The CEIU National Human Rights-Race Relations Conference took place in Calgary, Alberta from June 10^th-11^th under the theme “Fight Back! The Power of Unity in Diversity.” The conference was chaired by National Vice-President for Human Rights, Mofizul Islam.

Delegates and observers from CEIU’s four equity groups were welcomed to the territory by Elder Clarence Wolfleg Sr., followed by a performance from the Blackfoot Drummers.

Featured Speakers

Mofizul Islam, National Vice-President for Human Rights, shared words of welcome with the conference. Rubina Boucher, National President, then spoke about the importance of diversity, equity, and intersectionality in our union. All participants were invited to share their commitments to human rights in a living diary to be published in the next CEIU newsletter.

Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President, joined the conference virtually to share updates on the work that PSAC is doing to advance equity within the union.

The National Human Rights-Race Relations Committee then took the stage to share updates from their work and introduce themselves to participants.

Caucuses and Training

Throughout the conference, participants broke out into their equity caucuses to discuss important issues facing equity-deserving members in the union.

While the caucuses were in session, participants from other equity groups participated in trainings on Developing the CEIU Anti-Racism Plan, Pathways to Addressing Discrimination, and Barriers and Making Member Voices Heard.

The first day of the conference closed with a discussion on rethinking self-ID.

Conference Business

The second day of the conference began with a teaching from Elder Diane Eaglespeaker, who was available throughout the conference to provide support and guidance to participants.

The delegates then began debate on resolutions. Throughout the conference, the delegates voted to adopt five (5) resolutions, referred one (1) back to the committee, and two (2) were deferred due to time constraints. The resolutions that were adopted will now be brought to the 2026 CEIU Convention for debate.

Delegates also elected representatives to the National Human Rights-Race Relations Committee within their respective equity groups. These newly elected representatives will take office following the 2026 CEIU Convention. The newly elected representatives are:

• 2SLGBTQIA+ Members: Vesna Lukic and Ted Cabanes
  • Non-Binary Representative: Arun Pillai
• Indigenous Members: Cherisse Saul and Adam Murphy
• Members with Disabilities: Kelli Reid and Ash Auclair
• Racialized Members: Kelly Sidhu and Farid Tourkmani
  • Black Members Representative: Mathieu Clegban

With a closing from Elder Diane Eaglespeaker, the conference was then concluded.