April 21, 2009
Media Advisory
Public Service Alliance of Canada to hold 15th National Triennial Convention
Vancouver – More than 1,000 workers will gather at the Convention & Exhibition Centre from April 26 to May 1, 2009, as the Public Service Alliance of Canada holds its 15th National Triennial Convention. The 172,000-member union is one of the largest in Canada, primarily representing federal public sector workers.
The theme for the convention is, Lead the Way for Quality Public Services. Delegates will be encouraged to take leadership to promote quality public services, recognizing that the work performed by PSAC members strengthens communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
“Quality public services foster peace, human rights and democracy,” says John Gordon, PSAC's National President. “We are living in a world where freedom and human rights are being eroded, and social inequalities are sustaining poverty. Taking leadership for quality public services is about taking action, particularly by promoting human rights, equality and social justice in Canada and internationally. By leading the way for quality public services and social justice, we will build a better world!”
Convention delegates will elect two PSAC National Officers to serve a three-year term for the positions of National President and National Executive Vice-President. The election will take place on Thursday, April 30.
Highlights of the convention include:
A panel discussion on Sunday, April 26, featuring international social justice and union activists, including:
Mathapelo Mphuthi from the Communication Workers Union of South Africa;
Chennaiah Poguri from the Federation of Agricultural Workers, Farmers, Fisher Folk and Forest Workers Unions in India; and
Jacaranda Fernández Mejía, former head of the hospital workers' union in Masaya and acting municipal coordinator for the National Labour Front of Nicaragua.
Keynote addresses by internationally acclaimed lawyer and human rights advocate Louise Arbour (Tuesday, April 28) and genocide prevention and African issues expert Dr. Gerald Caplan (Wednesday, April 29).
A demonstration in support of the International Day of Mourning for Workers Killed or Injured on the Job on April 28, organized by the BC Federation of Labour.
A media room will be set up at all times during the convention and will be equipped with a television monitor with live coverage from the convention floor. Media badges and kits will be available upon registration in the media room. PSAC staff members will be on hand to provide assistance.
The full agenda for PSAC's 15th National Triennial Convention is available online: http://www.psac-afpc.org/convention2009/home-e.asp
For information:
Ariel Troster, PSAC Communications 613-292-8363 (cell)
18-210409
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
