By Lorinda Seward, Local 351, Editor inSolidarity
On May 23, 2025, approximately 50 OPSEU/SEFPO members from Region 4 gathered in Ottawa to take part in a powerful and intentional new initiative: the first-ever “Afternoon with Equity.”
This event brought members face-to-face with their regional equity representatives from all eight of OPSEU/SEFPO’s Equity Committees, including the Indigenous Circle, Disability Rights Caucus, Provincial Francophone Committee, Provincial Human Rights Committee, Provincial Women’s Committee, Provincial Young Workers Committee, Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel, and the Coalition of Racialized Workers.
The afternoon was designed to deepen connections between members and their equity reps, while providing space for education, dialogue, and reflection on the systemic barriers and lived experiences that shape workplaces and communities.
Creating safe, open conversations
Region 4 Regional Vice-President and Executive Board Member Melissa Shaw explained the inspiration behind the event:
“The equity reps wanted to create a conversation with members – to talk about what they do within OPSEU/SEFPO, and to educate on issues faced by each group. We wanted to offer an in-person opportunity where members could engage in safe, open conversations and see themselves reflected in their union.”
Framed as a stand-alone event tied to the Region’s spring educational weekend, members could choose to attend either or both. The structure allowed equity reps to design and deliver presentations – some solo, some in pairs – to foster inter-group collaboration and highlight the intersectionality that often characterizes equity struggles.
“We were intentional about holding this event on a weekday,” said Shaw. “Many members have weekend obligations. By offering wage replacement, we’re removing barriers and making space for broader participation.”
Land acknowledgements
This commitment to inclusion was felt throughout the event, beginning with a stirring presentation by Paige Malcolm (Local 499), Region 4 Representative and Vice-Chair of the Indigenous Circle. Malcolm guided attendees through the meaning and significance of Territorial Land Acknowledgements, emphasizing that they are not box-ticking exercises, but rather opportunities to reflect, educate, and commit to action.
“Don’t stop at just acknowledging the people who were there before you,” Malcolm urged. “DO something to start decolonizing your organization.”
She challenged members to reflect on their intentions for dismantling colonial structures – a call that set the tone for the afternoon’s presentations.
How ableism and exclusion feel
One of the most interactive sessions followed, led by Gillian Axten (Local 417), Region 4 Representative of the Disability Rights Caucus, and Eric Lacroix (Local 471), Region 4 Representative of the Provincial Francophone Committee. Their joint presentation used experiential learning to explore ableism and linguistic exclusion. Participants were asked to build structures using marshmallows and toothpicks – while instructions were delivered only in French and visual impairments were simulated using special glasses. As participants struggled, facilitators added background commentary such as “What’s wrong with you?” to mimic the ableist attitudes people with disabilities often face.
“It was frustrating and humbling,” said Lisa Zufelt, Local 441 President, who participated in the activity. “I’ve been advocating for children and families for over 40 years, and I’m always looking to enhance my learning.”
Axten emphasized the importance of vigilance around language in collective agreements, reminding participants that Premier Doug Ford’s government has weakened disability protections by changing legal wording from “shall” to “may.” Lacroix closed by asking participants to think about how they could apply what they learned in their own meetings and spaces.
Allies speak up
Next, Ala’ Qadi, Region 4 Representative and Vice-Chair of the Coalition of Racialized Workers (CoRW), offered a deep and urgent reflection on anti-racism work. He highlighted the unique experiences of oppression faced by racialized workers and emphasized the importance of dismantling systemic barriers both within the union and in broader society.
“Being silent is being an accomplice,” Qadi said. “Our work is about fairness and eradicating the structures that harm Black and racialized workers.”
Jennifer King (Local 4104), Region 4 Representative from the Provincial Women’s Committee, and Alexis Johansen (Local 441), Region 4 Representative from the Provincial Young Workers Committee, paired up for a dynamic presentation on Barriers to Equity. Participants were broken into groups and asked to reflect on their personal barriers – both visible and invisible. The session prompted vulnerability, empathy, and collective strategizing around how to reduce equity barriers in locals, workplaces, and communities.
Tina Ouellette, Region 4 Representative and Vice-Chair of both the Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel and the Provincial Human Rights Committee, provided a dual overview of the mandates and goals of each committee. She discussed how workplace discrimination often reflects larger societal issues and how the fight for human rights must be rooted in education, organizing, and solidarity.
Justice funds, info and swag
The afternoon was rounded out with a visit from Region 1 Executive Board Member Carla Goodacre, who introduced two of OPSEU/SEFPO’s external committees – the Social Justice Fund, which supports equality and human rights initiatives, and the Live and Let Live Fund, which promotes advocacy and education efforts around human rights.
Throughout the event, tables from each equity group were set up around the room, stocked with swag, educational materials, and sign-up sheets to encourage ongoing communication and engagement. An evening social followed, giving members a chance to mingle with equity reps in a more relaxed setting.
Region 4 Executive Board Member Veronica Attard described the afternoon as a natural evolution of past regional equity conferences.
“There was a desire to maintain the camaraderie and learning, but also make it more accessible. Not everyone can commit to a full weekend. By offering something smaller in scope – but big in impact – we’re creating multiple touchpoints for members to engage.”
Attard said the event structure was entirely equity rep–led, allowing them the freedom to decide what to present and how.
“It was amazing to see how many of them, even those who were nervous, let their passion shine through. The intersectionality in their presentations was powerful.”
As the event came to a close, participants reflected on what the experience meant to them. Jessica Scallen, Local 416, shared:
“What is the work of our union if we’re not constantly evolving? I want to learn more and meet people from my region – these are the people I want to be in the room with when learning how to become an ally.”
Brooke Megan, Vice-President of Local 453, echoed the sentiment:
“I come from an area that sometimes feels unaware of equity issues. This afternoon gave me the tools and the confidence to bring those conversations back home.”
Looking ahead, Shaw and Attard confirmed that Region 4 plans to host an “Afternoon with Equity” during educationals moving forward.
“When members feel connected,” said Shaw, “they get invested. And when they’re invested, they show up – not just for themselves, but for each other.”