CUPE BC Convention App Available

We are very excited to announce that whether you are a delegate to the CUPE BC 2016 Convention or you want to follow along from home, there is a convention app for mobile devices that will connect you to all of the action. No matter what kind of mobile device you use, the app is available for a free download. Just go to your online app store, search for “CUPE BC Convention 2016” and you will be able to easily download and install the app on your device. CUPE BC has hired the same firm that developed the convention app for the last National Convention in November 2015 which received rave reviews from delegates.

Pension Forum 

DATE: Wednesday, April 27, 2016
TIME: 3:00 – 4:30 pm
PLACE: Saanich 1 – Victoria Conference Centre – Level 1

Responsible investment is an approach to investment that takes environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into consideration. Come out and learn more about responsible investment and how the ESG factors are incorporated into our pension plans. There will be a panel discussion with Peter Chapman, Executive Director of the Shareholder Association for Research and Education; Jennifer Coulson, Senior Manager of ESG Integration for the BC Investment Management Corporation; and Judy Payne, Executive Director of the BC Municipal Pension Plan. This forum will be moderated by Frank Lee, Chair of the CUPE BC Pension Committee.

New Delegates Seminar 

DATE: Wednesday, April 27th, 2016
TIME: 5:00 – 6:00 pm
PLACE: Lecture Theatre – Victoria Conference Centre – Level 1

Are you a new delegate to convention and would like to learn about the Rules of Order and gain a better understanding of convention before it begins? Please come to the “New Delegates Seminar” held just prior to the start of convention where President Paul Faoro and others will walk you through the convention procedures.

National Day of Mourning Ceremony 

DATE: Thursday, April 28, 2016
TIME: 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
PLACE: Legislature Buildings – front steps

As the National Day of Mourning takes place during our convention, we will adjourn the convention at 10:40 am to walk across the street to the legislative lawns for the ceremony. The ceremony is sponsored by the Victoria Labour Council, CUPE Local 50 and CUPE BC. We understand that some of our delegates have mobility issues and ask that they email info@cupe.bc.ca or call our office at

604-291-9119 so that we can make transportation arrangements for them.

Young Workers Task Force Event 

DATE: Thursday, April 28, 2016
TIME: 6:30 pm
PLACE: Bartholomew’s English Style Pub
Doubles Lounge
777 Douglas Street Victoria

The CUPE BC Young Workers Task Force would like to invite all young workers to join them for a night of fun times and enlightening conversation. Head over to the Doubles Lounge (directly across from Bartholmew’s Pub) at 6:30 pm. They will kick off the evening with introductions from the Task Force followed by an icebreaker to get everyone better acquainted. Great prizes will be drawn throughout the night. Young workers unable to attend convention are most welcome to join us as this will be a great opportunity to network and socialize with young workers from around the province. 

To assist the young workers with this event, we are asking locals to donate prizes and bring them to convention. Suggested donations include anything from gift cards, or SWAG items (hats, t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, mouse pads, etc.) that your local thinks are appropriate. If young workers could please pre-register for this event by sending an email to info@cupe.bc.ca or call the CUPE BC office at 604-291-9119 to assist with the ordering of food and beverage.

CARD Equity Event 

DATE: Thursday, April 28, 2016
TIME: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
PLACE Saanich Room
Victoria Conference Centre – Level 1

The Committee Against Racism and Discrimination is proud to present a screening of “Colour Me” a documentary film that challenges views to re-examine how they think about race. The film follows Anthony McLean as he runs a ground-breaking mentorship program for black teens in Brampton, Ontario, the most challenging demographically changing city in Canada. While challenging his students to analyze and abandon the stereotypes they have accepted, Anthony is forced to critically examine his own identity.

Prior to the start of the film, we are pleased to have CUPE Local 3500 member, Dean Regnier, who has cerebral palsy speak about what it’s like to live and work with his disability, including how to navigate the difficult protocols of access to government services (such as bus passes) and how his union has supported him throughout.

District Councils’ Hospitality Night 

DATE: Thursday, April 28, 2016
TIME: 8:00 pm – 1:00 am
PLACE: Fairmont Empress Hotel
Lower level in the Balmoral, Buckingham and Ivy Ballrooms

All six District Councils will once again host a Joint Hospitality Night this year at convention. Come out and meet delegates from others districts and enjoy some appies and a beverage or two.

Breakfast Forum with National Secretary Treasurer Charles Fleury for Local Secretary Treasurers and Trustees 

DATE: Friday, April 29, 2016
TIME: 7:30 AM – 8:45 AM
PLACE: Saanich Room – Victoria Conference Centre – Level 1

Brother Charles Fleury, National Secretary-Treasurer will be hosting an important breakfast for Local Secretary Treasurers and Trustees to discuss the importance of your role and the tools at your disposal to fulfill the requirement of your position. We do hope that you will join us for this important meeting where there will be an opportunity to address the steps CUPE is taking to help you do your job but also for you to give the National Union feedback and to share your challenges and experience with each other. You do not have to be a delegate to the Division Convention to attend this breakfast. It is open to all Secretary Treasurers and Trustees.

As we are serving a continental breakfast, please confirm your attendance by sending an email to info@cupe.bc.ca or call the CUPE BC office at 604-291-9119 by April 20th this will assist in our planning for the catering of the breakfast.

Communications Breakfast – Attention Local Communicators!! 

DATE: Friday, April 29, 2016
TIME: 7:30 am – 9:00 am
PLACE: Fairmont Empress Hotel
Lower level – Balmoral and Buckingham Ballroom

Are you responsible for communications in your Local or your District Council? If not, is it something you are interested in? If you are coming to convention, you are invited to attend the Communications Breakfast on Friday morning.

The breakfast meeting will feature a presentation from CUPE National Communication staff from Ottawa letting you know more about the products and services you can access for your local. Communication Reps from the BC Regional Office will also be on hand to answer questions, address any concerns and provide tips on how your Local can improve its communication. This will assist you whether you are starting from scratch or already producing an award winning website or newsletter.

And this year, CUPE BC’s Annual Communications Award will be announced at the breakfast!

As we will be bringing in a continental breakfast, please pre-register by April 20th by sending an email to info@cupe.bc.ca or phone the CUPE BC office at 604-291-9119.

Friday Night Social and Convention Dance 

DATE: Friday, April 29, 2016
TIME: 8:00 pm – Reception
9:00 pm – 1:00 am – Dance
Music by RSM Productions
PLACE: Fairmont Empress Hotel
Lower Level
Balmoral, Buckingham and Ivy Ballrooms

This year at convention, there will be a social and dance on Friday night. There will not be a banquet this year as we find most delegates like to go out for dinner. There is no admission charge for the dance. Light snacks will be served later in the evening.