N.B. Union elects Susie Proulx-Daigle as president

Ms. Proulx-Daigle takes over the leadership of the union immediately, with a transition strategy to be implemented over the next two weeks.

Fredericton (28 October 2008) - For the first time in ten years the New Brunswick Union of Public and Private Employees (NBUPPE/NUPGE) has a new president.

At the 37th Biennial Convention held in Fredericton, October 17 – 19th, 2008 the membership voted Susie Proulx-Daigle as their new president. This event marks the end one era and the beginning of another.

Also elected was Wayne Milner as 1st vice-president and Carolyn Carter was acclaimed as 2nd vice-president.

Wayne is the President/Director of the Association of New Brunswick Professional Educators (ANBPE), a bargaining unit of the union. Carolyn is president of the Atlantic Special Education Authority (APSEA) whose members provide language and transitional support for those who are deaf or hard of hearing in the elementary and high school system.

Farewell to Debbie Lacelle

Former President Debbie Lacelle decided not to re-offer, marking the end of an era filled with growth and change under her leadership.

During Ms. Lacelle’s ten years of leadership the Union underwent many transformations. Most significant were a servicing agreement with the National Union of Public and General Employees in 1998 which evolved into full affiliation in 2003; re-structuring of the Union’s management practices; extensive research on member priorities; development of Activist training; and growth of approximately 40% in membership.

Ms. Lacelle will now move to the Labour Relations Officer position within the Union dealing with member pensions.

Larry Brown, Debbie Lacelle and Tom Mann

An experienced and dedicated leader

Ms. Proulx-Daigle has served as a Director for Administrative Assistants, headed up various committees and carries responsibilities as an activist serving her co-workers.

“Other than the birth of my children,” said Ms. Proulx-Daigle, “this is the happiest day of my life. I look forward to listening to our members and helping the organization with its goals for the future.”

The role of president of the N.B. Union is a paid full-time position. Ms. Proulx-Daigle, from Richibucto, takes over the leadership of the union immediately, with a transition strategy to be implemented over the next two weeks.

Susie Proulx-Daigle won the election on the first ballot with approximately 80% of the vote. There were two other contenders for the position: Ellen Crombie from Fredericton with the Specialized Health Care Professionals Bargaining Unit and Darrell Tidd of St. Stephen with the Technical Inspection Bargaining Unit.

The Biennial Convention hosted approximately 400 members representing 23 distinct bargaining units. The election of a new president and executive were one of three major highlights of the weekend. The acceptance of the Special Motion to join the N.B. Federation of Labour and the Pension Tension Rally were the other two significant moments of the weekend.

The N. B. Union represents over 8,000 members province-wide in both the public and private sectors. NUPGE