I have the skills and Vision |
For the last 30 years I have worked in numerous hospital nursing positions, and more recently in the community at the CCAC. This lends me a broad perspective on how sectors of healthcare work, and how that affects nurses and all health care professionals as they struggle to provide quality care.
I have gained experience in numerous union roles: Grievance Chair, negotiations, Bargaining Unit President, Local Coordinator and for the past 11 years as Vice President Region 4. I have always had strong interpersonal skills. In addition to this broad experience, I held the portfolio of Local Finance. These 10 years gave me the ability to work closely with members across this province as they prioritize their issues and needs, assisting in making each member-dollar count. My recent portfolio of Labour Relations has provided me with knowledge and experience of how to coordinate strategies that help us in our workplaces as we fight against relentless workloads and staggering overtime. Being intimately involved in local and provincial negotiations, I know one of these core strategies is recognizable improvements in our collective agreements. In addition to supporting the vital role of experienced members, I also feel we need to look to the future. We need to engage students and our future members to discuss their role and the importance of our union. I am deeply politically active, attending rallies, parades, strike lines, demonstrations and speaking with community groups. I advocate at government tables and stakeholder committees ensuring our message is heard. That message being our ability to provide quality care is paramount. These collective experiences have afforded me the insight and understanding into the needs of our members, and have prepared me to serve as your Provincial President. As I continue to develop my career experiences, I believe it is important to also continue to challenge the status quo and affect authentic change in our Union. My vision for the future: 1. Raise the profile of ONA so our members are proud of their Union; engaging our members in "our Union" not "the Union". 2. Work diligently so the public, politicians and our employers understand and recognize our values and hear our voice. 3. Build capacity for ONA's future, valuing diversity and ensuring we develop a strong team, while mentoring others, and giving them opportunities to take on leadership roles in the future. 4. Improving communication and bringing a new level of transparency so our members are heard. 5. Improving your economic welfare. I bring passion, enthusiasm, hard work and a new prospective. My expectation is that leaders and members need to be supported and heard -` this will be my key focus. I am asking for your support for the privilege of being your Provincial President. |