WOMENS ADVOCATE

Workplaces increasingly recognize that domestic violence (DV) can spill over into the workplace and put employees, coworkers, and customers at risk. Many organizations follow established protocols to prevent harm, support affected employees, and respond to incidents effectively.

The Domestic Violence and Abuse (DV&A) Committee, along with Health and Wellness, Security and CRC Training, is pleased to announce the deployment of the "Make it our Business: Addressing Domestic Violence in the Workplace" CBT. November was DV&A Awareness Month, and by raising awareness, we support survivors, encourage open

conversations, and help create safer communities.

Domestic violence in the workplace training is important because it helps employees and managers recognize warning signs that may otherwise go unnoticed. It creates a safer and more supportive environment where victims feel empowered to seek help without fear of stigma. Training also equips staff with clear protocols, ensuring that

the company responds consistently and effectively to potential threats. By reducing risks and preventing escalation, the organization protects both its people and its productivity. Ultimately, this training reinforces a culture of care and responsibility, which strengthens trust and overall workplace well-being.

Additional DV&A supports are available on the portal under the Domestic Violence and Abuse Committee or by reaching out to either of the Women’s Advocate members.

Lisa Taman (Union)

Tasha Gieni (Out of Scope)

WOMENS COURSE

From October 5–7, 2025, we attended the first-ever Prairie Regional Women’s Conference in Calgary, Alberta, bringing together 113 delegates from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The theme of the conference, “Rising Together: Voices of Strength & Solidarity,” reflected the powerful sense of unity and purpose shared by all participants. The event began with a moving land acknowledgement and cultural performance by Sings Many Songs Women, who opened the conference with a drumming circle and song. The first evening concluded with an inspiring keynote from Alberta NDP MLA Janis Irwin, who emphasized the importance of persistence in advocacy. She reminded us that even when we feel like we’re repeating ourselves, the small wins matter, and we must continue to “fight the fight.”

The second day featured a powerful line up of speakers. Dr. Rupinder Toor, founder of EmpowHER, spoke about how increasing awareness and access to long-acting birth control empowers individuals, strengthens families, and helps break the cycle of poverty. She also shared her instrumental role in advocating for birth control coverage under Canada’s new pharmacare program. Later, 24-year-old Cambria Harris gave an emotional and impactful presentation about her pivotal role in the Search the Landfill movement in Winnipeg, stemming from the search for her mother’s missing remains. Her talk highlighted the heartbreaking realities surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) and the systemic resistance she continues to face. After lunch, we took part in two workshops: Rise of the Right, which explored how we as individuals, communities, and Unifor can counter far-right extremism, and then Under the Sky We Were Born, where we broke into generational groups to reflect on the lives of our mothers, ourselves, and future generations.

The final day of the conference featured a leadership panel of three inspiring women from across the Prairies who have each made significant contributions to our union. This was followed by a Saskatchewan caucus, where we met with the rest of our sisters to discuss local challenges and opportunities. The conference concluded with a motivating address by Unifor National President Lana Payne, who spoke about the current state of our union and the pressing issue of tariffs. She sits on a panel that is in direct contact with the Prime Minister, and she often holds the government responsible for their actions. The Conference as a whole was an incredibly powerful experience—one that not only highlighted the strength and resilience of Prairie women but also reinforced the importance of coming together in solidarity to push for meaningful change in our workplaces, communities, and beyond.

In Solidarity,

Tasha Lang, Recording Secretary and Ellen Foley, Administration VP

LAST LAUGH

SASKATCHEWAN AREA COUNCIL

In October, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Sask Area Council meeting at the Delta hotel. It comprised many speakers and Unifor unions from across Saskatchewan, including some of our 594 members. While the days were jam-packed with info and speakers related to Saskatchewan unions, some other topics I was not expecting were touched upon, such as labour disputes and bargaining updates, social crises and political accountability. While some of the speakers’ names I did not recognize, I was surprised to hear them tell their stories about visiting the lockout line with us and walking shoulder to shoulder as members.

Unifor just had a successful Delta hotel and Orano bargaining finish up as they now prepare for SaskPower and SaskEnergy with 25 dates already planned before Christmas to meet. At the time of the conference, the Co-op Ethanol plant was diligently working at the bargaining table, and has since ratified their first contract. Throughout the discussions on bargaining, it was refreshing and surprising to hear that some large unions have no grievances. Ours currently stands at 154, with 74 of those tacked on this year alone.

One of the most interesting stories I was able to be there for has nothing to do with unions. It was by Jordan McPhail, who was with us on the line. Jordan is the NDP MLA of Cumberland, and his firsthand accounts of being in North Saskatchewan wildfires will have you listening to every word. From seeing 100-foot walls of fire, to driving back into the wildfires to help people evacuate and to rescue elderly residents. He mentioned that if the fires crossed over the highway and formed a circle around him, his only way to survive would be braving 80 km/hr winds and 25-foot waves on Denare Lake with his small boat. Over 20,000 people in mostly northern communities were displaced, and over 50,000 nationally. In Saskatchewan, 277 primary homes were lost, 60 cabins and 160 RVs, including millions of acres of land scorched to the dirt. Some of these unfortunate residents have nowhere to go. Others were told to evacuate, but then turned away from the evacuation spot because of their address and were told to go somewhere else. The plea was put out to declare an environmental emergency and gather Federal Natural disaster help, which is a department of the military, but Scott Moe would not approve the call.  At one point, Jordan said, leading up to the evacuation, if you were to leave your windows open, the smoke detectors in your house would alarm. Jordan, eventually, in the aftermath, was reunited with his daughter and wife, and we were lucky to hear his story.

Significant time was dedicated to severe social challenges, with Saskatchewan identified as having the highest Interpersonal Violence (IPV) in Canada (737 cases per 100,000 capita). 78% of these are women. This highlighted the extreme need for the Sophia House in Regina. If you are unfamiliar with this not-for-profit organization, it is a women’s shelter established in 1988 to provide long-term recovery, counselling, and support. Only a small percentage (11%) of all funding is from provincial expenses, which is indicative of the typical lack of funding faced by these community-based organizations.  The rest is up to fundraising, donations and grants. In 2024, Sophia House expanded to 39 private apartments that are safe and secure. These apartments are also equipped to house pets and children when leaving a violent situation.

Presentations and conversations turned to long-term economic shifts, with Simon Enoch of the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). Artificial Intelligence in the workplace. Data from McKinsey Global Institute was cited to show the high potential for job automation: 61% in manufacturing and 53% in Mining, Quarrying and Oil+Gas.

A major focus was also touched upon with our need for healthcare retention. Kent Peterson of CUPE SK, could put it in no other words but a crisis. If anyone has ever needed a doctor or had an emergency room visit, you would know exactly what he means. They are dealing with some topics that sound familiar: understaffing, cost-cutting and tariffs/inflation.

Overall, the Sask Area Council meetings highlight the far and wide appeal for political will. The various crises, from the boardroom to the emergency room, are interconnected, suggesting that meaningful progress requires not just some short-term funding, but a real long-term strategy for Saskatchewan, which needs to prioritize the stability for the public, for unions and workforces like ours. 

In Solidarity,

Jaret Delamare,

Section 3 Process