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The National Union's
scholarship winners for 2004
 Ottawa
– Each year, the National Union of Public and General Employees offers
four scholarships that reflect its pursuit of equal opportunity for
all workers. They are offered to the children of the National Union’s
337,000 members who are starting a post-secondary education. NUPGE is
pleased to announce the winners of these awards.
Tommy Douglas Scholarship
Chantal Marie Morin
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Chantal’s father, Raymond Morin, is a member of MGEU Component 10.
In her well-researched essay, Chantal reminds us, with the following
excerpt, “that now, it is the responsibility of this generation to
ensure that [Tommy Douglas’] legacy continues to resonate across the
Canadian landscape”:
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 "Imagine
a Canada where health care is only available to those who have
money to pay the price, limited hydro and telephone services in
rural communities, or no guidelines around fair wages and
working conditions for civil servants. Up until the 1940’s, this
situation was characteristic of Canadian society, and still
could be, if it were not for one of Canada’s political icons —
Tommy Clement Douglas." |
Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship
Rebecca Tomasone
– Rebecca is the daughter of OPSEU Local 506 member John Tomasone. In
her essay Rebecca demonstrates that people with disabilities have
“unmet needs due to expense, waiting lists, lack of insurance
coverage, lack of information or services”. Following is an excerpt
from her essay:
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"Due to cutbacks in all levels of government[,] public
services have actually declined in the past ten years.... A
society is judged by its treatment of its weakest members. Since
people with disabilities depend more on public services than the
average population to achieve an acceptable quality of life, it
is necessary to improve the existing quality of public services
in Canada so that the needs of disabled Canadians are met." |
Scholarship for Aboriginal Canadians
Melissa Penney – Melissa’s mother,
Pauline Penney, is a member of NAPE Local 6208. Melissa’s essay speaks
of pride as “a wonderful, but difficult characteristic to obtain.
However, that is rightfully what the Aboriginal Canadians acquired for
centuries. Pride in who they are, pride of where they are, and pride
in their way of life. Quality public services ensure this pride.
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“....Features that develop the communities such as water and
sewage systems are installed, highways are constructed and jobs
are created. ... There are many vital elements that enhance and
maintain the Aboriginal life, in fact there are too many
dedicated public services and support to name and give credit to
in one essay. Due to quality public services the lives of many
Aboriginal Canadians is enhanced annually, monthly, and daily.” |
Scholarship for Visible Minorities
Nishani Umasuthan –Nishani is
the daughter of Sunthara Umasuthan, a member of OPSEU Local 599.
Following is an excerpt from Nishani’s essay:
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"As I conclude my
statement in support of public services, and how important they
are in the lives of many Canadians, I should perhaps include my
own experiences as a visible minority. I have been fortunate
enough to benefit from many of the public services Canada
provides. I had access to good quality healthcare irrespective
of my family’s income. I was able to attend a good public
school, and I had access to public transit to transport me there
each day. My local public library presented an abundant amount
of academic resources to me. In the end, I was able to gain
admission to a university where I will be able to continue my
studies in pursuit of my chosen career." |
Further information:
Louise Trépanier: (613) 228-9800.
Web posted by NUPGE:
20
September 2004
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