September 27, 2016

Memo to: All OPSEU Members
Copy to: Executive Board Members, OPSEU Staff
Subject: Nominations for the 2017 Convention Awards

Every year at Convention, OPSEU honours locals and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the union.

The following is a list of awards and the criteria to be considered when nominating individuals and Locals.

Human Rights Award
This award is presented to one local and one individual having made the most significant contribution to the advancement of human right issues and the principles of equity.

Health and Safety Award
This award is presented to one local and one individual having made the most outstanding contribution to the advancement of our members' interests in the area of occupational health and safety.

Leah Casselman Award
This award is presented to one local and one individual for mobilizing activities and who best exemplifies the spirit and intent of "mobilizing to win."

Live and Let Live Award
This award is presented to the one local that promotes, advances, and advocates on behalf of Live and Let Live fund to combat HIV/AIDS.

Tim Brown Award
This award is presented to a person of First Nation status and non-status, Métis, or Inuit background for outstanding contributions to advancing the voice of Indigenous people in OPSEU and the labour movement.

Honorary Lifetime Membership (retired members)
This award is presented to the retired members who have made significant contributions to their local or to the union as a whole.

Stanley H. Knowles Humanitarian Award
This award is to be bestowed on individuals, or groups who exemplify the spirit, dedication and ideals of its first recipient, Canadian parliamentarian Stanley H. Knowles.

Rainford Jackson Education and Development Fund Award
This fund is awarded annually to support organizations or projects which aim to reduce racism and improve the condition of minorities in our society through education and organization.

Nomination Process

1. The award recipients will be decided by the Executive Board.
2. Nominations for consideration for the award must be received in the Corporate Secretary's Office no later than Friday, January 6, 2017.
3. Nominations may be made by any local member, Executive Board Member, staff member, and committee member.
4. Nominations must include a brief statement indicating the nature of the significant contribution for which the award is warranted.
5. No Executive Board Member whose local is under consideration, or who has nominated a candidate, or who has been nominated may vote on the award.

Please complete and submit the online nominations form. Or you may print and fill out the attached nominations form, and return it to the Corporate Secretary by fax at 416-443-0017, or email it to nglass@opseu.org, copying your Executive Board Member.

All submissions must be received no later than January 6, 2017. 
 
 

In solidarity,​​

​Warren (Smokey) Thomas
President 

It's opportunity time again!  Region 2 has released the application package for the fall educationals.  The offerings for October will be:

• Advanced Grievance Handling for Union Building
• Duty to Accommodate 2: Making Accommodation Work
• Health and Safety:  Level 3
• REVISED Stewards 1: Making a Difference in the Workplace
• NEW Stewards 3:  Dealing with Discipline
• Aboriginal Journey- Walking Together

For further information about courses offered and to register, check out the application package:

You don't have to be elected or a steward to attend these educationals, any member can attend.  In fact, the weekends provide a wonderful opportunity to learn new information for anyone new or old to OPSEU.  As always, if you're interested in attending let us know at info@opseulocal291.com so we can connect you with other members going.  If you share a room with another member, all your expenses (per diem for meals) are reimbursed!  Childcare is provided and you'll find the form to sign your child(ren) up within the application package.
​If you have any further questions let us know - comment below, send us an email, or contact a member of your Local Executive directly.  See you at the Hilton Meadowvale in a few weeks!

​Applications are due October 7th!