Quebec Regional Seminar
Labour Day 2025
Labour Day is a day to honour the achievements of workers and the labour movement, and to recognize the ongoing efforts to improve fairness, equity, health and safety, and respect in the workplace.
We encourage you to take this opportunity to reflect on the importance of workers’ rights, the value of solidarity, and the progress that has been made through collective action.
Whether it’s attending a community event, learning more about the history of the labour movement, or simply taking time to rest and recharge, we invite you to mark the day in a way that is meaningful to you.
Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable Labour Day!
UNE Stands with Striking Air Canada Workers
Union siblings,
Air Canada workers are on the line fighting for fairness and they deserve our full support. Instead of defending the workers and upholding the basic right to free and fair collective bargaining, the government has chosen the opposite path: silencing workers, siding with corporate interests, and undermining the very principles they claim to stand for.
Let us be clear: this kind of interference is no better than the strong-arm tactics of the Conservatives. It is Trump-style politics, heavy-handed, anti-worker, and beneath any government that pretends to value democracy. The Liberals have lost their way. They no longer represent their own values, and the shame of that failure falls squarely on them. Minister Haju’s decision to force workers back sets a dangerous precedent for future negotiations with this government.
We must stand shoulder to shoulder with the Air Canada workers. Their fight is our fight. When collective bargaining is trampled in one workplace, every union and every worker is weakened. But when we unite, when we denounce injustice loudly and publicly, we show that workers cannot and will not be ignored.
In Solidarity,
Your Union of National Employees
National Acadian Day
By Mireille Jaillet
Acadians, early 17th century French settlers who founded Acadia (now known as Nova-Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island), are often known as the “Neutral French” due to their refusal to take sides during the French-English conflicts. The Acadian people were generally known as being friendly to everyone and sought allyship with all rather than allegiance to one.
Once Acadia was ceded to Britain, the Acadians became the subjects of the “Great Upheaval.” They were removed from their homes and deported to Britain as well as various French settlements and British colonies. Some who settled in Louisiana formed their own distinct cultural identity as Cajuns after adapting to their new environment. Of the ten thousand expulsed Acadians, approximately half lost theirs lives.
Over time, some Acadians were allowed to return to Acadia after agreeing to the contentious oath of allegiance, but not to their original dwellings as those had been gifted to American Loyalists, especially New England planters. Most Acadians who returned had either escaped deportation by finding refuge in the forests or had been prisoners held in Beauséjour, Pigiguit, Port-Royal and Halifax and had finally been released.
The Acadians had close relationships and ties with both the French and Indigenous peoples. The very reason they refused to take the unconditional oath of allegiance in the first place. Upon their arrival to the new colony, the new French colonists were assisted by the Mi’kmaq with food and other resources and the two groups remained close. They shared the territory and resources and worked together efficiently and harmoniously. The Acadians traded tools and goods with the Mi’kmaq for fur, fish, and other resources.
The Acadians never made any effort to displace the Mi’kmaq. However, once Britain seized Acadia, the relationship between the two became strained due to the pressures placed upon both by the British. It did not, however, deter them from working together to resist the British rule and attempts at assimilation.
After the deportation, the Acadians and Mi’kmaq continued to work together to preserve their cultures, to promote reconciliation and to address the historical injustices of colonialism. Some Acadians and Mi’kmaq formed families with each other, creating what is known as the Acadian Métis. We can also see Indigenous practices, terms and values that were incorporated into the Acadian culture and language. Some examples of this in terms of language:
| French | Mi’kmaq | English |
| Matelot | Matlot | Sailor |
| Adieu | Atiyu/atiu | Bye |
| L’assiette | Lasiyet/lasiet | Plate |
| Ma poche | Mapos | |
| Noel | Nuwel | Christmas |
| SHARED VALUES | ||
| Democratic practices | Community well-being | Desire for peace |
| Importance of Oral Traditions | Importance of Music, Dance, and drums | Harnessing of natural medicines |
Mireille Jaillet is the UNE National Equity Representative for Women.
UNE Statement on Emancipation Day – August 1, 2025
On this Emancipation Day, the Union of National Employees (UNE) honours the strength, resistance, and enduring legacy of those who fought for the abolition of slavery across the British Empire, which legally came into effect on August 1, 1834.
We recognize that while emancipation marked a legal end to slavery, the deep-rooted impacts of colonialism, anti-Black racism, and systemic inequality persist to this day. As union members, we reaffirm our commitment to justice, equity, and dignity for all workers, especially Black workers who continue to face barriers in the workplace and in society.
UNE stands in solidarity with the Black community in the ongoing fight for true liberation, fair representation, and reparative justice. Emancipation is not a moment in history; it is a call to action. Together, we must dismantle the structures of oppression and build systems rooted in accountability, healing, and radical hope.
We invite all UNE members to take time to reflect, educate, and engage in actions that honour this day and push forward the work of liberation.
UNE Occupational Health & Safety Conference
Meet the Parks Canada bargaining team
Daniel Toutant
Based in Trois-Rivières, Que., Daniel Toutant has been a cornerstone of the Parks Canada Agency since 2002, serving as technical services supervisor and project manager at La Mauricie National Park. As president of UNE Local 10269, Daniel’s leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to human rights and mental health in the workplace. He previously served as UNE national vice-president, human rights (2011–2016) and UNE national president for Human Rights (2017–2023) and co-founded the UNE Francophone Committee in 2010.
