moved by Logan Primo L4109/Oliver Obaji, L446

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Resolution B4 referral (cont.)

• Motion to refer Resolution B4 to the Resolutions Committee with instructions that OPSEU/SEFPO will implement a policy to book off EBM’s up to full-time union business, based on Individual EBM’s discretion.

Motion to Refer Resolution B4 to the Resolutions Committee: DEFEATED

Moved by Julius Arscott, L532/Tijana Rousetti, L552

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Resolution B4 (cont.)

• Whereas Executive Board Members are elected by the leadership in their regions and communities;

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO recognizes the significant workload and responsibilities of our EBMs, and

Whereas EBMs are often required to undertake union business which may result in their positions not being backfilled, leading to an increased workload upon their return, and

Whereas such workload increases may contribute to burnout and undermine the well-being of our EBMs, and

Whereas it is essential to ensure EBMs have sufficient time to carry out union duties effectively.

Therefore be it resolved OPSEU/SEFPO will implement a policy to book off EBMs full-time for union business up to executive Board member discretion. This policy will ensure EBMs are not expected to perform double duties upon their return to work and that adequate time is allocated for them to complete union business, promoting both their mental well-being and the effectiveness of the union. This policy aims to safeguard against burnout, support our EBMs in fulfilling their union duties, and uphold the overall health and productivity of the workforce.

Be it further resolved that this start in 2026.

Motion to adopt Resolution B4 as presented: DEFEATED

Resolution D1

Submitted by: Local 701 also submitted by Sudbury Area Council & Orillia Service Area Council

Recommendation: For

Moved by Darryl Bedford, L110/Rod Bemister, L561

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has almost 200,000 members.

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO continues to grow, evolve and adapt to the needs of our membership.

Whereas is a member driven union and continues to offer one of the lowest percentage of dues in Canada.

Whereas the cost of events, engagement, and member servicing have risen.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO have the First VP Treasurer, President, Executive Committee, and the Executive Board begin the process to increase dues by at least 0.125%, up from 1.375%; and

Be it further resolved that the dues increase be considered at Convention 2026.

Moved by James Arnold, L362/Neil Sero L362

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion – CARRIED

Resolution D1 (cont.)

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has almost 200,000 members.

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO continues to grow, evolve and adapt to the needs of our membership.

Whereas is a member driven union and continues to offer one of the lowest percentage of dues in Canada.

Whereas the cost of events, engagement, and member servicing have risen.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO have the First VP Treasurer, President, Executive Committee, and the Executive Board begin the process to increase dues by at least 0.125%, up from 1.375%; and

Be it further resolved that the dues increase be considered at Convention 2026.

Motion to Adopt Resolution D1 as presented: Defeated

Section H – Constitutional Amendments (cont.)

First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell was in the Chair.

Constitutional Amendment H04

Submitted by: Region 1 Area Council

Recommendation: Acceptance

Moved by Dave Wakely, L277/Arlene Proulx, L607

• Whereas the actions of Office holders have long lasting implications for OPSEU/SEFPO members; and

Whereas collective bargaining and member representation require a level of confidentiality to ensure that they are not compromised to the detriment of OPSEU/SEFPO members and trade unionism in general; and

Whereas there are currently no direct and specific consequences for Office holders who breach confidentiality.

Therefore be it resolved that the OSPEU/SEFPO Constitution be revised to hold accountable Office holders who deliberately threaten or commit a breach of confidentiality, by imposing specific and measurable sanctions.

Moved by Simon Langford, L124/Jessica Ganter L124

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion – CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment H04 (cont.)

• Whereas the actions of Office holders have long lasting implications for OPSEU/SEFPO members; and

Whereas collective bargaining and member representation require a level of confidentiality to ensure that they are not compromised to the detriment of OPSEU/SEFPO members and trade unionism in general; and

Whereas there are currently no direct and specific consequences for Office holders who breach confidentiality.

Therefore be it resolved that the OSPEU/SEFPO Constitution be revised to hold accountable Office holders who deliberately threaten or commit a breach of confidentiality, by imposing specific and measurable sanctions.

Motion to adopt Constitutional Amendment H04 as presented: DEFEATED

Present JP Hornick was in the Chair.

President JP Hornick welcomed Deena Laad, Executive Director of the Workers’ Action Centre, who delivered the Keynote address of Convention 2025.

Section G – Resolutions (cont.)

First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell was in the Chair.

Resolution J2

Submitted by: the Provincial Women’s Committee also submitted by Nipissing Area Council, Kingston Area Council, and the Provincial Young Workers Committee

Recommendation: For

Moved by John McSevney, L281/Christine Kelsey, L416

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is inclusive of all members, prioritizing accessibility as a fundamental principle of both the labour movement and the union itself; and

Whereas universal accessibility is essential to achieving full inclusion; and

Whereas the union is committed to building worker power to advance the labour movement and empower all members; and

Whereas members may obtain an operating advance, enabling them to function using union funds rather than their own personal finances; and

Whereas members are permitted to access advances to cover expenses such as lost wages, childcare, attendant care, transportation, accommodations, meals, mileage, and parking, ensuring participation in union activities is free from financial barriers;

Whereas the time required to process an advance is equivalent to that of processing an expense claim.

Therefore be it resolved that members who submit a request for an advance shall be granted the full amount requested, subject to standard union oversight and guidelines;

Be it further resolved that a clearly defined process be established and communicated to members, outlining how to apply for an advance and how it will be administered, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all; and

Be it further resolved that this be enacted within 3 months of adoption of the resolution.

Moved by Adrian Balojin, L206/Shanleigh Veniot, L238

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion – CARRIED

Resolution J2 (cont.)

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is inclusive of all members, prioritizing accessibility as a fundamental principle of both the labour movement and the union itself; and

Whereas universal accessibility is essential to achieving full inclusion; and

Whereas the union is committed to building worker power to advance the labour movement and empower all members; and

Whereas members may obtain an operating advance, enabling them to function using union funds rather than their own personal finances; and

Whereas members are permitted to access advances to cover expenses such as lost wages, childcare, attendant care, transportation, accommodations, meals, mileage, and parking, ensuring participation in union activities is free from financial barriers;

Whereas the time required to process an advance is equivalent to that of processing an expense claim.

Therefore be it resolved that members who submit a request for an advance shall be granted the full amount requested, subject to standard union oversight and guidelines;

Be it further resolved that a clearly defined process be established and communicated to members, outlining how to apply for an advance and how it will be administered, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all; and

Be it further resolved that this be enacted within 3 months of adoption of the resolution.

Motion to adopt Resolution J2 as presented: CARRIED

Section H – Constitutional Amendments (cont.)

First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell was in the Chair.

Constitutional Amendment H05

Submitted by: Nipissing Area Council, Southwest Area Council, Sudbury Area Council, and Retired Members Division

Recommendation: No Recommendation

Moved by Arlene Proulx, L607/Jason Dulmage, L351

• Whereas Article 6.11 says, “A Member in good standing (as defined in Article 6.3), or an employee of the Union, who ceases to be employed in an OPSEU/SEFPO bargaining unit and leaves the work force by retiring directly to a pension (including a disability pension) earned in their workplace, or retiring from a bargaining unit with no pension plan, is entitled to become and remain a Retired Member on payment of dues of $10.00, provided that the Member or employee is not in the employ of the Union. Retired Members will remain on the Union’s mailing lists for whatever publications they wish to receive. A Retired Member shall have the right to participate, with voice but no vote, in the activities of the Local to which they belonged at the time of retirement, or of a more readily accessible Local upon consent of that Local. However, such participation shall not add to the Local’s entitlement to dues rebates or delegates.”

