In the Yukon, members are taking action to ensure that students and workers have access to clean water and safe places to work and learn with a petition calling on the territorial government to act responsibly and uphold its duty to communities.

In the NWT, members of the Racialized Workers Committee are actively fighting hate in their workplaces and their communities, organizing campaigns and events that show the power of collective action in creating safer, more inclusive workplaces and communities.

In Nunavut, members are are finding creative ways to bring the labour movement’s values into the spotlight with opportunities to connect, share and inspire, like the upcoming screening of Union: The Film.

Across the country, our members are standing together to protect public services and support pro-worker candidates in the federal election. I wrote about this, and about what happens when governments attack unions, in my latest Labour Views column.

As we brace for economic uncertainty, solidarity is more important than ever. It warms my heart to see our members coming together to advance the causes and values that drive our movement.

In Solidarity,

Josée-Anne Spirito
Regional Executive Vice-President

PSAC North

From March 20 to 22, Indigenous members from all three territories came together in Whitehorse for the 2025 Regional Indigenous Peoples’ Gathering.  

The event, themed Feeding the Fire, was the first of its kind in the North, an Indigenous-led space for members to gather, share, and organize around truth, reconciliation, and justice.

This critical gathering offered an opportunity to build stronger relationships and amplify the voices of Indigenous members across the territories – not just to talk about reconciliation but to live it.

With the guidance of the Indigenous Peoples’ Gathering Steering Committee (Mary Kootoo, Nora Doig, and Gord Reed), and wisdom brought by Elder Betsy Jackson and Firekeeper Harold Gatensby, participants took part in sharing circles, relationship-building, and community dialogue to explore the challenges Indigenous workers face in union spaces and workplaces.

The Rising Sun Singers opened the space, and the gathering was followed by a related event featuring a screening and discussion of the documentary film SUGARCANE.   

The success of this event is a powerful reminder that we must create more spaces where Indigenous members can connect, lead, and build collective strength.

It also underscored the importance of ensuring that Feeding the Fire becomes the foundation for ongoing reconciliation work in the region. Workers, families, and leaders in the union all have a responsibility to carry this momentum forward in our collective commitment to Indigenous justice, cultural resurgence, and a stronger, more inclusive union.

We must keep the fire burning. 

With Canada’s 45th federal election underway, the future of public service jobs, collective bargaining, pensions, and the right to unionize are all at stake. The decisions voters will make at the ballot box will shape the future of Canada’s public services – whether they remain strong, are well-funded, or fall victim to deep cuts.

PSAC activists have a crucial role to play in ensuring that our collective voice is heard at this pivotal moment.

Our National campaign for the federal election, “For You, Canada,” encourages Canadians to think of the critical services our members deliver and what’s at risk when we don’t elect candidates that support public services and public sector workers in federal, provincial, and territorial governments.

We are calling on Canadians to Pledge to Vote to Protect Public Services. From safeguarding borders, ensuring food and water safety, delivering social programs, and responding to emergencies like wildfires, this work is essential in maintaining services that keep Canada running.

Our goal is to see pro-worker candidates elected in all three territories. For members in the North looking for more information on the federal election or hoping to get involved, our Federal Election 2025 member hub provides resources and updates for activists who want to make a difference in their workplaces and communities:

Voting, volunteering, or advocating for policies all help shape the future of our communities and workplaces, strengthen our democracy, and ensure that the needs and concerns of workers and families are heard.

Want to be part of a dynamic team committed to building our union in communities across the North? PSAC offices in all three territories are looking to hire short-term help to fill vacancies. We are looking for people available for up-to-4-month contracts for the following positions:

Administrative Assistant, Yellowknife Regional Office, up to 4 months

35 hours/week, Salary $84,656 annually, Isolated Post Allowance, conditions as per collective agreement
 

Administrative Assistant, Iqaluit Regional Office, up to 4 months

35 hours/week, Salary $84,656 annually,Isolated Post Allowance, conditions as per collective agreement

Regional Representative, Whitehorse Regional Office, up to 4 months

35 hours/week, Salary $118,293 annually, Isolated Post Allowance, conditions as per collective agreement

Positions are open to all, but priority is given to PSAC members. If you are interested, please send in a resume before April 30th to Francois Picard, Regional Coordinator at picardf@psac-afpc.com.

We also have permanent position available from time to time – please consult the PSAC Career Opportunities page for ongoing competitions

Do you want to have a direct impact on your workplace, union and community? If you want to play an integral role in guiding your union, consider getting involved with a Regional Committee and bringing your ideas to an upcoming meeting:

NWT Young Workers Committee – Annual General Meeting

May 1, 5:30 PM

The beginning of a new committee!

Yukon Health & Safety Committee – Household Emergency Preparedness Event

May 3, 1:00 PM | May 7, 5:00 PM

Yukon Pride Committee – General Meeting
May 5 – 5:30 PM

NWT Health & Safety Committee – General Meeting
May 6 – 5:30 PM

NWT Women’s Committee – General Meeting
May 13 – 5:30 PM

PSAC North Regional Committees help to guide our union and protect the interests of our members. Many of today’s leaders developed their skills, abilities and talents on a committee. They not only educated themselves but became an invaluable resource to local members, components and PSAC National.

Meetings are held via Zoom, telephone, and in person at PSAC Regional Offices.

If you are passionate about one (or more!) of the issues that our regional committees focus on, you will find a warm welcome awaits you. Activists are the heart of our union and your involvement will help the labour movement thrive.

We want to know more about Health and Safety in workplaces across the North. Your insights are crucial in helping us create safer and healthier environments for all workers.

This survey is quick, confidential, and your feedback will make a real difference. Thank you for your participation and trust.

Modules 5 and 6 of PSAC’s online course, Walking in Our Truth Together, are now available.

This foundational truth-seeking online education program has been created in collaboration with Canadian Geographic to help support the pursuit of justice and reconciliation. Members have an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Indigenous history, rights, and resilience. Through education and reflection, participants gain the tools to advocate for justice and inclusivity in their workplaces, communities, and beyond.

Module 5, titled “Inuit Ways of Life,” invites you to discover the beautiful culture, important history, and contemporary realities of Inuit people. This module explores their deep connection to the land and their ongoing pursuit of self-determination.

Module 6, titled “First Nations, Many Nations,” explores the diversity of First Nations on Turtle Island. Participants will discover the rich cultures and languages of the many First Nations, the different challenges these groups face today, and the solutions these groups are bringing forward to create a future that truly takes reconciliation into account.

This online course is more than just an educational tool, it’s a vital step towards understanding and addressing the injustices that have impacted, and continue to affect, Indigenous communities across Canada.

Have questions or want to learn more about PSAC North activities? Check out our website or contact your Regional Office.