Representing 1,300 Manitoba Workers

CEP National Convention Report

-Cathy Maughan, Local 7 Vice President

I had the privilege of attending the 2006 CEP National Convention in Vancouver from October 14 to 19 with Barbara Jones, Secretary of Local 7 and Cathy Mitchell, Treasurer of Local 7. The theme of this years convention was "Rising to the Challenge" which speaks to the accomplishments that CEP has made as a union and to make us aware of our share of challenges that lie ahead in determining our future.

The Convention was opened by National President Brian Payne, who retired after the convention after six years as National President. We then had introductions of the National Executive Board, Regional Officers, Women's Committee and Rank and File Board members. I was very honoured this year to be asked to present a small speech for our Western Region Administrative Vice President, Wendy Sol who was re-elected for her 2nd term.

During the convention there were many caucuses to attend such as Aboriginal Workers/Workers of Color, Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Young Workers, and Women's. We also had the opportunity to hear many speakers such as Vancouver city councillor Raymond Louie, Walden Bello, who spoke on Trade Justice for Workers from Canada to Global South, Maude Barlow who addressed the challenge of deep integration with President Bush and the Harper Government. Jim Sinclair, President of the B.C. Federal of Labour and Damien Contandriopoulos, spoke on the challenge to Canada's Public Medicare System and a few others.

We were very busy at convention going through many reports from the Constitution and General Resolution Committees, which were voted on and of course were either carried or defeated. It was also a privilege this year to witness many achievement awards and presentations. There was a presentation to retirees, a presentation by Cathy Mitchell our Treasurer to the Spina Bifida association and the greatest award, the CEP Woman of Distinction Award, was presented to our secretary, and a very good friend of mine, Barbara Jones.

Although our days at convention were long, we had our evenings to participate in various activities which were fun, such as meet and greets, a casino night and just taking in a few of the wonderful sights of Vancouver. At the end of convention it was very sad to see our National President, Brian Payne say good-bye for the last time, however we are now honoured to have a new National President, Dave Coles, who will move forward with our labour battles and stand in solidarity for a better world.