And whereas members of the Retired Members Division still wish to be active, contribute and participate in their union

Therefore be it resolved that Articles 6 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution will be amended by adding a new Article 6.11.2 which will state: Notwithstanding other provisions within Article 6.3, any retired member who has paid honorary dues and who is on the Retired Members Division mailing list shall be deemed “an active member in good standing”.

Motion to adopt Constitutional Amendment H05 as presented: CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment H06

Submitted by: Sudbury Area Council and Coalition of Racialized Workers

Recommendation: Acceptance

Moved by Jason Dulmage, L351/Gillian Axten, L417

• Whereas Black people have been in Canada since the early 17th century and since that time, they have faced racism, discrimination and hostility based on the colour of their skin; and

Whereas anti-Black racism has manifested itself throughout history in the form of slavery (the transatlantic slave trade) and segregation; and

Whereas anti-Black racism continues to manifest itself in current systems and structures in the form of policy brutality, harassment and discrimination in employment, and in the resistance to activism for change; and

Whereas it is important to specifically name and work to dismantle anti-Black racism; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is actively committed to dismantling anti-Black racism and has implemented systemic changes such as the Dismantling Systemic Racism Program (DSRP) to ensure that Black members feel included and part of their union; and

Whereas the OPSEU/SEFPO Coalition of Racialized Workers (CoRW) has been instrumental in leading the fight to break down systemic barriers that keep Black voices out of decision-making tables; and

Whereas in 2022 CoRW (formerly the Workers of Colour Caucus) officially became a provincial equity committee, and its standing recognized in Article 19.7 of the Constitution.

Therefore be it resolved that the name of the Coalition of Racialized Workers Committee (CoRW) be changed to the Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee (CoBRW); and

Be it further resolved that Article 19.7 of the Constitution be updated accordingly along with all other OPSEU/SEFPO materials, policy communications, etc. that include CoRW.

Article 19.7 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution (changes in bold)

19.7 There shall be a Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee composed of two (2) members from each Region. The Members of the Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee shall be selected triennially by the Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee from interested members who apply to fill vacancies within their Region. The function of the Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee shall be to assist in creating networks within the Regions, to develop and promote programs to encourage Black and racialized members to participate in Union activities, and to increase the awareness and understanding of issues that impact Black and racialized members throughout the membership.

Convention 2025 Recessed for the Day 5:00 p.m.

Convention 2025 Resumed on Saturday, April 26, 2025 9:00am

Saturday, April 26, 2025

President JP Hornick was in the Chair.

President JP Hornick provided the Day 3 announcements for Convention 2025.

Credentials

Credentials Committee Report as of 9:02a.m.

Moved by John Dickson, L222/Paul Lahaise, L416

• Motion to adopt the Credentials Committee Report as of 9:00a.m. as presented.

Motion to adopt the Credentials Committee Report as presented: CARRIED

First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell in the Chair.

Section G – Resolutions (cont.)

Resolution M16

Submitted by: South West Area Council

Recommendation: For

Moved by Darryl Bedford, L110/Johns Shirk, L362

• Whereas under section 2.8 GOVERNANCE POLICY – The budget will provide for a local union member Time Off Fund. The fund shall be for the purpose of allowing Local members in good standing time off to address members issues and for the administration of their local union; and

Whereas the Local Time-Off (80/20) Fund Under OPSEU/SEFPO policy, locals may apply to use the Local Time-Off Fund (80/20) to help fund the work of the local. The fund will be based on the following formula: $35.00 per member in good standing per year. OPSEU/SEFPO Head Office will contribute $28.00 per member per year and the Local Union will contribute $7.00 per member Fund eligibility requires the following:

1. Trustee Audit Reports are up to date.
2. Prior approval must be received from Staff Representative.
3. Forms must be signed by two officers other than the person requesting the local time-off leave. Usage is at the sole discretion of the Local Executive Committee (LEC).
4. The form must be fully completed. Only wages are covered by the fund (cannot be used for own time) Where possible, employer “bill backs” should be utilized. The local’s share of the costs will be deducted from its quarterly rebate. Where employer “billbacks” are not possible, the member completes an expense claim form, claiming lost wages.

Accounting will process reimbursement of lost wages to the member minus statutory deductions, upon proof of lost wages along with the Local Time-Off Fund Application for Reimbursement Form.

The fund will provide a minimum of one day per year for any local that has a maximum entitlement that is less than the cost of lost wages for one day, by topping up that entitlement.

The Local Time-Off Fund shall not be utilized for locals to send alternates or observers to central union functions including conventions, conferences, and divisional meetings.

The fund cannot be used for attendance at regional educational or sectoral meetings.

There will be no retro-active payments or carry-over of monies from the fund.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO amend the amount to be $50.00 per member in good standing per year. OPSEU/SEFPO will contribute $40.00 per member per year and the local will contribute $10.00 per member per year.

Moved by Sam Cheetle, L5110/Matthew Higginson, L503 – Closure

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Resolution M16 (cont.)

• Whereas under section 2.8 GOVERNANCE POLICY – The budget will provide for a local union member Time Off Fund. The fund shall be for the purpose of allowing Local members in good standing time off to address members issues and for the administration of their local union; and

Whereas the Local Time-Off (80/20) Fund Under OPSEU/SEFPO policy, locals may apply to use the Local Time-Off Fund (80/20) to help fund the work of the local. The fund will be based on the following formula: $35.00 per member in good standing per year. OPSEU/SEFPO Head Office will contribute $28.00 per member per year and the Local Union will contribute $7.00 per member Fund eligibility requires the following:

1. Trustee Audit Reports are up to date.
2. Prior approval must be received from Staff Representative.
3. Forms must be signed by two officers other than the person requesting the local time-off leave. Usage is at the sole discretion of the Local Executive Committee (LEC).
4. The form must be fully completed. Only wages are covered by the fund (cannot be used for own time) Where possible, employer “bill backs” should be utilized. The local’s share of the costs will be deducted from its quarterly rebate. Where employer “billbacks” are not possible, the member completes an expense claim form, claiming lost wages.

Accounting will process reimbursement of lost wages to the member minus statutory deductions, upon proof of lost wages along with the Local Time-Off Fund Application for Reimbursement Form.

The fund will provide a minimum of one day per year for any local that has a maximum entitlement that is less than the cost of lost wages for one day, by topping up that entitlement.

The Local Time-Off Fund shall not be utilized for locals to send alternates or observers to central union functions including conventions, conferences, and divisional meetings.

The fund cannot be used for attendance at regional educational or sectoral meetings.

There will be no retro-active payments or carry-over of monies from the fund.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO amend the amount to be $50.00 per member in good standing per year. OPSEU/SEFPO will contribute $40.00 per member per year and the local will contribute $10.00 per member per year.

Motion to adopt Resolution M16 as presented: DEFEATED

Moved by Turner, L703/Gordon Garrity, L701

• Motion to Reconsider Resolution D1.

Moved by Evan Palmer, L377 /Stacey Foster, L377

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

• Motion to reconsider Resolution D1 (cont.)

Motion to Reconsider Resolution D1: DEFEATED

President JP Hornick was in the Chair.

Section H – Constitutional Amendments (cont.)

Constitutional Amendment H06 (cont.)

Submitted by: Sudbury Area Council and Coalition of Racialized Workers

Recommendation: Acceptance

Moved by Jason Dulmage, L351/Gillian Axten, L417

• Whereas Black people have been in Canada since the early 17th century and since that time, they have faced racism, discrimination and hostility based on the colour of their skin; and

Whereas anti-Black racism has manifested itself throughout history in the form of slavery (the transatlantic slave trade) and segregation; and

Whereas anti-Black racism continues to manifest itself in current systems and structures in the form of policy brutality, harassment and discrimination in employment, and in the resistance to activism for change; and

Whereas it is important to specifically name and work to dismantle anti-Black racism; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is actively committed to dismantling anti-Black racism and has implemented systemic changes such as the Dismantling Systemic Racism Program (DSRP) to ensure that Black members feel included and part of their union; and

Whereas the OPSEU/SEFPO Coalition of Racialized Workers (CoRW) has been instrumental in leading the fight to break down systemic barriers that keep Black voices out of decision-making tables; and

Whereas in 2022 CoRW (formerly the Workers of Colour Caucus) officially became a provincial equity committee, and its standing recognized in Article 19.7 of the Constitution.

