I was working for Employment and Social Development of Canada (ESDC) on June 28, serving Canadians by processing Employment Insurance claims, when I got a phone call that would drastically change my life.

Up to that point, my plan for the entire summer was to work and live in my camper/trailer and do a little fishing, a little canoeing, maybe a hike once in a while.  I had plans to relax and recuperate after a very difficult spring.

That was a Friday and on Monday, July 1, I was in Ottawa sitting in the President’s office here at CEIU.

It has been an exciting, exhausting 30 days since and I am very happy with the progress we have made in the organization. The National Executive, as per our By-Laws, elected Rubina Boucher as our National Executive Vice President on July 10 and she has hit the ground running. Rubina previously served as Vice-President, Human Rights and Race Relations. Our National Executive also elected Helen King as Alternate National Executive Vice-President.

Changes like these aren’t easy. Our incredible staff, the CEIU National Executive, Local Presidents, activists and membership at large have all come together and supported Rubina and me in our new roles. I feel immense pride in how everyone has adjusted and embraced the new leadership and direction of CEIU.

Highlights from first month

• Met with our two largest Locals: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Local 70705 in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Local 30851 in Edmonton; combined, they represent 4000+ CEIU members. Vesna Lukic and Madeline Lee are strong Local leaders who are doing an amazing job.

• All-Staff Conference in Halifax: this event was pre-planned before I became President, but it was a great opportunity to connect with CEIU staffers from across the country and spend time with our National Executive. Some intense conversations were had and a few laughs, but I really believe we are pulling in the same direction for our members.

• Had my first taste of the PSAC National Board of Directors meeting: it was virtual and covered a wide range of topics. I am really excited to be working with leadership from the other Components within PSAC.

• Welcome two new employees: Matt Brett is our new Political Communications Officer and Veronique Bergeron is now a National Union Representative for the NCR! Our union will be stronger with these two bright and energetic people in place.

• Met with two Local Presidents in Hamilton for lunch meetings. Shout out to Beula and Angela, who are such eager and strong local leaders. CEIU members in the area are well served.

• Spent a few days with CEIU Ontario leadership: supported their By-Laws Committee, met with the Women’s Committee, and explained my vision for the next two years. We have some amazing activists across the country!

• I also have to mention the many, many meetings I have with ESDC, the Immigration and Refugee Board, and IRCC senior leaders. So many committees, Assistant Deputy Ministers, Director Generals, etc. Our employers are challenging to work with some days but, overall, I think I will be making a real difference in the relationship that our union has with our departments. There is work to be done and we will accomplish it.

This has been a productive first month as your President and I am really excited for what is to come.

I will be visiting all our regions and meeting with as many members and Local Presidents and activists as I can to support and encourage you as we work towards making our workplaces better.

In solidarity,

Phil Matheson
National President
Canada Employment and Immigration Union