UFCW activists build strength at Saskatchewan Provincial Council

Click on the image above to see the photo gallery.

Saskatoon – June 8, 2017 – UFCW Canada activists from across Saskatchewan recently gathered in Saskatoon for the 2017 UFCW Canada Saskatchewan Provincial Council Annual General Meeting (AGM). Members, staff, and officers from UFCW Canada Local 1400, Local 649, and Local 248P were joined by 24 guest presenters during the two-day meeting, held from June 1 to 2 at the UFCW Canada Local 1400 Training Centre.

At the meeting, Elder Linklater opened the event with a smudge ceremony and talk. Participants were then treated to a dynamic range of presentations from the Saskatchewan Asbestos Disease Awareness, STR8 UP, the Saskatoon Friendship Inn, Ahmadiyya Muslim Student Association, and the United Way, among other organizations. Later, meeting attendees heard from Saskatchewan NDP Leader Trent Wotherspoon and newly-elected NDP MLA Ryan Meili, who discussed their perspectives on the current state of politics in Saskatchewan, while laying out their party’s vision for building a fairer, more progressive future in the province. As well, UFCW Canada’s Education Coordinator, Marv Funk, delivered a riveting presentation on member engagement.  

In addition to providing activists with greater insight into the work of UFCW, local advocacy groups, and the Saskatchewan NDP, the AGM also served as an important networking opportunity for strengthening bonds between members, officers, and staff. On May 31, for example, a smokie social night kicked off the event's proceedings, allowing old and new attendees to mingle in a fun and inviting atmosphere.  

The two-day AGM also featured a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and "brown bag" contest, which together raised $1,200 in support of UFCW Canada’s fundraising efforts for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). Delegates and guests also contributed $250 to help SEIU members in Outlook, Saskatchewan, who were recently locked out by their employer.  

“I would like to thank all of the participants who attended this year’s AGM, including our wonderful presenters,” says Terry Harris, the President of the UFCW Canada Saskatchewan Provincial Council. “We hope everyone found the event to be informative, engaging, and fun, and now it is up to activists to take the information and resources that were shared at this meeting and use them to bring about positive change in their workplaces and communities,” she adds.