From March 10 – 13, over 200 HEU members gathered at the 2025 Equity Conference in Vancouver to build stronger connections, deepen their understanding of equity work and take action to advance social justice in workplaces and beyond.
The conference theme – Experience Solidarity – was felt in every workshop, plenary session and speech, reinforcing the power of collective action and strength of intersectional advocacy.
Mini-conferences: Learning and taking action
This year featured mini-conferences, shaped by Equity Standing Committees (ESCs), that gave members a chance to focus on key issues facing equity-seeking groups in HEU.
Covering everything from accessibility and Indigenous cultural safety to gender justice and beyond, this series of impactful mini-conferences brought together voices and ideas for change.
Indigenous Peoples mini-conference: Dr. Elder Roberta Price led a discussion on traditional Indigenous healing, emphasizing the power of seven-generational healing.
2-Spirit, Women & Non-Binary mini-conference: Angela Marie MacDougall guided a conversation on gender justice and strategies to combat gender-based violence.
Ethnic Diversity mini-conference: Cicely Belle Blain delivered a session on recognizing and challenging workplace racism, with a special focus on immigrant workers.
Older Persons mini-conference: Gwenne Farrell explored ways to enhance accessibility and inclusion for older individuals, tackling the unique challenges aging workers face.
People with Disabilities mini-conference: Karen Lai provided strategies for self-advocacy and breaking down barriers in healthcare workplaces.
Pink Triangle mini-conference: Fae Johnstone led a discussion on strengthening 2SLGBTQIA+ power and tackling discrimination head-on.
Young Workers mini-conference: HEU staff members Tanya Ghai and Iulia Sincraian empowered young workers with the tools to engage in union activism and make their voices heard.
Inspiring speakers
Throughout the conference, speakers shared wisdom, personal stories, and calls to action:
- Joyce Leppington shared stories on anti-Indigenous racism and strategies for Indigenous cultural safety.
- Henry Tsang spoke about the 1907 Anti-Asian Riots in B.C. and the ongoing fight against racism.
- HEU staff person Elaine Littmann presented on HEU’s history of social justice and the union’s ongoing fight for equity.
- Annie Korver and Patti Derbyshire led discussions on Indigenous rights and how to support reconciliation.
- Vivek Shraya delivered a powerful talk on owning your power and showing up for others.
A special thank you to Elder Sam George for working with our members this week with smudging and cedar-brushing, and overall support.
Members stories: Strength and solidarity
Crystal Busch, Cowichan Valley Local – Vancouver Island Local
“Being on the Indigenous committee has given us a voice and a seat at the table. This strengthens HEU because all voices are included. And strength equals solidarity.”
Kori Evans, Prince Rupert Local – Northern Region
“I identify with a few groups here, but the one that really piques my interest is the Older Person Committee that was newly formed at convention last year. I was on the Constitution and Bylaw Committee at Convention and saw the creation of this committee. Now I get to see how they’re going to form a committee, which is really exciting. I heard that there are people in the 70s and almost 80s working because they can’t afford to live on pensions or don’t have one. It resonated with me, and I think we really needed to do something about that.”
Janet Boisvert, Arrow Lakes Local Interior Region
“I’m reasonably new to HEU. I’ve only been a member for two years. We are a very small rural hospital, and being part of the conference will allow me to go back an bring more information about solidarity of our union and inclusion. I will have some information to bring back from the last workshop that talked about the racism.”
Elections: Building the future of equity work
Delegates elected four members and four alternates to each of the union’s seven equity standing committees which work to make the union more inclusive. Congratulations to the new members of:
Indigenous Peoples Standing Committee: Teresa Roe, Melissa Hamilton, Crystal Busch, Val Sailer, Bobbi Silva (alternate), Paige Waddell (alternate), Kennedy MacInnis (alternate), Alani Jack (alternate)
People with Disabilities Standing Committee: Tasha Cox, Jessica Lavergne, Terri-Lynne Huddlestone, April Davie, Ingrid Carlson (alternate), Jenni Sholdice (alternate), Ramona Ross (alternate)
Ethnic Diversity Standing Committee: Monika Dhir, Berli Zamar, Joane Safstrom, Jasvinder Singh, Janet Marutawana (alternate), Gisselle Quiapo (alternate), Luita Siep (alternate), Christopher Dayao (alternate)
Young Workers Standing Committee: Balpreet Grewal, Rafael Almazan, Christina Bunyan, Hanzhenqi (Helen) Wu, Ramin Faghihi (alternate), Tanya Miao (alternate), Katelyn Sawyer (alternate), Meghana Valiyaparambil Nalinakshan (alternate)
Pink Triangle Standing Committee: Adina Mounsey, Nat Wansink, Che Baines, Dane Philpott, Sarah Acosta (alternate), Paola Quesada-Ruiz (alternate), Maria Rosa (alternate), John Sibug (alternate)
2-Spirit, Women & Non-Binary Standing Committee: Samantha Cartwright, Ashley Palmer, Tes Estilo, Andrea Rios, Karla Hicks (alternate), Megan Regnier (alternate), Similo Mema (alternate), Gurparshan Dhaliwal (alternate)
Older Persons Standing Committee: Maryann Pyne, Patricia Branchi, Sharon Williams, Kim Beal, Rohan Singh (alternate), Nura Mohammed (alternate), Rhobinn Hartwell (alternate), Hedy Sones (alternate)
HEU is still looking for three more members for each committee to ensure diverse representation. Please apply here: HEU Equity Committee Application.
What’s next? Keeping the momentum going
The work doesn’t end here. Equity work is ongoing, and it takes all of us.
Let’s build on this energy and take action. Share what you’ve learned, stand up for fairness, and organize for equity in your workplace and beyond.
Stay engaged with HEU’s Equity Standing Committees and upcoming events by joining the DEIA Email list.