Therefore be it resolved that the name of the Coalition of Racialized Workers Committee (CoRW) be changed to the Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee (CoBRW); and

Be it further resolved that Article 19.7 of the Constitution be updated accordingly along with all other OPSEU/SEFPO materials, policy communications, etc. that include CoRW.

Article 19.7 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution (changes in bold)

19.7 There shall be a Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee composed of two (2) members from each Region. The Members of the Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee shall be selected triennially by the Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee from interested members who apply to fill vacancies within their Region. The function of the Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee shall be to assist in creating networks within the Regions, to develop and promote programs to encourage Black and racialized members to participate in Union activities, and to increase the awareness and understanding of issues that impact Black and racialized members throughout the membership.

Moved by Louise Benito, L163/Danielle Steele, L163

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment H06 (cont.)

• Whereas Black people have been in Canada since the early 17th century and since that time, they have faced racism, discrimination and hostility based on the colour of their skin; and

Whereas anti-Black racism has manifested itself throughout history in the form of slavery (the transatlantic slave trade) and segregation; and

Whereas anti-Black racism continues to manifest itself in current systems and structures in the form of policy brutality, harassment and discrimination in employment, and in the resistance to activism for change; and

Whereas it is important to specifically name and work to dismantle anti-Black racism; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is actively committed to dismantling anti-Black racism and has implemented systemic changes such as the Dismantling Systemic Racism Program (DSRP) to ensure that Black members feel included and part of their union; and

Whereas the OPSEU/SEFPO Coalition of Racialized Workers (CoRW) has been instrumental in leading the fight to break down systemic barriers that keep Black voices out of decision-making tables; and

Whereas in 2022 CoRW (formerly the Workers of Colour Caucus) officially became a provincial equity committee, and its standing recognized in Article 19.7 of the Constitution.

Therefore be it resolved that the name of the Coalition of Racialized Workers Committee (CoRW) be changed to the Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee (CoBRW); and

Be it further resolved that Article 19.7 of the Constitution be updated accordingly along with all other OPSEU/SEFPO materials, policy communications, etc. that include CoRW.

Article 19.7 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution (changes in bold)

19.7 There shall be a Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee composed of two (2) members from each Region. The Members of the Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee shall be selected triennially by the Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee from interested members who apply to fill vacancies within their Region. The function of the Coalition of Black and Racialized Workers Committee shall be to assist in creating networks within the Regions, to develop and promote programs to encourage Black and racialized members to participate in Union activities, and to increase the awareness and understanding of issues that impact Black and racialized members throughout the membership.

Motion to adopt Constitutional Amendment H06: DEFEATED

Constitutional Amendment H07

Submitted by Local 110 and Region 1 Area Council – The committee recommends acceptance

Recommendation: Acceptance

Moved by Arlene Proulx, L607/Chad Croteau L110

• Whereas Executive Board Members are tasked with managing OPSEU/SEFPO’s operation, and

Whereas the decisions made by Executive Board Members can have significant long-lasting effects on membership of OPSEU/SEFPO, and

Whereas the employers whose workforce is represented by OPSEU/SEFPO are all unique and complex in their operations, and

Whereas the knowledge gained while employed in a workplace represented by OPSEU/SEFPO is intrinsic to the sound decision making of Executive Board Members;

Therefore be it resolved that the candidacy requirements for potential Executive Board Members be revised to require Executive Board Member candidates be actively employed at a workplace represented by OPSEU/SEFPO or have an active grievance filed against an OPSEU/SEFPO employer for wrongful termination.

Motion to adopt Constitutional Amendment H07: CARRIED 

Constitutional Amendment H08

Submitted by Local 154, Nipissing Area Council, Rideau St. Lawrence Area Council, Southwest Area Council, Sudbury Area Council, and Retired Members Division

Moved by Chad Croteau, L110/Jason Delmage, L351.

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO at 2022 Convention passed important changes to the OPSEU/SEFPO constitution. These changes recognize the presence and prevalence of systemic racism affecting Black, Racialized and Indigenous members within the Union.

And Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution Article 13.4 reads, “Delegate entitlement to Conventions shall be as follows: …e. One member per Region of each of the Article 19 Provincial Committees shall be entitled to be delegates.”

And Whereas Article 13.4(e), as it currently reads is not congruent with the Article 19 entitlements for the Coalition of Racialized Workers; Indigenous Circle and Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel which set the number of members of each committee at fourteen members. Yet only seven are allowed to attend the convention as delegates. These committees represent the underrepresented marginalized and disadvantaged, and historically excluded members of the union and therefore all representatives of these committees should have a voting voice at convention.

And Whereas all members of the Coalition of Racialized Workers Committee along with the other Article 19 Provincial Committees are faced with exclusionary policies within Article 13.4(e) from attending Conventions to represent their members’ voices and perform the work they were elected to do on behalf of Black and Racialized Workers, and the other marginalized and underrepresented members contrary to OPSEU/SEFPO’s pledge to be a more inclusive, diverse and equitable union.

And Whereas, Article 13.3.1 states that “Calculation of delegate entitlement shall be based on membership records at Union Headquarters as of the date of certification,” for locals.

Therefore Be It Resolved that effective immediately that OPSEU/SEFPO Article 13.4(e) shall be amended to read “All elected delegates per Region of each of the Article 19 Provincial Committees shall be entitled to be automatic delegates to OPSEU/SEFPO Convention.”

Moved by Adrian Balojin L206/Betty Palmieri L206

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment H08 (cont.)

Submitted by Local 154, Nipissing Area Council, Rideau St. Lawrence Area Council, Southwest Area Council, Sudbury Area Council, and Retired Members Division

Moved by Chad Croteau, L110/Jason Delmage, L351

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO at 2022 Convention passed important changes to the OPSEU/SEFPO constitution. These changes recognize the presence and prevalence of systemic racism affecting Black, Racialized and Indigenous members within the Union.

And Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution Article 13.4 reads, “Delegate entitlement to Conventions shall be as follows: …e. One member per Region of each of the Article 19 Provincial Committees shall be entitled to be delegates.”

And Whereas Article 13.4(e), as it currently reads is not congruent with the Article 19 entitlements for the Coalition of Racialized Workers; Indigenous Circle and Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel which set the number of members of each committee at fourteen members. Yet only seven are allowed to attend the convention as delegates. These committees represent the underrepresented marginalized and disadvantaged, and historically excluded members of the union and therefore all representatives of these committees should have a voting voice at convention.

And Whereas all members of the Coalition of Racialized Workers Committee along with the other Article 19 Provincial Committees are faced with exclusionary policies within Article 13.4(e) from attending Conventions to represent their members’ voices and perform the work they were elected to do on behalf of Black and Racialized Workers, and the other marginalized and underrepresented members contrary to OPSEU/SEFPO’s pledge to be a more inclusive, diverse and equitable union.

And Whereas, Article 13.3.1 states that “Calculation of delegate entitlement shall be based on membership records at Union Headquarters as of the date of certification,” for locals.

Therefore Be It Resolved that effective immediately that OPSEU/SEFPO Article 13.4(e) shall be amended to read “All elected delegates per Region of each of the Article 19 Provincial Committees shall be entitled to be automatic delegates to OPSEU/SEFPO Convention.”

