Day two of the 10th PSAC B.C. Regional Triennial Convention kicked off with an address from PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa. Sharon spoke to members about the challenges workers are facing both at the bargaining table and in the workplace—from return-to-office policies and workforce adjustments to the growing impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and working conditions. At the same time, she highlighted the many victories workers have achieved across the B.C. Region and the country through member engagement, bargaining successes, and grassroots activism. As Sharon noted, “every one of these victories changes what workers believe is possible,” helping build the momentum and confidence needed for the work ahead.
Following Sharon’s galvanizing address, Delegates resumed work on convention business, debating and adopting the 2027-2029 Priority Proposal for the B.C. Region. With the budget approved, Delegates then focused their attention on resolutions. The General Resolutions Committee spoke to the first five of their priority resolutions and the following resolutions were adopted:
- GEN-47 – Affordable Housing
- GEN-03A – Support for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Businesses
- GEN-13 – Supporting members with addictions
Before recessing for lunch, the Mayor of Victoria, Marianne Alto, joined convention and spoke about the importance of creating and maintaining more livable communities, safer neighbourhoods, and improved access to services and public spaces. In her comments, Mayor Alto also stressed the importance of strong public services and the dedicated workers who provide them.
The afternoon began with a Labour Panel comprised of leaders from BC’s public sector unions. BCGEU President Paul Finch, PEA Executive Director Melissa Moroz, and BCTF First Vice-President Robyn Tosczak discussed the challenges with navigating austerity and labour disputes while balancing public opinion in BC’s public service.
After the panel, the By-Laws Resolutions Committee was called back up to speak to the remainder of their priority and concurrence resolutions, after which the following resolutions were adopted:
- BLW-02 – National Indigenous Peoples Circle to be recognized as a submitting body for resolutions
- BLW-19 – Executive Officers Under Trusteeship
- BLW-08 – Call for a Realized Act of Reconciliation
- BLW-10 – PSAC B.C. Regional By-Laws and Regulations, Racially Visible to Racialized (Housekeeping)
- BLW-11 – PSAC B.C. Regional By-Laws and Regulations, Access (Housekeeping)
- BLW-12 – PSAC B.C. Regional By-Laws and Regulations, Delegate Entitlement for Young Workers Committees at Regional Conventions (Housekeeping)
- BLW-13 – PSAC B.C. Regional By-Laws Geographic Jurisdictions Clarity (Housekeeping)
- BLW-16 – PSAC B.C. Regional By-Laws and Regulations, Regional Coordinator to Associate Director (Housekeeping)
- BLW-14 – Addition of Schedule A: Authority to Enact, Amend, and Rescind Regulations (Housekeeping)
- BLW-21A – Clear Language
The day was rounded out with greetings from Victoria Labour Council President Kirk Mercer followed by the All Candidates Debate. First thing tomorrow morning the elections for REVP, Alternate REVP and 2nd Alternate REVP will take place in plenary before the convention adjourns in the afternoon.