Delegates from the Public Service Alliance of Canada’s National Capital Region elected Alex Silas to a two-year mandate to lead the union in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Delegates also elected Chantal Fortin as Alternate Regional Executive Vice-President, and Diane Girouard as Treasurer.
Over 220 delegates, observers and guests participated in the online virtual convention May 13 - 16.
“We’re going to shake things up, we’re going to push things forward, we’re going to fight to defend and advance the rights of PSAC members and the rights of all workers,” said Silas. “And we’re going to do it together.”
Alex is a member of DCL 71250, Bank of Canada Security Officers. His early involvement in union activism started with organizing with the Young Workers Committee. Alex has been an active mobilizer at PSAC rallies and actions, leading cheers and keeping spirits high. In 2020 Alex stepped into the role of REVP in from the position of Alternate REVP.
“I am honoured and humbled to be given this mandate to engage with members on-the-ground, strengthen our locals, innovate how our union communicates, mobilizes, and organizes, and fight for a more just and equitable world. By uniting and working together we will achieve new important gains for members, fight for social, economic, and racial justice in our communities, and meet the challenges ahead with a united front.”
Alex co-chairs the national Official Languages, Young Workers, and Directly Chartered Locals portfolios, and is assigned to the NavCanada and Parks Canada bargaining units.
“Our union will need to adapt to face the challenges ahead. But we are the ones we’ve been waiting for to bring on that change and we are the ones who will unite to make that change happen. L’union fait la force.”
The PSAC has over 50,000 Members in the National Capital Region.