Updates from Day 1 of the CEIU National Triennial Convention 

The Canada Employment and Immigration Union is pleased to be able to offer up to fifteen (15) $5,000.00 National Scholarships to CEIU members in good standing, their spouse, their common-law spouse (including same sex partners) and/or their dependant(s). Take note that a few scholarships are dedicated to persons who are part of equity groups.

With the deadline to receive nominations for different Alternate NVP positions now closed, CEIU would also like to congratulate Britt Gunn on being acclaimed as the Alternate NVP for IRB.

Having received more than one nomination for the other positions, CEIU will be proceeding with elections for the following positions:  

• Alternate NVP for BC/YT
• Alternate NVP for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut
• Alternate NVP for MAN/SASK
• Alternate NVPs for Ontario
• Alternate NVPs for NCR
• Alternate NVPs for Quebec
• Alternate NVP for NL/NS
• Alternate NVP for NB/PEI
• Alternate NVPs for Women’s Issues, Western Region
• Alternate NVPs for Women’s Issues, Eastern Region
• Alternate NVP for Human Rights
• Alternate NVP for IRCC

The election for the above-named elections will start at 9 a.m. (EST) on July 31st, until 9:00 p.m. (EST) on August 8th, 2023.

Simply Voting Inc, has been hired as the independent third-party election provider to conduct these elections.  Members will be able to vote online, or by telephone starting at 9 a.m. (EST) on July 31st, 2023, for all the respective elections for which they are entitled to vote.

Members should be receiving a letter in the mail with their personal elector id and password from Simply Voting allowing you to vote.  Emails will also be sent out by Simply Voting on July 31st, for those we have personal email addresses for. 

Make your vote count!  

One of our very own CEIU members, Crystal Wood, President of Local 90152, is the recipient of the 2023 Rising Star Award, which was presented to her on Friday, June 2^nd, at the 2023 PSAC Atlantic Regional Convention held in St. John’s, Nfld.  The award was presented by Farid Tourkmani, another CEIU member. 

As Vice-President of her local, Crystal did everything she could to try and get the local more engaged, and this while she was on maternity leave.  When the local president resigned from his role, Crystal stepped up to take on the role.  She has done incredible work for not only her local, but also her region, said CEIU National Vice-President, Charlene Arsenault, NVP for NB/PEI.

CEIU would like to take the time to thank Crystal, as Farid indicated when he presented her with the Rising Star Award, for her work ethic, values, commitment, dedication, creativity, technical abilities, and leadership skills.

Thank you Crystal! 

Each year on May 17, we mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). This year’s theme is “Together always: united in diversity”.

The goal of IDAHOBIT is to raise awareness of the violence, discrimination, and oppression experienced by 2SLGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The date of May 17 was chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision on this date in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. It was originally called “International Day Against Homophobia”. It was later changed to include transphobia and then biphobia.

Did you know?

• IDAHOBIT has been officially recognized and commemorated by over 130+ different countries around the world.
• Canada: in 2022, the federal government created the first ever 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan to “advance equality and the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada”.
• USA:  in 2021, United States president Joe Bidenused IDAHOBIT to highlight efforts to alleviate LGBTQIA+ discrimination and to call on Congress to pass the Equality Act.
• Taiwan: on May 17, 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legally recognize same-sex marriage
• Singapore: in December 2022, Singapore’s parliament repealed its law banning sex between men.
• Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis: laws criminalizing gay sex were struck down by the courts in 2022.

At the same time as we have made much progress, there is also a very disturbing trend of hate and violence against people in 2SLGBTQ+ communities. In recent years, we have seen a rise in anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric, fuelled by disinformation and false narratives, often leading to violence, harassment and stigmatisation. For example:

• USA: the state of Florida has passed a number of laws that target 2SLGBTQ+ people, including taking essential health care away from trans people, censoring schools from educating about sexuality and gender identity, banning trans women and girls from playing sports, and recently proposing to ban drag shows. As well, 14 other US states have passed laws banning gender-affirming health care for those under the age of legal majority.
• Saudi Arabia: in 2022, authorities cracked down on rainbow-colored toys and clothing in stores in the country's capital, Riyadh, claiming the items encourage homosexuality
• Qatar: in 2022, Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup exposed its harsh anti-2SLGBTQ+ laws. Qatar's Penal Code still criminalizes homosexual sex, punishable by up to seven years in prison.

In the face of these attacks, now is a more important time than ever to join together in solidarity, across borders, communities, and identities to stand up against anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate. CEIU encourages all of our members to stand up against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia and to actively promote inclusion in our communities and workplaces.

Each May, we recognize Asian Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the contributions and struggles of Asian people in Canada.

From April 6-13, CEIU members voted for the National Vice Presidents who were not elected by acclamation.