At HEU’s 34th biennial convention, awards will be presented to delegates, nominated by their co-workers, for outstanding contributions to their union, communities and various causes.
The following are the award categories with criteria. Nomination forms are received online only (links below).
The HEU Social Justice Award: This was first awarded to former HEU president Fred Muzin in 2008 for his tremendous contribution to the struggle for social justice. The award acknowledges outstanding work in the area of peace and global justice, and may be awarded to an HEU member, an HEU local, or another organization.
Criteria:
- This award acknowledges outstanding work in the area of social justice.
- Specific activities could include both internal union work and/or community work, but must highlight international solidarity.
- The recipient may be active in a particular aspect of social justice or in several, and is seen as a mentor and activist in the area.
- The recipient may also be active in social justice or international solidarity at other levels of the trade union movement.
- The recipient may also be an HEU local or another organization that meets the criteria.
The HEU Disability Rights Award: This award was established in 2010 on the recommendation of the HEU People with Disabilities Standing Committee. The award is to acknowledge an HEU member with a disability, who has made an outstanding contribution to the union and/or the community by promoting and defending the rights of persons with disabilities.
Criteria:
- The recipient of this award will be an HEU member with a disability, who is active in the union or in the community.
- The recipient will be someone who has made an impact by promoting and defending the rights of persons with disabilities.
- The recipient has helped to improve accessibility, working conditions and work practices for people with disabilities in the workplace and/or community.
The HEU Indigenous Reconciliation Award: Initiated by the HEU Indigenous Peoples Standing Committee at the union’s 2021 convention, this award was presented posthumously to HEU member and activist Josie Whitehead. It recognizes an HEU member who champions the issues of fairness and justice for Indigenous Peoples.
Criteria:
- An HEU member who is active in the union or in the community.
- A member who shows initiative and spirit in advancing Indigenous issues and Truth and Reconciliation.
- Will have made a positive impact by promoting and defending the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
- A member who demonstrates concrete actions and a keen, deep commitment to raising awareness of issues facing Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
The Mary LaPlante Sisterhood Award: This was first awarded to Mary LaPlante, feminist and trade union activist, at the 2006 convention upon her retirement after 22 years as HEU’s financial secretary. The award is now presented at each convention to a woman, 2-Spirit or non-binary HEU member, who has done outstanding work promoting non-binary, 2-Spirit and/or women’s issues in their union, community, and broader trade union movement.
Criteria:
- The award will be presented to a woman, 2-Spirit or non-binary HEU member, who has done outstanding work promoting non-binary and women’s issues in the union, the community, and the broader trade union movement.
- The recipient of this award will be a woman, 2-Spirit or non-binary member, who is active in the union and their community, and is a mentor to others.
- The recipient of this award champions the ability of women or non-binary members to participate fully in the union.
- They will have worked with others in advocating for such things as gender diversity, equity and inclusion; child care, pay equity, elder care, parity in wages, and organizing.