The National Union's scholarship winners for 2008

Ottawa (14 Oct. 2008) – 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 340,000 members who are starting a post-secondary education. The National Union is pleased to announce the winners of these awards.

Tommy Douglas Scholarship

Bryan Hall – Bryan’s mother, Odilia Hall, is a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE). In his essay Bryan capitalized on Canada’s greatest turn of events as a result of Tommy Douglas’ work — equality for all Canadians. As Bryan points out:

“He influenced Canada in many ways, from the healthcare system to the education system, and what he did has been the basis of life in Canada ever since.

"He started out to change the system and succeeded and now he is considered one of the most famous Canadians to have ever lived. Because of his courage to follow through on his ideals he created the basis for what Canada now stands for, equality for everyone.”

Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship

Morgan MacDonald – Morgan’s mother is Darlene MacDonald, a member of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE). It’s hard to dispute Morgan’s logic when reading her essay on quality public services’ impact on the quality of life of people with disabilities. Following are excerpts:

“What is quality of life? Your quality of life can be seen as your level of comfort, enjoyment, and ability to pursue daily activities, or your overall satisfaction with life.

"A person with a disability does not want special treatment; just fair treatment. The cost to the government for essential services is paid back with interest when a person with a disability is able to find meaningful employment and become a successful part of society.”’

Scholarship for Aboriginal Canadians

Jolan Warrener – Jolan is the son of Judith Saquet-Warrener and Joseph Warrener, both members of the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU/NUPGE).

In his essay, Jolan argues for the importance of the public service sector to promote self-determination for Aboriginal people, the need to think about and respect linguistic and cultural differences, affirmative action policies and practices and the need to promote, develop and maintain effective relationships with First Nations and Métis governments.

Scholarship for Visible Minorities

Amitoj Bhogal is the son of Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE) member Savinder Bhogal. Following is an excerpt from Amitoj’s essay:

“Public services are the quintessential piece to improving visible minorities’ lives. Without civil services, society as we very well know it would not be what it is. The multicultural policies of Canada have greatly facilitated the improvement of lives in ways such as healthcare, and education. Canada has proven to be like a quilt, where every ethnic group has contributed a patch, yet the entire piece [work] flows together, creating a harmony.”

Further information: Louise Trépanier: (613) 228-9800.