CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick urged delegates on Thursday morning to continue organizing, mobilizing, and defending public services in the face of mounting political and economic pressures.
Speaking to delegates from across the province, Rennick praised CUPE Saskatchewan members for their activism and leadership over the past year – from strengthening organizing capacity to continuing strong political advocacy.
“You’ve shown that when CUPE members come together, we can defend workers’ rights and protect the services our communities depend on,” said Rennick. “Across sectors and across this province, you’ve stood up and pushed back against cuts and concessions.”
Rennick warned that workers and public services are facing growing pressure from both federal and provincial governments. She pointed to federal cuts to programs and services, as well as the Saskatchewan government’s record on underfunding and privatization, as serious challenges for workers and communities. But she emphasized that none of these pressures are inevitable if workers organize and act together.
“Public services are one of Canada’s greatest strengths,” she said. “They create good jobs, support our communities, and help people thrive. That’s why we have to keep fighting for them.”
Rennick also highlighted the national union’s continued investments to strengthen support for members in Saskatchewan, including new staff positions and expanded resources to help locals organize, campaign, and bargain strong contracts.
She closed by encouraging delegates to remain ambitious in their demands and confident in their collective power.
“There is so much at stake right now,” Rennick said. “But when CUPE members organize, mobilize, and stand together, we can defend what matters and build something even stronger for the future.”
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