FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
51st Annual CUPE Saskatchewan Convention to address racism, privatization, and the provincial election 
The largest union in the province, representing 30,000 workers, will kick off its 51st Annual Convention in Saskatoon on Wednesday with panel discussions and guest speakers from across Canada addressing topics ranging from systemic racism to the April 4th Saskatchewan provincial election.

Taking place March 9 - 11 at the Radisson Hotel in Saskatoon, the theme for this year's convention is "Building Community Power." Approximately 250 delegates from across the province will assemble to set the direction and determine priorities for the year just as the provincial election writ is dropped.

Following greetings from Saskatoon mayor Don Atchison and presentations on ongoing campaigns on Wednesday, new National CUPE President Mark Hancock will give his first address to Saskatchewan members. After an update on sweeping changes to labour legislation in the province, a panel featuring local Indigenous firebrand Erica Violet Lee and others will discuss hatred and discrimination today.

Thursday will begin with an address by Cam Broten, leader of the official NDP opposition, who is campaigning to form the next government. In the afternoon, delegates will participate in elections for the positions of President and Secretary-Treasurer, the top leadership posts in the provincial CUPE division.

Friday will feature a panel discussion on privatization, addressing the record of the Saskatchewan Party government, Alberta's experiences with P3 schools, and more.

"At this time, CUPE members and all Saskatchewan people face important choices about their jobs and the future of the public services we all depend on," says President Tom Graham.

Scheduled Speakers and Panels (select)

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Larry Hubich, President of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour - 9:15 AM
Kelly Moist, President of CUPE Manitoba - 9: 25 AM
Tom Graham, President of CUPE Saskatchewan - 9:45 AM
Don Atchison, Mayor of Saskatoon - 1:00 PM
Mark Hancock, National President, CUPE - 1:30 PM

Panel: "Moving Backward? Hatred and Discrimination Today" - 3:00 PM
Erica Violet Lee, Idle No More youth organizer
Yolanda McLean, Diversity Vice-President, CUPE
Jai Richards, MA, R Psych (Provincial)

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Cam Broten, Leader of the Official Opposition, Sasktchewan NDP - 9:10 AM
Aina Kagis, Regional Director - 10:00 AM  
Judy Henley, Secretary Treasurer, CUPE Saskatchewan -10:25 AM
Kelly Moist, General Vice President, CUPE - 11:00 AM
Charles Fleury, National Secretary-Treasurer - 2:00 PM

Friday, March 11, 2016

Panel: "The Threat and the Reality of Privatization in Saskatchewan Today" - 9:10 AM
Gordon Campbell, President, Health Care Council of Unions, CUPE Saskatchewan
Simon Enoch, Director, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), Saskatchewan
Marle Roberts, General Vice-President, CUPE

For complete agenda and more information visit: http://sk.cupe.ca/convention/ 

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Contact: Andrew Loewen, 306.209.3199

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