This marks Daniel’s fourth term on the Parks Canada-PSAC bargaining team, where his expertise and advocacy are invaluable. Since 2016, he has spoken across Canada on mental health at various federal departments and agencies. Daniel is unwavering in his fight against harassment, discrimination and racism, always keeping a vigilant eye on the mental well-being of his union family. His experience and dedication make him a trusted defender of members’ rights and a passionate advocate for positive change.
Kevin Alldread
Kevin Alldread calls Peterborough, Ont. home and has been a maintenance technician at the historic Trent-Severn Waterway since 2014. As president of UCTE Local 00056 and an active union member since 2016, Kevin is stepping onto the Parks-PSAC bargaining team for the first time.
A steadfast champion of safety, inclusivity and fairness, Kevin is known for standing tall and speaking out on behalf of his colleagues. He is committed to protecting members’ rights and ensuring that their voices are heard at every level. Kevin pledges to fight for what is right and fair, bringing a strong sense of justice and determination to the bargaining table.
Josée Tremblay
A dedicated bilingual activist, Josée Tremblay hails from Shawinigan, Que. and has made British Columbia her home since 1992. Josée joined Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island in 2010, starting as an administrative assistant and advancing to supervisor for visitor experience in 2016.
As president of Local 29266 since 2017, Josée has organized Phoenix demonstrations in both Ucluelet, B.C. and Ottawa, Ont. and is well-known for her commitment to representing members and engaging with management at all levels. She counts her in-depth knowledge of the collective agreement and her ability to connect with members nationwide as her biggest strengths.
Josée is passionate about securing a strong, robust collective agreement – especially considering new interpretations around call-back procedures. She advocates for wage adjustments for General Services (GS) and General Labour and Trade (GL), better protections for seasonal and term workers, and improving work-life balance. Josée’s on-the-ground experience and solutions-oriented approach bring a fresh perspective to the bargaining team. She is enthusiastic about working towards a more equitable future.
Chris Waldinsperger
Chris Waldinsperger began his public service career in 2017, working at Parks Canada as a student at Ontario Waterways. While there, he supported canal operations along the Trent–Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal National Historic Sites. He currently works as a project coordinator at Jasper National Park where, since 2022, he has worked on an aquatics-based conservation project.
Chris is the local president for UNE Local 30115. Chris provides frontline support in response to crises, like the 2024 Jasper Wildfire. As a young person on the bargaining team, Chris feels a strong sense of pride to have the chance to help push for meaningful and lasting change.
Birch Howard
With over 21 years as a Park Warden for Parks Canada, Birch Howard has served in Banff, Wood Buffalo, Kluane, Vuntut, Ivvavik National Parks, and the Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site across the Yukon and northern BC. As an armed Peace Officer, Birch upholds the Canada National Parks Act and other legislation, ensuring the conservation of natural and cultural resources and the safety of visitors.
Birch is deeply concerned about the inequalities facing Parks Canada members, particularly regarding benefits and compensation compared to other federal employees. He is committed to negotiating a fair deal that brings parity for all members, especially park wardens and first responders.
A member of UNE Local Y0104, Birch has served as Shop Steward, Vice President, and President, and sits on several national committees. This is his third term on the Parks Canada-PSAC bargaining team. Birch takes pride in the benefits he has helped secure, and the many members he has supported through grievances and tough conversations with management.
Shilla Furaha Johnson
Shilla Furaha Johnson resides in the stunning hamlet of Lake Louise, within Banff National Park, Alberta. Now in her third year with Parks Canada, she works at the Lake Louise Visitor Centre and is serving her second term as Vice President of Local 30402.
A passionate unionist, Shilla is dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and is committed to fighting for members from coast to coast. As a first-time bargaining team member, she is eager to learn, collaborate, and bring her problem-solving skills to the table. Her priorities include job security and fair compensation for all.
Outside of work, Shilla enjoys reading and learning new skills. She draws inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s words: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Shilla looks forward to making a meaningful impact and ensuring every member’s voice is heard.
Alternates:
- Mohamed Zaid
- André Miller
- Jonathan Jeet
- Hunter Lemon
- Adelaide (Ady) King
- Ellen Cross
- Michael Kvern
The bargaining team is supported by the following PSAC staff:
- Laneydi Martinez Alfonso, negotiator
- Peter Burjorjee, research officer
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Streamlining the Grievance Processes at UNE
Greetings Members of the Union of National Employees (UNE),
I wanted to provide an update on how we are streamlining the grievance processes at UNE.
For help with completing a grievance by the local executives, email or call the info line.
- info@une-sen.org
- The auto-attendant number for UNE is 613-560-4364 and toll-free number at 1-800-663-6685
For scheduling final level hearings, please email scheduling at the following address:
When a date has been assigned, a National Labour Relations Officer will follow up with the member directly.
Once your case is with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), they will follow up advising you of when your case is scheduled.
For escalation of grievances contact the Director of Member Representation and Labour Relations.
All policy grievances are held with the PSAC, therefore follow up with the office of the National President.
Please refrain from following up for status updates as we are not yet set up to monitor status, and we will be in touch when we are preparing your case.
We expect to have additional new tools in the fall of 2025.
Thank you,
Alisha Kang (nee Campbell)
National President
Union of National Employees