Addressing delegates for the last time as National President, Simon Berlin started at the beginning by reflecting on the separation from the international union which birthed COPE-SEPB. “Here we are, 12 years later, with 12 years of solidarity and pride under our belts, gathered
to open our fifth Triennial Canadian Convention.”

“As your National President, I could not be more proud of you, of us, proud of our extraordinary union that we can all be proud of.” Berlin went on to speak about the changing political tide after ten years of Harperism. He spoke about the many reasons trade unionists still have to organize and fight – declining union density, sexist and inequitable retirement annuities, the lack of affordable childcare, and more. He also described many reasons to be hopeful, including the grassroots groundswell behind Fight for $15.

He ended his address by thanking all his elected compatriots, the staff who supported his work, and his family for their love.