Michelle Gallivan is a woman with many hats: union activist, Indigenous woman, Newfoundlander, mother, and leader. A formative experience was her six months on the picket line at telecommunications giant Bell Alliant, before becoming an employee in the federal public service.

“I saw first-hand the importance of solidarity and how it blurs the line between coworker and family,” Michelle said.

This formative experience followed her into the public service, where she befriended CEIU members Helen King, Jodi MacPherson and, more recently, Debbie Morris and the CEIU team in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.

“They were my mentors – they were always available and they never discounted any questions or hesitated to introduce me to others and include me in conversations,” she said. “This is the kind of friendship, leadership and guidance that encouraged me to take on my various roles.”

Michelle is now President of her CEIU union local, a regional Alternate National Vice-President, and a representative on both the Mental Health and Wellness Committee and the Women’s Committee.

“Often, we don't recognize the depth of issues until we are immersed in them, and it awakens the strongest of desires to support our members and respect all the work that came before me,” Michelle said.

As a First Nations woman, Michelle is driven to stand for all member’s rights.

She stresses the importance of membership participation in building union power, encouraging members to attend training sessions, events, actions, conference and conventions.

“Have your voice heard and, above all, hear the voices of others,” she said. “We should all play a part in opposing anti-union legislation and advancing equality. Remember, people fought for rights like maternity and paternity leave even if they were never going to have children. The strength of our union lies in our unity."

Michelle lives on Cape Breton Island where she met her partner on a blind date. Twenty-eight years and two children later, Michelle says she’s grateful for her family and life every day. When not getting involved in the union, Michelle loves being outside with the wildflowers, near the ocean, having a laugh and of course a big Montreal Canadians win on a Saturday night.