20Jun
CURC held its first in-person convention since 2018, with 109 delegates and 3 guests in attendance.
MFUR was represented by Brother Paul Moist, MFUR President and Sister Karen Byzuk, VP Communications.
Thanks to the MFL for sponsoring Brother Moist and to CURC for sponsoring Sister Byzuk to the convention.
Guest Speakers:
Bea Bruske, President, Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)
Jim Stanford, Centre for Future Work, "The Canadian Economy"
Charlie Angus, Former NDP MP - "Elbows Up - The Resistance Tour"
Joyce Strasbourg, Chief Underwriter/Business Development Officer at Canadian Benefits Consulting Group
Marc-André Gagnon, Professor at Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration, Pharmaceuticals in Canada
Barb Byers, former CLC Treasurer, Report on the UN Convention of the Rights of Older Persons
DT (Troy) Cochrane, Senior Economist, CLC and Katherine Scott, Senior Research, CCPA - Panel discussion on Affordability Challenges for Seniors
Convention Resolutions:
Delegates debated a wide range of policy issues including:
- Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS);
- Protecting CPP;
- Protecting Public Health Care System; National Home Care Plan; Long-Term Care Standards
- Canadian Sovereignty
- Protecting manufacturing jobs;
- Support for universal public postal services.
CURC Constitution
Delegates reviewed a Structure Review Committee Report that met for over a year prior to convention. The most significant constitutional resolution adopted, was an expansion of the CURC Executive Committee by adding:
A Third member-at-large (from two) – representing the following:
- Women
- Persons of Colour
- Indigenous Peoples
Six new Vice Presidents appointed by the largest 6 unions representing retirees affiliated to CURC.
Elections:
President, Michael MacIsaac (IAM&AW)
1st Vice-President, Louisette Hinton, UFCW/ASUR
2nd Vice-President, Lyle Hargrove, Unifor
Treasurer, Patty Coates, ARM/OSSTF
Secretary, Sandra Snider, OPSEU Retirees
Member at Large Representing Indigenous Peoples, Joanne Webb, CUPE/HBO CURC
Member at Large Representing People of Colour, Patrick Williams, SOAR/USW
Member at Large Representing Women, Janice Bernier, SURF
Other:
We have the contact information for the Canadian Benefits Consulting Group, who advised they are happy to attend an MFUR Executive meeting via zoom.
It was a pleasure to represent MFUR at the CURC Convention.
In solidarity,
Paul Moist, President Karen Byzuk, VP Communications
