CUPE Alberta Convention - Wednesday March 16, 2016

And we're off. Registration was my primary focus this morning. We had almost everyone who could vote come to the desk. Made our lives easier, and the count consistent as the days progress. Around 200 people are packed onto the convention floor. For some reason the tables are set up in a round format and it made for a slightly difficult seating arrangement. The convention however was able to make it work and we opened the convention.

Due to a scheduling issue, the National President and Treasurer had to do their reports and I must say it was wonderful to be able to get most of the reports out of the way. President, and Treasurer Division reports went without a hitch and by lunch we had covered much of what we needed to. The feel of the conference is different now that I am on the floor. Committee reports have been short and I feel with the new proposed format for committees this may be some of the reasons behind the reports and how they are delivered.

The election forum was like most before it made up of a very small percentage of the membership and with very few questions from those in attendance. So far it looks like most positions will be acclaimed. The one year Recording Secretary position I vacated will be elected. Two of the candidates, both who are probably both good for different reasons have pretty different methods. Dianne was able to lock down votes pre-convention with our Local and others is probably going to win with a landslide. John, who is from Edmonton, had some good answers. I don't think he has the votes but either should be good for the first year, as they take over and try to quickly learn all they can for the next years renewal.

What was surprising was that our candidate for AAVP, George, did not have to run for the position of Alternate Area Vice President for Calgary. Bob from Local 40 has one more year to the term and was still active in the role. Our local helped fund a hospitality suite to support George, and Rory with the help of Local 38. I am not sure how the membership will perceive this. The suite was hosted by Local 38, with financial support from Local 709, and 37. Overall the suite was done quite well. Very well attended the space was overcapacity. We used much of the room for loud conversation, and it seemed to be a great way to talk with each other as well as catch up. I was able to be at the event from 8pm to 12am and there were many people who came through to say hi. I would suggest that

I am happy to say that the first day was well done, and by the end of the first day I think I put in 12 hours of convention on the floor, Most of the first day is usually formality and by the evening I spent helping out in the hospitality suite till 12am. Overall a very good day of convention.

CUPE Alberta Convention - Tuesday March 15, 2016

As I arrived and settled into my room I was not sure whether coming to convention would be a good or a bad thing. This will be the convention that covers my stepping down months into my re-election. I wasn't sure if I would be met with open arms or instead be shunned.

When I arrived about 40 minutes before our credentials committee met, those who met me were with arms wide open. Stepping down was probably the easiest decision I have ever had to make. I am glad to be helping in some form or other.

Credentials started off well and by the end of the day we had much of those registered done by 9pm.