Intersections of Power: Lifting Every Vote!
Regional Field Coordinators Anu Datta (Ontario/Nunavut, employer) and Michaëlle Antoine (Québec, union) represented the JLP at the conference, answering questions and sharing information about the Program. Almost 200 participants stopped by the kiosk, creating opportunities for meaningful and in-depth conversations with attendees.
The PSAC’s Equity Conference, held from May 3 to 7 in Winnipeg, brought equity-seeking members from across the country together. Racialized members, Indigenous peoples, members with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community gathered in Winnipeg to network, discuss current issues, put forward resolutions and elect representatives. In total, over 500 people attended the event.
During the conference, on Red Dress Day, Anu participated in a new art installation by Jaime Black entitled Willow Women. The experience was particularly moving when she tied a ribbon on one of the five “Willow Women” who represented missing, murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people in Canada.
“Jamie Black is such an inspiration for having started a powerful international awareness movement with her famous REDress Project created in response to the epidemic of violence affecting Indigenous women, girls and two-Spirited persons,” said Anu.
Throughout the event, attendees were keen to learn about the JLP’s opportunities for learning for public-service employees. The RFCs made many new connections on behalf of the Program and greatly enjoyed the conference.