News release

April 11, 2003

13th Triennial National Convention - Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal, April 27 - May 2, 2003

OTTAWA – Approximately 420 delegates from the sixth largest union in Canada will gather in Montreal to shape the course of their union for the next three years.

The theme of this year’s Convention, Build our Union, Change the World, reflects the PSAC’s changing direction. The PSAC is becoming increasingly involved in issues affecting workers and communities around the world, while continuing to strive for improvements to the working conditions of its own members.

The Convention officially opens on Sunday, April 27th at 3:00 p.m. with a panel discussion on globalization and its impact upon public sector workers. Panelists include: Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, and Maria Clara Baquero Sarmiento, Co-founder and President of the Trade Union of Public Servants of the Ministry of Defence, Military Forces and National Police, of Columbia. Other highlights of the Convention include:

• Presentation of the PSAC Globalization Action Plan designed to educate and engage union members and protect public services around the world.
• A Human Rights Forum which will examine the impact of globalization on human rights at the local, regional and national levels.
• Launching of the PSAC Social Justice Fund to assist unions and other like-minded organizations in Canada and the developing world.
• Debate on goals and strategies for the upcoming round of negotiations for all bargaining units in the PSAC.
• Election of all members of the Alliance Executive Committee, including the National President, the National Executive Vice-President and seven Regional Executive Vice-Presidents.

The Convention marks the end of the first mandate of the first woman president of the PSAC, Nycole Turmel, who will be seeking re-election. Ms. Turmel along with Vice-Presidents, John Gordon and Jérôme Turcq, will be available to address the media on April 27th from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Chaudière room of the Queen Elizabeth hotel. A light lunch will be served.

Please note that a media room will be set up at all times during the Convention in the Chaudière room and will be equipped with telephones, a fax machine and 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 also be on hand to provide assistance.

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For information: Liz Holden
Coordinator, Communications and Political Action
Public Service Alliance of Canada
(613) 560-4280

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