Convention 2024 - Day 1
President's Report: It's Time for Nurses to Embrace Their Collective Power
BCNU President Adriane Gear opened the 42nd annual convention on Tuesday morning by thanking Knowledge Sharer Carla George of the Squamish Nation for an inspiring Indigenous welcome. She also expressed gratitude to BCNU's elected regional council members for their continued commitment and leadership.
Vice President’s Report: “Activists Are Out There Connecting with Members”
From lobbying the provincial government to grassroots worksite campaigns across the province, on the first day of Convention 2024, BCNU Vice President Tristan Newby gave an impassioned speech where he reflected on the things that attracted him to the nursing profession and union activism. He asked delegates to do the same and encouraged them to write their thoughts on pieces of red, orange and yellow paper meant to symbolize the embers of the fire within them.
Executive Councillor Report: “I Want to Express My Gratitude to All the Staff”
Opening day of BCNU’s 2024 convention saw Denise Waurynchuk, Interim Executive Councillor for Occupational Health and Safety and Mental Health, present a report on her portfolio.
Waurynchuk started by updating delegates on the Nurses’ Bargaining Association (NBA) Nurse Support Fund, which includes the NBA Hardship Assistance initiative and the Supplemental Mental Health Benefit.
Executive Councillor Report: “I Am Dedicated to Empowering All of Our Members”
Convention 2024 featured a report from BCNU Interim Executive Councillor for Pensions and Seniors Health Meghan Friesen. During her presentation, Friesen updated delegates about the Municipal and Public Service pension plans, shared information on pension member education opportunities and spoke about the current work of the union’s Seniors Strategy Committee.
Provincial Treasurer’s Report: “We Are Building a Stronger Union For All Those We Serve and All Those Who Follow”
BCNU Provincial Treasurer Sharon Sponton delivered a positive report on the union’s finances on day one of the union’s annual convention.
Reporting on the organization’s current financial standing, Sponton told delegates that 2023 revenues increased over 2022, mainly due to the sizable base wage increases secured in the last round of provincial bargaining.
Interim CEO Report: "The Power of the Team is Insurmountable!"
BCNU Interim CEO Jim Gould began day one of the union's annual convention by showing delegates a photograph of an ocean and the sky above it.
“This image of clear, open water means we have a clear vision of where we’re going, and we have opportunity,” he stated.
Keynote Speakers: Working to Change Perceptions of Queer and Indigenous People
Day one of Convention 2024 concluded with an inspiring keynote presentation from Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson, a Two-Spirit, Indigenous married couple from Treaty Six, which covers portions of present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan.