Member,

Every day, PSAC North members are working together to improve our workplaces and communities. 

From members in the Yukon fighting for pension transparency…

…to members in the Northwest Territories protesting job cuts…

… and members in Nunavut preparing to advocate for a fair deal…

…your union is winning critical advancements for workers and their families.

Last month in Ottawa, a Convention delegation from the North was joined hundreds of fellow members, standing together in solidarity against the very real risk of an anti-labour federal government. You can read REVP Josée-Anne Spirito’s most recent Labour Views column about the risks of health care privatization that appeared in NNSL Media.

You can follow our NEW Instagram account to see what else happened during another busy month in the North.

As we continue to stand together advocating for fairness and equality in our workplaces, read more about PSAC North victories and what you can look forward to in the weeks to come.

On June 21, 2024, REVP Josée-Anne Spirito issued the following statement to mark Indigenous Peoples Day:

“Today is an occasion to celebrate history, culture, and diversity, as well as the many contributions of Indigenous Peoples to Canada. It is also an opportunity to reflect on our history so we can learn how to decolonize our organizations and communities in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples.”

Decolonizing Labour Fact Sheet

Still Thirsty for Justice Campaign

Illunnata Food Security Campaign

Red Dress Campaign

June is also National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour and learn about the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. PSAC encourages members to take time to learn more and engage with the stories and experiences of Indigenous communities throughout the month of June.

Decolonization is essential for building a society that recognizes and values Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Dozens of delegates from the North region attended PSAC’s 2024 National Triennial Convention in Ottawa from May 26 – 31. Nearly 600 delegates adopted important resolutions as the union braces for major fights to protect the rights of workers over the next three years.

At the end of Convention, delegates from the North gathered for a group photo at the Shaw Centre. 

In addition to electing Sharon DeSousa as National President – the first racialized national president in PSAC’s history – delegates passed a progressive budget that prepares us for the threat of an anti-worker conservative government, with support for national campaigns to oppose the privatization of Canada’s public health care and to fight for affordable child care for precarious workers, along with an increase in strike pay to empower workers for the fights ahead.

UNW President Gayla Thunstrom | NEU President Jason Rochon | PSAC North REVP Josée-Anne Spirito | YEU President Justin Lemphers

The budget also includes more support to organize and mobilize members across the country, including funding for a conference for members in the North.

UNE member Geoff Ryan speaks to delegates about life in the North.

Members passed resolutions calling for a national campaign to pressure governments to search for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people in Canada. A collective bargaining resolution included a commitment to the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages.

On the fifth day of Convention, delegates took to the streets to send a clear message thar health care is a priority issue in the coming federal election, and a public service worth protecting. Members marched from the conference centre to the Terry Fox statue across from Parliament Hill.

NEU members make noise at the rally against health care privatization.

PSAC represents more than 4,000 health care workers, across the country, the majority in the three northern territories.

Solidarity! Delegates attended a meeting of the North Region Caucus on the first day of Convention.

The rally was led by REVP Josée-Anne Spirito and featured heartfelt remarks from UNW member Kelly Bollong-Fredericks.

PSAC is celebrating the federal government’s announcement of new pension reform legislation, which will provide equitable retirement benefits for thousands of frontline public safety and law enforcement workers across the country, including correctional officers, paramedics, and firefighters working for the three territorial governments.

This landmark legislation is a major win — decades in the making — for members in the North who play a crucial role ensuring the safety and well-being of Canadians and deliver vital emergency services in remote communities.

Read More

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. Our survey is quick, confidential, and your feedback will make a real difference. 

Take the Survey

Text to 9-1-1 is the most direct and effective method for contacting emergency services. Yet the service isn’t offered the Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut, despite being available in some capacity in every province. Without this service, deaf, deafened, hard of hearing, and speech-impaired (DHHSI) residents across the North are at a heightened risk during emergencies because emergency calls require them to speak to someone.

Read more about this campaign and send a letter to your premier.

July 11 – 12: Introduction to Local Officer Training (Yellowknife)
This two day course is an introductory level course for new or active Local Officers who need to know how to run a Local.

July 23: Committee Training (Whitehorse) 

Participants will learn to recognize and promote the importance of Committee work, understand the roles and responsibilities of Committee members, recruit and retain volunteers, plan an event, and more.

Members Jessica McIntyre and Mark Brown beading Red Dress Pins on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Member Lisa Keenan with a Red Dress Pin.

Do you want to have a direct impact on your workplace and community? If you are currently active or interested in guiding your union, consider getting involved with Committee work.

Regional Committees are an integral part of your union and the regional structure. Committee areas include Access, Health and Safety, Indigenous Peoples, Political Action, Pride, Racially Visible, Women, and Young Workers. Visit our Committees page to learn more.

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