Convention 2024 was our biggest yet! Roughly 2,000 members travelled from across Ontario to participate in the proceedings, plan for the next year ahead, and exercise union democracy in leadership elections!
The theme of Convention 2024 was Workers Fight Back.
Below are some of the highlights of Convention, including photos.
For in-depth coverage written by and for OPSEU/SEFPO members, check out inSolidarity’s coverage here.
Thursday, April 25
Mississaugas of the Credit Chief Claire Sault, Elders Ethel LaValley and Dan Bowers, the OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle and Indigenous members and staff opened Convention with a procession and welcoming remarks.
In the morning we were joined by Toronto and York Region Labour Council President Andrea Babbington who gave us all a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and being affiliated with your local labour council.
Nominations were held for the positions of President and First Vice-President/Treasurer. Candidates for President (in order of nominations received) were JP Hornick and Sara Labelle.
Laurie Nancekivell was acclaimed to continue in her role of First Vice-President/Treasurer for the next two years.
Thanks to Jason MacLean, Secretary-Treasurer of NUPGE, for officiating our nominations and elections at Convention 2024!
In the afternoon, delegates heard the report on the audited financial statements and Budget 2024 report from First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell.
The proceedings of the day ended with a dynamic and engaging question and answer session with the two candidates for President.
In the evening, we celebrated OPSEU/SEFPO members in style at the Awards Night. OPSEU/SEFPO activists were honoured by their union siblings for their dedication to organizing, human rights, and health & safety. There were brilliant musical, spoken word and dance performances too!
To read inSolidarity’s recap of the first day of Convention 2024, click here.
Friday, April 26
Day two of Convention 2024 started off right with the annual Women’s Breakfast, hosted by the OPSEU/SEFPO Provincial Women’s Committee. Maggie Wakeford of Local 631 was honoured with the Bread and Roses Award.
Elections for the office of President were held in the morning and JP Hornick was re-elected president.
At the lunch break, members took to the streets to tell Doug Ford loud and clear: stop funding CEOs and protect our public services! The march was led by LCBO workers who are at the bargaining table fighting not only for their jobs but the future of all public services.
In the afternoon, Convention 2024 attendees heard reports from OPSEU/SEFPO’s equity group chairs and an update on the Social Mapping Project.
Delegates also debated resolutions and constitutional amendments.
To read inSolidarity’s in-depth coverage of the second day of Convention, click here.
Saturday, April 27
Our newly-elected Executive Board for 2024-2026 was sworn in, including the first seven Equity Executive Board members!
Delegates then went on to debate resolutions and constitutional amendments.
At the end of Convention, the indigenous leaders sent us off in a good way with the travelling song.
Convention videos
Photo Gallery