What Happens at Convention?

Convention is the forum where members establish priorities and set direction for the Union. Convention delegates discuss and debate Union policy. Convention delegates vote on resolutions and policy papers. Amendments to the Union's Constitution, setting the dues rate and election of the Union's National Officers also takes place here.

Why a Convention?

Democracy is an important principle that underlies everything that we do in our Union.

Every two years, convention delegates who represent their Locals, are called to Convention to assess what we all accomplished since the last Convention and determine the Union's future direction. Every local is entitled to representation based on the number of members for whom per capita was paid.

All Locals have the right to submit resolutions to Convention - the Union's "supreme body." This allows for membership input directly into the highest level of the Union's decision making.

A convention is the best way there is to ensure democracy within the Union.

How Often is there a Convention and Where is it held?

Art. 8.02 of the CEP Constitution requires that the Convention ... be held biennially, in different regions of Canada.... The Convention is takes place in even numbered years and generally in the fall. The next Convention is in 2012 and will take place in Quebec City.

Who Attends Convention?

The overwhelming majority of people attending Convention are Local delegates. Each Local elects its own delegates. The number of delegates that a Local may send is based on the number of dues paying members in the Local. Some Locals also send Alternates or Observers. Any CEP member in good standing may attend the general meetings as an observer. Only delegates are allowed to take part in a vote.

Local # 46 sent three delegates to the 2010 Convention. They were: Blair Stevens; VP/Chief Steward of BTS
Mike Langille; President and Paul Cambridge Treasurer.

CEP National Union Officers and National Representatives (CEP staff) also attend. They are allowed to speak at Convention but they are not allowed to vote. There may also be observers from other unions, the Canadian Labour Congress and international labour groups that link together unions in similar industries from different countries.

Elections

Just like in our Local, if you want to achieve a position in the National Union you must be elected. Convention is where elections for these positions take place. CEP is divided into four regions for administrative purposes (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, and Western). Listed below are the names of those elected to National and Ontario positions.

For more information on the convention please follow the link below.

Click here

2010 Convention