Motion to adopt Constitution Amendment H08: DEFEATED

Constitutional Amendment H09

Submitted by Nipissing Area Council, Rideau St. Lawrence Area Council, Southwest Area Council, Sudbury Area Council, and Retired Members Division

Recommendation: Defeat

Moved by Arlene Proulx, L607/Chad Croteau, L110

• Whereas thousands of retired OPSEU/SEFPO members continue to support, and

Whereas the function of a proposed Retired Members Committee shall be to assist in fulfilling education and support of members with the Regions, to develop and promote programs to encourage retirees to participate in Union activities and increase understanding of union issues; and

Whereas retired members represent a powerful and largely untapped resource that can be engaged and mobilized to support OPSEU/SEFPO members and their labour allies during bargaining campaigns, strikes and lockouts and political action campaigns; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO Retirees are currently considered a division under Occupational Division; and

Whereas retirees report to equity unit for financial and staffing oversight; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO President’s office signs off on Retiree’s bylaws; and

Whereas The Retiree’s division chairs have not been recognized as a committee; and

Therefore be it resolved that article 19.8 of the OPSEU/SEFPO constitution be added so there shall be a Provincial Retirees Committee, composed of the Retired Member Division Chair from each Region, to be elected at the regular (tri)(bi)annual Retirees Regional election meetings.

Moved by Roan Shire, L500/Federica Verdini, L596 – Closure

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment H09 (cont.)

• Whereas thousands of retired OPSEU/SEFPO members continue to support, and

Whereas the function of a proposed Retired Members Committee shall be to assist in fulfilling education and support of members with the Regions, to develop and promote programs to encourage retirees to participate in Union activities and increase understanding of union issues; and

Whereas retired members represent a powerful and largely untapped resource that can be engaged and mobilized to support OPSEU/SEFPO members and their labour allies during bargaining campaigns, strikes and lockouts and political action campaigns; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO Retirees are currently considered a division under Occupational Division; and

Whereas retirees report to equity unit for financial and staffing oversight; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO President’s office signs off on Retiree’s bylaws; and

Whereas The Retiree’s division chairs have not been recognized as a committee; and

Therefore be it resolved that article 19.8 of the OPSEU/SEFPO constitution be added so there shall be a Provincial Retirees Committee, composed of the Retired Member Division Chair from each Region, to be elected at the regular (tri)(bi)annual Retirees Regional election meetings.

Motion to adopt Constitution Amendment Resolution H09: DEFEATED

Constitutional Amendment H11

Submitted Region 1 Area Council

Recommendation: Defeat

Moved by Dave Wakely, L277/Jonathan Singer, L560

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is a fair and transparent union, and shares resources as a way to build strength and solidarity;

Whereas all members of OPSEU/SEFPO contribute to the strike fund, which supports bargaining units that have a legal right to strike with funding “between a successful strike vote and the start of a strike for lobbying, mobilizing and other necessary expenses for member activities”, in accordance with the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution and policy; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO bargaining units that do not have a legal right to strike under applicable statutes also require financial support for collective bargaining, lobbying, organizing, and other expenses prior to interest arbitration, which funding is currently provided by the OPSEU/SEFPO budget and/or approval by the Executive Board; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO supports collective bargaining for members who do not have the legal right to strike in the same manner and with a similar process as it supports members who do have the legal right to strike;

Therefore be it resolved that the Constitution be amended as follows:

23.1 The Union shall maintain a Strike Fund, whose assets shall be used only for the following purposes:

a. for strike pay and expenses related to strikes, lockouts and other work stoppage situations involving Union members; and

b. for expenses related to collective bargaining and interest arbitration involving Union members who do not have a legal right to strike; and

c. upon a two-thirds majority roll-call vote of the Executive Board, to make interest free loans to other striking unions where the Board deems such loans to be in the interests of Union Members.

Moved by Tracy McMaster, L561/Robert Hampsey, L586

• Motion to refer Constitutional Amendment H11 to the Constitution Committee with instructions that the committee Create a process to comeback to Convention 2026 with language that will reconcile this amendment with the $10,000,000.00 Non-Right-to-Strike Fund that the Board created.

Moved by Melissa Shaw, L475/Joel Usher L381.

• The Chair’s decision was challenged.

First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell was in the Chair.

The Chair’s decision was: UPHELD

President Hornick was in the Chair.

Convention 2025 Recessed for Lunch at 12:02p.m.

Convention 2025 Resumed for the Afternoon session at 1:30pm.

President JP Hornick was in the Chair.

Credentials

Credentials Committee Report as of 1:30p.m.

Moved by Angela Lockhurst, 590/Mia Cyr, L648

• Motion to adopt the Credentials Committee Report as of 1:30p.m. as presented.

Motion to adopt the Credentials Committee Report as presented: CARRIED

President JP Hornick welcomed guest speaker, Latoia Jones, Organizer, Community Activist, and Strategist, to Convention 2025.

Latoia Jones, Organizer, Community Activist, and Strategist, addressed Convention 2025.

Section G – Resolutions (cont.)

Resolution M11

Submitted by: L303 also submitted by Local 422, 371 and the Orillia Service Area Council

Recommendation: Against

Moved by Christine Kelsey, L416/Rod Bemister, L561

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has established a local time off fund, commonly referred to as the 80/20 fund, for locals to release activists from work to do the work of the Union Local; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO prides itself on equity between locals and members; and

Whereas different jobs have different wage rates and shift lengths but the need for time is equal when doing work of the Union Local; and

Whereas the current formula negatively impacts locals with activists in higher paying jobs and/or those with longer shifts; and Whereas the burden weighs especially heavy on smaller locals.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO restructures the local time off fund employer release time eligibility as follows:

Be it further resolved that the 80/20 cost sharing, the availability of local funds, and other existing local time off fund parameters will continue.

Moved by Taylor McPhillips, L116/Barry Verberne, L116

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Resolution M11 (cont.)

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has established a local time off fund, commonly referred to as the 80/20 fund, for locals to release activists from work to do the work of the Union Local; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO prides itself on equity between locals and members; and

Whereas different jobs have different wage rates and shift lengths but the need for time is equal when doing work of the Union Local; and

Whereas the current formula negatively impacts locals with activists in higher paying jobs and/or those with longer shifts; and

Whereas the burden weighs especially heavy on smaller locals.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO restructures the local time off fund employer release time eligibility as follows:

Be it further resolved that the 80/20 cost sharing, the availability of local funds, and other existing local time off fund parameters will continue.

Motion to adopt Resolution M11 as presented: DEFEATED

Resolution E3

Submitted by the Coalition of Racialized Workers

also submitted by Sault Ste Marie & District Area Council, the Provincial Young Workers Committee and Nipissing Area Council

Recommendation: For

Moved by John Shirk, L362/Stefanie Bourelly, L710

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is promoting equity and inclusion focused on multi- level educations, and skill building for bargaining, and;

Whereas Section 29.9.3 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution mandates that every new member shall “…promise to uphold the Union’s commitment to dismantling

anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism and all forms of racism and discrimination.”

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has mandated that every LEC official and anyone taking an officer’s position within the organization shall take an oath to eradicate anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism and all forms of racism.

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has passed a constitutional amendment, ARTICLE 7.2.1., which reads: “Within 60 days of election, selection, and appointment…” that all LECs and officers shall take the DSRP training.

Whereas the DSSRP training has been slow to roll out.

