Inaugural Equity Executive Board: A Year of Reflection

The inaugural members of the Equity Executive Board have experienced a year marked by significant developments and learning opportunities for the OPSEU/SEFPO community. Their collective commitment to solidarity, resilience, and service has underscored the critical importance of having equity voices represented across all spaces. The Equity Executive Board Members (EEBMs) have intentionally advocated for and effectively integrated equity perspectives into not only Equity Executive Board meetings, but also in other forums to which they have been invited. Additionally, the EEBMs have actively planned and supported various OPSEU/SEFPO events across the seven regions, enhancing their role in fostering inclusivity within the organization. This involvement has facilitated the sharing of insights and expertise on creating inclusive environments. As a result of the engagement of the EEBMs, coupled with the intentional efforts of Regional Board members, OPSEU/SEFPO staff, and the Dismantling Systemic Racism Program (DSRP) team, has resulted in increased participation from diverse equity groups, along with supported anecdotal evidence and dynamic discourse within the community.

2024/2025 Events the EEBMs participated in and or helped to plan are:

1. Indigenous Circle’s Water Summit
2. Provincial Young Workers Conference
3. Provincial Human Rights Committee Conference
4. Region 1 – Equity Conference and Planning
5. Region 7 – Equity Leadership Conference
6. Region 2 – Equity Conference Planning & Leadership Day
7. Sector 16 – Lunch and Learn
8. Sector 18 – Mental Health & Addiction Division – Health and Safety Conference
9. Region 3 – Rights to Water and Reclamation
10. NUPGE Leadership Development School
11. CAATS FT support Pre Barg
12. CADS Children’s Aid and Development Services
13. Francophone Community Activity Cochrane
14.  Emancipation March in collaboration with the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
15. Various CoRW Black History Month events across the province
16. Education Zoom Room – Labour for Palestine

In addition to participating in OPSEU/SEFPO events, rallies, and picketing, the EEBMs have attracted the interest of various organizations seeking to develop similar equity-focused models. This heightened visibility has resulted in the EEBMs being invited to speak at events across the province, where they shared their experiences and insights regarding equity advocacy and engagement. Such engagements not only amplify the mission and vision of OPSEU/SEFPO; but it inspired and curated broader discussions on equitable practices within labour movements and other organizational frameworks.

1. Kaylee Heath- Panellist – PYC Conference – “Ask Me Anything” Panel Discussion on Climate Change
2. Tracey Ann Halkyard- Panellist – Disability and Work Canada Conference
3. Dr. Crystal Garvey – Panellist – York University Harriet Tubman Institute – Racial Justice and Labour
4. Dr. Crystal Garvey – Keynote – Provincial Human Rights Committee Conference
5. Dr. Crystal Garvey – Speaker – Peel Region Labour Council Women’s Brunch

In addition to their community engagement efforts, the EEBMs participated in monthly meetings and engaged in a variety of activities and discourses. These monthly engagements encompassed a wide range of topics and initiatives, which included, but were not limited to, discussions on equity policy development, strategic planning for upcoming events, and the evaluation of initiatives aimed at enhancing inclusivity within the organization. This ongoing dialogue not only facilitated the sharing of diverse perspectives but also contributed to the advancement of the EEBMs’ overarching goals and objectives within the OPSEU/SEFPO.  Evidence of these activities are:

• Meeting with OPSEU/SEFPO staff and leadership to identify systemic barriers, and equity issues
• Craft and support current plans and promote the union agenda through an equitable lens
• Contribute on how to identify how to get underrepresented members to participate in union activities
• In partnership with the policy committee and staff, identify language and terms of reference needing to be updated to ensure inclusive language is used for equity groups and caucuses.

The team would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to allies and advocates within the OPSEU/SEFPO community who trusted them. As a team, they are equally dedicated to bringing about change. Their communal efforts in challenging the status quo and fostering inclusive and equitable environments for all members, have demonstrated a profound commitment to social justice and equity.  As such the hard work of the OPSEU/SEFPO community has not gone unnoticed but it has unified and started to demonstrate tangible unity within the community. All of us at OPSEU/SEFPO play a crucial role in advancing the union agenda and promoting important dialogue. As a community, we all are commissioned to dismantle barriers and create spaces that support diversity and inclusion.

In solidarity,

Dr. Crystal Garvey Equity Vice-President & Provincial Women’s Committee

Nicole Anozie – Coalition of Racialized Workers

Dan Brisson – Provincial Francophone Committee

Robert Hampsey – Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel

Tracey Anne Halkyard – Provincial Human Rights Committee & Disability Rights Caucus

Kaylee Heath – Provincial Yong Workers Committee

Cristine Rego – Indigenous Circle

Tina Stevens – Formerly represented the Indigenous Circle