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Committee contacts

Committee Chairperson

Sandra Azocar

Local 006
Committee Member

Ainsley Gray

Local 044
Committee Member

Crystal Broadbent

Local 045
Committee Member

Alicia Salon

Local 056
Committee Member

Jennifer Richardson

Local 043
Committee Member

Pamela Foyle

Local 095
Committee Member

Carol Mammel

Local 095
Committee Member

Ruth MacDonald

Local 084
Committee Member

Jennifer Charrois

Local 006
Staff Advisor

Carrie-Lynn Rusznak

Staff Admin

Jami Payne

Committee news

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Duties of the Women's Committee

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AUPE’s Constitution sets out the duties of the Women’s Committee as follows:

The Women’s Committee shall:

  1. educate and promote awareness to the members and the public on equality, discrimination, current and related issues especially as they relate to women;
  2. encourage and support involvement of Women in Union activities, events and educational;
  3. promote involvement and support by AUPE members-at-large and communities of women’s issues;
  4. co-operate with, liaise with, and lobby other organizations and various levels of government addressing women’s issues;
  5. prepare and present policies, briefs and information on issues of concern;
  6. initiate action and participate in meetings, conferences, conventions and educational courses on issues of concern to women and co-ordinate these with other committees and organizations; and
  7. establish a resource base on women’s issues including but not limited to, discrimination and equality.

Improving domestic violence leave for AUPE members

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Alberta is the only province in Canada that does not require employers to provide paid domestic violence leave to workers. Right now, a worker in Alberta is entitled to up to 10 unpaid days in a calendar year.

It’s not good enough and here’s why.

Domestic violence in a relationship can build over time, or it can happen in an instant. There are also many different types of domestic violence, including but not limited to physical, psychological and financial abuse.

Albertans deserve to get the help they need – when they need it. That’s why the AUPE Women’s Committee is taking a three-step approach to improve domestic violence leave in Alberta:

  1. Education 
  2. Legislation
  3. Negotiation

Workers in Alberta deserve better than the bare minimum from the government and employers. AUPE has already made some progress at the negotiating table for Government of Alberta and Local 050 members. But we know there’s more work to do. 

AUPE is committed to strengthening awareness and advocating for more support for people dealing with domestic violence. We will also be working hard to ensure that your negotiating teams have the tools they need to get you the best support possible at the bargaining table.

Do you feel unsafe in your home? Support is free and available 24/7, just call 1-866-331-3933 to be connected to a shelter near you. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Whether you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is here for you.

Join the fight to end period poverty!

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Paying for menstrual products can add up! 

In fact, one in three Canadians who need menstrual products struggle to afford them.

But the cost is even greater for people who menstruate when combined with systemic issues like low incomes, unaffordable housing, and economic instability.    

That’s why the AUPE Women’s Committee is fighting to End Period Poverty in Canada by:

  • Collecting menstrual products at AUPE meetings & events to donate to organizations that support vulnerable Albertans.
  • Lobbying AHS to make sure menstrual products are available at all AHS-funded health care facilities.
  • Pushing for legislation that will make period products free for all Canadians who need them.

The Dove Award Resolution was passed at AUPE’s 25th Convention 2001 and the award was presented for the first time on March 8th, 2002, to coincide with the recognition of International Woman’s Day.

The annual DOVE Award stands for Day of Validation and Equity, and it honors women AUPE members for their outstanding contributions to the betterment of women, AUPE members and all Albertans.

Nominations for the 2024 DOVE Award are now closed.
 

Past recipients

2002
Julie Cromarty, Local 042

2003
Mary Sillito, Local 001

2004
Tracy Quinton, Local 052
Shauna Warrilow, Local 046

2005
Bonnie Nahornick, Local 069

2006
Roseline Bouchie, Local 001

2007
Linda Soluk, Local 069

2008
Mary Kehoe, Local 049

2009
Liberty Pestano, Local 049

2010
Linda Laminman, Local 003

2011
Myrna Wright, Locals 044 & 041

2012
Maureen Braun, Local 006

2013
Shelley Brooker, Local 048

2014
Joanne MacLean, Local 003

2015
Terrie Wispinski, Local 012

2016
Debbie Arcand, Local 047

2017
Mary Lou Savic, Local 043

2018
Ramza Gebran, Local 095

2019
Audrey Randall, Local 001

2020
Lea Schmidt, Local 002

2022
Shamanthi Cooray, Local 006

2023
Laura Johnstone, Local 046

The Prairie School for Union Women offers trade union women an intensive four days of ­learning and sharing in a supportive environment. The goals of the school are to develop ­women’s personal and leader­ship skills and to build ­solidarity among women workers. Whether you are a woman who is a long-time activist or just starting to get involved in your union, this school is open to you.

More information will be added to this page when applications for the Prairie School for Union Women are open for 2024.

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