Whereas there has been no data to illuminate what the delays and/or obstacles that are affecting the successful completion of the DSRP training within many regions.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO shall support the Equity Unit and the Dismantling Systemic Racism Project (DSRP) Advisory Unit in furtherance of the timely completion of the DSRP training and place more accountability upon the LECs who are not proactive in facilitating their groups in taking the training; and

Be it further resolved that the DSRP submits a DSRP progress training report at every six-month interval to the next scheduled sixth-month meeting of the Board and that all Equity Executive Board Members (EEBMs) shall share such report to their respective Equity Committees following that Board meeting. This reporting shall commence within 90 days of this resolution being passed.

Moved by Simon Langford, L124/Shelley Gartshore, L124

• Motion to refer Resolution E3 to the Resolutions Committee with instructions to change “place more accountability” to “work with” and return as soon as possible.

Motion to refer Resolution E3 to the Resolutions Committee: CARRIED

Resolution E3 as amended.

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is promoting equity and inclusion focused on multi- level educations, and skill building for bargaining, and;

Whereas Section 29.9.3 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution mandates that every new member shall “…promise to uphold the Union’s commitment to dismantling

anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism and all forms of racism and discrimination.”

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has mandated that every LEC official and anyone taking an officer’s position within the organization shall take an oath to eradicate anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism and all forms of racism.

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has passed a constitutional amendment, ARTICLE 7.2.1., which reads: “Within 60 days of election, selection, and appointment…” that all LECs and officers shall take the DSRP training.

Whereas the DSSRP training has been slow to roll out.

Whereas there has been no data to illuminate what the delays and/or obstacles that are affecting the successful completion of the DSRP training within many regions.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO shall support the Equity Unit and the Dismantling Systemic Racism Project (DSRP) Advisory Unit in furtherance of the timely completion of the DSRP training and place more accountability work with upon the LECs who are not proactive in facilitating their groups in taking the training; and

Be it further resolved that the DSRP submits a DSRP progress training report at every six-month interval to the next scheduled sixth-month meeting of the Board and that all Equity Executive Board Members (EEBMs) shall share such report to their respective Equity Committees following that Board meeting. This reporting shall commence within 90 days of this resolution being passed.

Moved by Karine Millette, L402/Angele Lynch, L402

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Resolution E3 as amended

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is promoting equity and inclusion focused on multi- level educations, and skill building for bargaining, and;

Whereas Section 29.9.3 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution mandates that every new member shall “…promise to uphold the Union’s commitment to dismantling

anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism and all forms of racism and discrimination.”

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has mandated that every LEC official and anyone taking an officer’s position within the organization shall take an oath to eradicate anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism and all forms of racism.

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO has passed a constitutional amendment, ARTICLE 7.2.1., which reads: “Within 60 days of election, selection, and appointment…” that all LECs and officers shall take the DSRP training.

Whereas the DSSRP training has been slow to roll out.

Whereas there has been no data to illuminate what the delays and/or obstacles that are affecting the successful completion of the DSRP training within many regions.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO shall support the Equity Unit and the Dismantling Systemic Racism Project (DSRP) Advisory Unit in furtherance of the timely completion of the DSRP training and place more accountability work with upon the LECs who are not proactive in facilitating their groups in taking the training; and

Be it further resolved that the DSRP submits a DSRP progress training report at every six-month interval to the next scheduled sixth-month meeting of the Board and that all Equity Executive Board Members (EEBMs) shall share such report to their respective Equity Committees following that Board meeting. This reporting shall commence within 90 days of this resolution being passed.

Motion to adopt Resolution E3 as amended: CARRIED

Resolution F1

Submitted by the Retired Members’ Division also submitted by Sault Ste Marie & District Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Rideau St. Lawrence Area Council, the Provincial Francophone Committee and South West Area Council

Recommendation: For

Moved by Stefanie Bourelly, L710/John Shirk, L362

• Whereas the OPSEU/SEFPO constitution states in article 10.1 Affiliation of the Union, as a whole, to any labour, fraternal, service or other organization may be decided only by a Convention. Any and all fees and dues payable directly as a result of any affiliation so decided shall be the responsibility of the Union.

Whereas the National Pensioners Federation is fighting the same fight as the OPSEU/SEFPO Retirees Division to defend and improve pensions, pharmacare, long-term care, homecare, affordable housing, affordable internet and cell phone. Protecting seniors from being scammed and exploited.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO affiliate with the National Pensioners Federation at a cost of $350 a year; and

Be it further resolved that those communications be shared with the Retired Members’ Division.

Moved by Federica Berdini, L596/Rowen Shier, L500

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Resolution F1 (cont.)

• Whereas the OPSEU/SEFPO constitution states in article 10.1 Affiliation of the Union, as a whole, to any labour, fraternal, service or other organization may be decided only by a Convention. Any and all fees and dues payable directly as a result of any affiliation so decided shall be the responsibility of the Union.

Whereas the National Pensioners Federation is fighting the same fight as the OPSEU/SEFPO Retirees Division to defend and improve pensions, pharmacare, long-term care, homecare, affordable housing, affordable internet and cell phone. Protecting seniors from being scammed and exploited.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO affiliate with the National Pensioners Federation at a cost of $350 a year; and

Be it further resolved that those communications be shared with the Retired Members’ Division.

Motion to adopt Resolution F1 as presented: CARRIED

Resolutions F2

Submitted by Nipissing Area Council also submitted by Rideau St. Lawrence Area Council, Retired Members’ Division, the Provincial Francophone Committee and South West Area Council

Recommendation: FOR

Moved by John McSeveny, L281/Laura Dumoulin, L675

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO recognized the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) as the National Voice of Unions in Canada and therefore ensure it is well represented at its decision-making body, its Conventions with voice and vote equally in all regions of OPSEU/SEFPO.

Whereas the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC) a branch of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is the cornerstone of the union retiree’s movement, that represents issues federally union retirees by fighting for Union Retiree’s issues federally , including pension stability, healthcare, homecare, long-term care, housing, pharmacare, security and more.

Whereas the OPSEU/SEFPO Retirees Division does the same under the OPSEU/SEFPO banner and is attempting to expand to do more in our regions.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO recognize the work of the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC) and OPSEU/SEFPO retirees by ensuring that we are represented at all CURC conventions with voice and vote with a minimum of one Retired Members’ Division representative per region; and

Be it further resolved that the representatives be the Regional Chair of the Retired Members’ Division or an alternate executive member of the Retired Members’ Division for that region.

Moved by Matthew Turner, L703/Ryan Watkins, L727

• Motion to refer Resolution F2 to the Resolutions Committee with instructions to amend the first resolve to, “Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO recognize the work of the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC) and OPSEU/SEFPO retirees by ensuring that we are represented at all CURC conventions with voice and vote, of one Retired Members’ Division representative per region; and.”

Moved by Julius Arscott, L532/Meagan Christou, L535

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Resolutions F2 referral.

• Motion to refer Resolution F2 to the Resolutions Committee with instructions to amend the first resolve to, “Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO recognize the work of the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC) and OPSEU/SEFPO retirees by ensuring that we are represented at all CURC conventions with voice and vote, of one Retired Members’ Division representative per region; and.”

Motion to refer Resolution 52 to the Resolutions Committee: CARRIED

Resolutions F2 as amended.

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO recognized the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) as the National Voice of Unions in Canada and therefore ensure it is well represented at its decision-making body, its Conventions with voice and vote equally in all regions of OPSEU/SEFPO.

Whereas the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC) a branch of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is the cornerstone of the union retiree’s movement, that represents issues federally union retirees by fighting for Union Retiree’s issues federally , including pension stability, healthcare, homecare, long-term care, housing, pharmacare, security and more.

Whereas the OPSEU/SEFPO Retirees Division does the same under the OPSEU/SEFPO banner and is attempting to expand to do more in our regions.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO recognize the work of the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC) and OPSEU/SEFPO retirees by ensuring that we are represented at all CURC conventions with voice and vote, of one Retired Members’ Division representative per region; and

Be it further resolved that the representatives be the Regional Chair of the Retired Members’ Division or an alternate executive member of the Retired Members’ Division for that region.

Motion to adopt Resolution F2 as amended: CARRIED

Section H – Constitutional Amendments (cont.)

Constitutional Amendment H11

Submitted by: Region 1 Area Council

Recommendation: Defeat

Moved by Dave Wakley, L277/Jonathan Singer, L560

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is a fair and transparent union, and shares resources as a way to build strength and solidarity;

Whereas all members of OPSEU/SEFPO contribute to the strike fund, which supports bargaining units that have a legal right to strike with funding “between a successful strike vote and the start of a strike for lobbying, mobilizing and other necessary expenses for member activities”, in accordance with the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution and policy; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO bargaining units that do not have a legal right to strike under applicable statutes also require financial support for collective bargaining, lobbying, organizing, and other expenses prior to interest arbitration, which funding is currently provided by the OPSEU/SEFPO budget and/or approval by the Executive Board; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO supports collective bargaining for members who do not have the legal right to strike in the same manner and with a similar process as it supports members who do have the legal right to strike;

Therefore be it resolved that the Constitution be amended as follows:

23.1 The Union shall maintain a Strike Fund, whose assets shall be used only for the following purposes:

a. for strike pay and expenses related to strikes, lockouts and other work stoppage situations involving Union members; and

b. for expenses related to collective bargaining and interest arbitration involving Union members who do not have a legal right to strike; and

c. upon a two-thirds majority roll-call vote of the Executive Board, to make interest free loans to other striking unions where the Board deems such loans to be in the interests of Union Members.

Moved by Tracy McMaster, L561/Robert Hampsey, L586

• Motion to refer Constitutional Amendment H11 to the Constitution Committee with instructions that the committee Create a process to comeback to Convention 2026 with language that will reconcile this amendment with the $10,000,000.00 Non-Right-to-Strike Fund that the Board created.

Moved by Jonathan Singer, L560/Chad Croteau, L110

• Motion to amend the referral’s instructions to replace “Constitution Committee” with “Executive Board.”

Moved by Adrian Balojin, L206/Betty Palmeri L206

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment H11 amendment to the referral.

• Motion to amend the referral’s instructions to replace “Constitution Committee” with “Executive Board.”

Motion to adopt the amendment to the referral of Constitutional Amendment H11 DEFEATED

Constitutional Amendment H11 referral (cont.).

• Constitutional Amendment H11 to be referred to the Constitution Committee with instructions that the committee Create a process to comeback to Convention 2026 with language that will reconcile this amendment with the $10,000,000.00 Non-Right-to-Strike Fund that the Board created.

Moved by James Arnold, L362/John Shirk, L362

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment H11 referral (cont.).

• Constitutional Amendment H11 to be referred to the Constitution Committee with instructions that the committee Create a process to comeback to Convention 2026 with language that will reconcile this amendment with the $10,000,000.00 Non-Right-to-Strike Fund that the Board created.

Motion to refer Constitutional Amendment H11 to the Constitution Committee DEFEATED

Constitutional Amendment H11 (cont.)

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is a fair and transparent union, and shares resources as a way to build strength and solidarity;

Whereas all members of OPSEU/SEFPO contribute to the strike fund, which supports bargaining units that have a legal right to strike with funding “between a successful strike vote and the start of a strike for lobbying, mobilizing and other necessary expenses for member activities”, in accordance with the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution and policy; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO bargaining units that do not have a legal right to strike under applicable statutes also require financial support for collective bargaining, lobbying, organizing, and other expenses prior to interest arbitration, which funding is currently provided by the OPSEU/SEFPO budget and/or approval by the Executive Board; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO supports collective bargaining for members who do not have the legal right to strike in the same manner and with a similar process as it supports members who do have the legal right to strike;

Therefore be it resolved that the Constitution be amended as follows:

23.1 The Union shall maintain a Strike Fund, whose assets shall be used only for the following purposes:

a. for strike pay and expenses related to strikes, lockouts and other work stoppage situations involving Union members; and

b. for expenses related to collective bargaining and interest arbitration involving Union members who do not have a legal right to strike; and

c. upon a two-thirds majority roll-call vote of the Executive Board, to make interest free loans to other striking unions where the Board deems such loans to be in the interests of Union Members.

Convention 2025 Recessed for the Day at 5:00p.m.

Convention Resumed Sunday, April 27, 2025 9:00a.m.

Sunday, April 27, 2025

President JP Hornick was in the Chair.

President JP Hornick provided announcements for Day 4 of Convention 2025.

Credentials

Credentials Committee Report 9:00a.m.

Moved by Paul LaHaise, L416/Janet Ford, L701

• Motion to adopt the Credentials Committee Report as of 9:00a.m. as presented.

Motion to adopt the Credentials Committee Report as presented: CARRIED

Section H – Constitutional Amendments (cont.)

Constitutional Amendment H11 (cont.)

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is a fair and transparent union, and shares resources as a way to build strength and solidarity;

Whereas all members of OPSEU/SEFPO contribute to the strike fund, which supports bargaining units that have a legal right to strike with funding “between a successful strike vote and the start of a strike for lobbying, mobilizing and other necessary expenses for member activities”, in accordance with the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution and policy; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO bargaining units that do not have a legal right to strike under applicable statutes also require financial support for collective bargaining, lobbying, organizing, and other expenses prior to interest arbitration, which funding is currently provided by the OPSEU/SEFPO budget and/or approval by the Executive Board; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO supports collective bargaining for members who do not have the legal right to strike in the same manner and with a similar process as it supports members who do have the legal right to strike;

Therefore be it resolved that the Constitution be amended as follows:

23.1 The Union shall maintain a Strike Fund, whose assets shall be used only for the following purposes:

a. for strike pay and expenses related to strikes, lockouts and other work stoppage situations involving Union members; and

b. for expenses related to collective bargaining and interest arbitration involving Union members who do not have a legal right to strike; and

c. upon a two-thirds majority roll-call vote of the Executive Board, to make interest free loans to other striking unions where the Board deems such loans to be in the interests of Union Members.

Moved by Rod Bemister, L561/Tracy MacMaster, L561

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment H11 (cont.)

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is a fair and transparent union, and shares resources as a way to build strength and solidarity;

Whereas all members of OPSEU/SEFPO contribute to the strike fund, which supports bargaining units that have a legal right to strike with funding “between a successful strike vote and the start of a strike for lobbying, mobilizing and other necessary expenses for member activities”, in accordance with the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution and policy; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO bargaining units that do not have a legal right to strike under applicable statutes also require financial support for collective bargaining, lobbying, organizing, and other expenses prior to interest arbitration, which funding is currently provided by the OPSEU/SEFPO budget and/or approval by the Executive Board; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO supports collective bargaining for members who do not have the legal right to strike in the same manner and with a similar process as it supports members who do have the legal right to strike;

Therefore be it resolved that the Constitution be amended as follows:

23.1 The Union shall maintain a Strike Fund, whose assets shall be used only for the following purposes:

a. for strike pay and expenses related to strikes, lockouts and other work stoppage situations involving Union members; and

b. for expenses related to collective bargaining and interest arbitration involving Union members who do not have a legal right to strike; and

c. upon a two-thirds majority roll-call vote of the Executive Board, to make interest free loans to other striking unions where the Board deems such loans to be in the interests of Union Members.

Motion to adopt Constitutional Amendment H11: DEFEATED

Section G – Resolutions (cont.)

Resolution I1

Submitted by: L568 also submitted by the Greater Toronto Area Council, Indigenous Circle, Ottawa Area Council, the Provincial Young Workers Committee, Sudbury Area Council, the Coalition of Racialized Workers Committee, Region 1 Area Council, Local 5115, 500, 532, 743, 556, 518, 503, 317 and Local 154

Recommendation: No Recommendation

Moved by Rod Bemister, L561/Stefanie Bourelly, L710

• Whereas on January 11th, 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) convened to address the South African legal case, asserting that the state of Israel is in violation of its obligations under the United Nation (UN) Genocide Convention, and on January 26, 2024 issued an interim order directing Israel to take all immediate steps to prevent the killing of Palestinians, ensure resumption of humanitarian aid and basic services to Gaza, and prevent and punish incitement to genocide (https://www.icj-cij.org/node/203454); and

Whereas on November 21st, 2024 the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, “for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024”, as per the ICC press release (https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/situation-state-palestine-icc-pre- trial-chamber-i-rejects-state-israels-challenges) ; and

Whereas in spite of these rulings Israel has escalated its military assault on Palestinians – killing at least 45,900 Palestinians in Gaza (more than half of them women and children), and more than 700 in the West Bank as of Dec. 31, 2024 – and expanded its war into Lebanon and Syria with devastating consequences to civilians in both countries; and

Whereas Israel’s ongoing illegal occupation, colonization and annexation of Palestinian territory, its genocide in Gaza, and its continuing refusal to recognize a viable, free and independent Palestinian state are made possible and directly supported by the US, Canadian and international arms trade with Israel, and billions of dollars in direct military aid from the US; and

Whereas Canadian companies continue to export weapons, component parts and other military equipment and technology that are being used by Israel to kill innocent civilians and spread instability across the Middle East; and

Whereas Canadian banks, pension plans and other financial institutions continue to invest in arms and military technology companies and other businesses in Canada and abroad that engage in or finance the arms trade with Israel; and

Whereas in 2024 OPSEU/SEFPO’s Executive Board passed resolution I1, which

committed OPSEU/SEFPO to actively support the international campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) and resolution I2, which (among other provisions) calls for a Canadian and international ban on all financing, manufacturing, sale or transportation of arms and military equipment, components or technology to Israel; and

Whereas it is hoped the current ceasefire agreement will end the killing of civilians and Israel’s invasion and blockade of Gaza, and result in the release of all hostages and detainees held by either party, but the agreement does not commit Israel to end its occupation and colonization of Palestinian territory, or recognize a free and independent Palestinian state; and

Whereas more than 400 Canadian unions (including BCGEU, CUPE, CUPW, NUPGE. PSAC), human rights, social justice, faith and other community groups have endorsed the Arms Embargo Now campaign (armsembargonow.ca) demanding that the Canadian government impose a comprehensive two-way embargo on all manufacturing, sale or transportation of arms and military equipment, components or technology to or from Israel; and

Whereas labour rights are human rights, an injury to one is an injury to all, and the labour movement should fight for the rights of workers everywhere;

Therefore be it resolved that effective immediately, OPSEU/SEFPO will endorse and actively support the Arms Embargo Now campaign, issue a public statement calling for a comprehensive two-way arms embargo, encourage our members to learn more and participate in the campaign, and urge our labour allies – including but not limited to the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), its component unions and the Canadian Labour Congress – to do the same.

Moved by David Faciano, L673

• Objection to Consideration.

Objection to Consideration: DEFEATED

Moved by Jack Urowitz, L244/Lorraine Elliott, L244

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Resolution I1 (cont.)

• Whereas on January 11th, 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) convened to address the South African legal case, asserting that the state of Israel is in violation of its obligations under the United Nation (UN) Genocide Convention, and on January 26, 2024 issued an interim order directing Israel to take all immediate steps to prevent the killing of Palestinians, ensure resumption of humanitarian aid and basic services to Gaza, and prevent and punish incitement to genocide (https://www.icj-cij.org/node/203454); and

Whereas on November 21st, 2024 the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, “for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024”, as per the ICC press release (https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/situation-state-palestine-icc-pre- trial-chamber-i-rejects-state-israels-challenges) ; and

Whereas in spite of these rulings Israel has escalated its military assault on Palestinians – killing at least 45,900 Palestinians in Gaza (more than half of them women and children), and more than 700 in the West Bank as of Dec. 31, 2024 – and expanded its war into Lebanon and Syria with devastating consequences to civilians in both countries; and

Whereas Israel’s ongoing illegal occupation, colonization and annexation of Palestinian territory, its genocide in Gaza, and its continuing refusal to recognize a viable, free and independent Palestinian state are made possible and directly supported by the US, Canadian and international arms trade with Israel, and billions of dollars in direct military aid from the US; and

Whereas Canadian companies continue to export weapons, component parts and other military equipment and technology that are being used by Israel to kill innocent civilians and spread instability across the Middle East; and

Whereas Canadian banks, pension plans and other financial institutions continue to invest in arms and military technology companies and other businesses in Canada and abroad that engage in or finance the arms trade with Israel; and

Whereas in 2024 OPSEU/SEFPO’s Executive Board passed resolution I1, which

committed OPSEU/SEFPO to actively support the international campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) and resolution I2, which (among other provisions) calls for a Canadian and international ban on all financing, manufacturing, sale or transportation of arms and military equipment, components or technology to Israel; and

Whereas it is hoped the current ceasefire agreement will end the killing of civilians and Israel’s invasion and blockade of Gaza, and result in the release of all hostages and detainees held by either party, but the agreement does not commit Israel to end its occupation and colonization of Palestinian territory, or recognize a free and independent Palestinian state; and

Whereas more than 400 Canadian unions (including BCGEU, CUPE, CUPW, NUPGE. PSAC), human rights, social justice, faith and other community groups have endorsed the Arms Embargo Now campaign (armsembargonow.ca) demanding that the Canadian government impose a comprehensive two-way embargo on all manufacturing, sale or transportation of arms and military equipment, components or technology to or from Israel; and

Whereas labour rights are human rights, an injury to one is an injury to all, and the labour movement should fight for the rights of workers everywhere;

Therefore be it resolved that effective immediately, OPSEU/SEFPO will endorse and actively support the Arms Embargo Now campaign, issue a public statement calling for a comprehensive two-way arms embargo, encourage our members to learn more and participate in the campaign, and urge our labour allies – including but not limited to the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), its component unions and the Canadian Labour Congress – to do the same.

Motion to adopt Resolution I1 as presented: DEFEATED

Resolution J5

Submitted by L518

Recommendation: FOR

Moved by John Shirk, L362 /Christine Kelsey L416

• Whereas regional weekend educationals offer essential training for union members and are a key avenue for members to engage with their union; and

Whereas weekend educationals should be accessible to all; and

Whereas lost wages for weekend educationals are typically not provided; and

Whereas many union members do shift work or work weekends, and so are unable to attend these essential trainings without sacrificing wages; and

Whereas those union members who do shift work or work weekends include front-line workers in health care and social services, are among the most vulnerable economically, and are more likely to be women and/or racialized members; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO’s values of equity, inclusivity and diversity are not upheld when there are barriers to participation in regional weekend educationals that disproportionately affect women and/or racialized members; and

Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO’s strategic goals to “increase meaningful member engagement” and remove “barriers to members becoming leaders at every level of the union” are not achieved when members are hindered from participating in weekend educationals; and

Whereas locals have a Local Time-Off Fund to “help fund the work of the local” and whose usage “is at the sole discretion of the Local Executive Committee (LEC)”; and

Whereas a key aspect of “the work of the local” is to engage members, especially equity-deserving ones, and the LEC may wish to build member engagement by using the Local Time-Off Fund to encourage attendance at weekend educationals; and

Whereas the Local Time-off Fund form states that “the fund cannot be used for attendance at regional educationals”.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO honour its values and goals by either covering lost wages for members wishing to attend weekend educationals or by amending the guidelines for use of the Local Time Off Fund to allow locals to use it to cover paid time off for members wishing to attend weekend educationals.

Moved by Melissa Shaw, Local 475/Erica Benn, Local 4106

• Motion to refer Resolution J5 to the Executive Board.

First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell was in the Chair.

Moved by Louise Benito, L163/Stephanie Miller, L163

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Moved by Melissa Shaw, Local 475/Erica Benn, Local 4106

• Motion to refer Resolution J5 to the Executive Board.

Motion to adopt the referral of Resolution J5 to the Executive Board: CARRIED

President JP Hornick was in the Chair.

President JP Hornick welcomed the 50 year celebration of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, with a short video presentation capturing the our legacy as a union.

Constitutional Amendment H12

Submitted by Local 4106, Kingston Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Rideau St. Lawrence Area Council, Southwest Area Council, and Retired Members Division

Recommendation: Defeat

Moved by Chad Croteau, L362/Dave Wakely, L277

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is one of the largest public sector unions in Canada with upwards of 180,000 members to service across the province of Ontario; and

Whereas the Union has a fiduciary duty to its membership to oversee and be held responsible for all monies and assets held in its trust, with said monies totaling in the millions of dollars; and

Whereas all the assets of the Union belonging to the membership, including properties, other physical things, pension funds and investments, must be maintained and held whole; and

Whereas the duly elected Regional Vice Presidents, as members of the Board of Directors of the Union, are held responsible in their respective duties to ensure the proper management of all the assets of the Union; and

Whereas there is currently no provision to have them released from their current employment and booked off in order to service the membership of the Union

Therefore be it resolved that all duly elected Regional Vice Presidents be granted immediate release up to full time as requested, with all the necessary funding to do the job they were elected and charged to do, and

Therefore be it further resolved that the Regional Vice Presidents be given the authority and the full autonomy to act on behalf of their respective Region, as laid out in the Constitution and Policy Manual, with the full support and cooperation of the President’s Office of the Union.

Moved by Oliver Obagi, L446/John Hansen, L416

• Motion to refer Constitutional Amendment H12 to the Constitution Committee with instructions to remove the words “shall have autonomy” from the proposed article 16.7.2.

President JP Hornick welcomed the children participating in Convention 2025’s Childcare program for their processional.

Constitutional Amendment H12 referral.

• Motion to refer Constitutional Amendment H12 to the Constitution Committee with instructions to remove the words “shall have autonomy” from the proposed article 16.7.2.

Moved by James Arnold, L362/Neil Serra, L362

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Moved by Oliver Obagi, L446/John Hansen, L416

• Motion to refer Constitutional Amendment H12 to the Constitution Committee with instructions to remove the words “shall have autonomy” from the proposed article 16.7.2.

Motion to refer Constitutional Amendment H12 to the Constitution Committee DEFEATED

Moved by Matthew Turner, L703/Molson 727

• The question was called for Closure on the discussion.

The question called for Closure on the discussion: CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment H12 (cont.)

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO is one of the largest public sector unions in Canada with upwards of 180,000 members to service across the province of Ontario; and

Whereas the Union has a fiduciary duty to its membership to oversee and be held responsible for all monies and assets held in its trust, with said monies totaling in the millions of dollars; and

Whereas all the assets of the Union belonging to the membership, including properties, other physical things, pension funds and investments, must be maintained and held whole; and

Whereas the duly elected Regional Vice Presidents, as members of the Board of Directors of the Union, are held responsible in their respective duties to ensure the proper management of all the assets of the Union; and

Whereas there is currently no provision to have them released from their current employment and booked off in order to service the membership of the Union

Therefore be it resolved that all duly elected Regional Vice Presidents be granted immediate release up to full time as requested, with all the necessary funding to do the job they were elected and charged to do, and

Therefore be it further resolved that the Regional Vice Presidents be given the authority and the full autonomy to act on behalf of their respective Region, as laid out in the Constitution and Policy Manual, with the full support and cooperation of the President’s Office of the Union.

Motion to adopt Constitutional Amendment H12 as presented: DEFEATED

Constitutional Amendment H13

Submitted by Orillia Area Council and Ottawa Area Council

Recommendation: Defeat

Moved by Chad Croteau, L362/Jonathan Singer, L560

• Whereas sector or divisional leadership are not automatic delegates to Convention; and

Whereas smaller BPS units over the years have been added to other units to form composite units of multiple sectors/divisions or ministries; and

Whereas resolutions and constitutional amendments that impact sectors/divisions/ministries are debated and voted on at Convention; and

Whereas some smaller sectors may never have a voice or vote at Convention due to the structure of composite locals and how delegates are elected.

Therefore be it resolved that article 13.4 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution be amended to add the following as automatic delegates to Convention:

• the Chair of each BPS Sector or their Vice Chair;

• the Chair of each OPS Ministry Employee Relations Committee (MERC), or their Vice Chair, and the Chair and Vice Chair of each CAAT Division

Moved by Ashley Perrin, L612/Tammy Dubel, L612

• Motion to limit debate on Constitutional Amendment A13 to a total of two (2) “Pro” speakers, and two (2) “Con” speakers.

Motion to limit debate on Constitutional Amendment A13: CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment H13 (cont.)

• Whereas sector or divisional leadership are not automatic delegates to Convention; and

Whereas smaller BPS units over the years have been added to other units to form composite units of multiple sectors/divisions or ministries; and

Whereas resolutions and constitutional amendments that impact sectors/divisions/ministries are debated and voted on at Convention; and

Whereas some smaller sectors may never have a voice or vote at Convention due to the structure of composite locals and how delegates are elected.

Therefore be it resolved that article 13.4 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution be amended to add the following as automatic delegates to Convention:

• the Chair of each BPS Sector or their Vice Chair;

• the Chair of each OPS Ministry Employee Relations Committee (MERC), or their Vice Chair, and the Chair and Vice Chair of each CAAT Division

Motion to adopt Constitutional Amendment H13: DEFEATED         

Constitutional Amendment H14

Submitted by Orillia Area Council Sudbury Area Council, and Thunder Bay and District Area Council

Recommendation: Defeat

Moved by Dave Wakely, L277/Gilian Axten, L417

• Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO Area Councils play a crucial role in engaging members, promoting union values, and fostering grassroots involvement in union activities; and

Whereas currently, the opportunity for Area Council members to directly engage with the broader union by submitting resolutions and speaking to them at the OPSEU/SEFPO Convention is limited; and

Whereas increasing the involvement of Area Council members at the OPSEU/SEFPO Convention will not only help amplify the voices of local members but will also strengthen our union’s democratic processes and representation; and

Whereas the current structure of delegate selection to the OPSEU/SEFPO Convention does not automatically provide Area Council members with delegate status or speaking opportunities at the convention.

Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO will give the chair or a designate member of each Area Council full delegate status for the OPSEU/SEFPO Convention.

Closing Remarks & Prayers

The Indigenous Circle members, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples, and Staff joined President JP Hornick and First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell on the Convention Stage.

President JP Hornick provided closing remarks to the Convention 2025 delegation.

President JP Hornick declared Convention 2025 adjourned at 11:58a.m.

Elder Ethel Levally recited a closing Algonquin prayer to close Convention 2025.

As per OPSEU/SEFPO policy, in the event there are resolutions outstanding from Convention, the Resolutions Committee shall be reconvened to make recommendations on the disposition of these; and brought to the first regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting after Convention, for debate.

JP Hornick, President

Ontario Public Service Employees Union                    

Syndicat des employés de la fonction publique de l’Ontario

Jarrelle Johnson, Recording Secretary

Ontario Public Service Employees Union                    

Syndicat des employés de la fonction publique de l’Ontario