VANCOUVER— After 4-days of discussion, debate and comradery, CUPE BC wrapped up its 2025 convention. A key theme of the convention, held in Vancouver, was dealing with growing economic and political uncertainty, much of which is being caused by turmoil from the United States.
“If we stand up for each other, build a strong coalition, act strategically, champion the principles of social democracy, and remember to be kind to each other as we go hard on our opponents, we can and will come out ahead in the years to come,” said Karen Ranalletta in her report to convention.
Ranalletta, who was re-elected at convention to another 2-year term as president of CUPE BC, said CUPE BC must continue to organize and mobilize locally, as it did to help re-elect a progressive NDP provincial government.
“I have never seen so much grassroots engagement in an election campaign by so many rank-and-file CUPE members who knew what was at stake,” said Ranalletta.
In his address to convention, B.C. Premier David Eby thanked CUPE members for their service to B.C., and said CUPE members are pivotal to the province weathering economic uncertainty.
“We stand on our own two feet with an economy that serves working people. One where strong public services are there when people are relying on them most. A strong B.C. in an independent Canada – where no one gets left behind,” said Eby.
In his report to convention, National President Mark Hancock, echoed the call that CUPE will lead the fight for workers in Canada. “We are Canada’s largest union, and we are Canada’s strongest union. Backing down is not in our playbook. Surrendering what we value is not in our dictionary. Not now – not ever!”
CUPE National Secretary Treasurer Candace Rennick said members in B.C. and across the country will have the support and resources to do this crucial work.
“Today our union is stronger than ever, and we will get stronger. And we have the resources to do even more in the year ahead,” said Rennick. “Let’s think and act boldly. Let’s stand united as a union, and in coalition with our allies. Because when we work together, in solidarity with others, when we are bold and brave and united and strategic, that’s when we win.”
In his first Secretary Treasurer’s report to convention, Tony Rebelo assured delegates CUPE BC was ready to support locals needing to fight for better collective agreements. Rebelo, who was elected to his first full term as CUPE BC Secretary Treasurer, said locals can have the confidence to say, ‘We’re not afraid to strike if we have to’ and know they have access to the resources they need to demand better.
CUPE BC 2025/27 Executive Board
Elections were held at convention for the next 2-year Executive Board term.
President
Karen Ranalletta
Secretary-Treasurer
Tony Rebelo
General Vice-Presidents
Dal Benning
Sheryl Burns
Nicole Cabrejos
Amber Leonard
Regional Vice-Presidents
Fraser Valley
Ryan Doman
Kootenays
Dustin LePage
Metro
Donald Grant
Lee-Ann Lalli
Tammy Murphy
North
Paula Bass
Okanagan
Lois Rugg
Vancouver Island
Tiffany McLaughlin
Kirk Mercer
Diversity Vice-Presidents
Indigenous Workers
Debra Merrier
Pink Triangle
Joyce Griffiths
Persons with Disabilities
Morning Star Trickey
Racialized Workers
Edward Parsotam
Alternate Regional Vice-Presidents
Fraser Valley
Joseph Fadel
Kootenays
Sarah Mooy
Metro
Chloe Martin-Cabanne
North
Sian Nalleweg
Okanagan
Dawn Armstrong
Vancouver Island
Amy Issel
Alternate Diversity Vice-Presidents
Indigenous Workers
Shawn Bortolon
Pink Triangle
Cody Beyer
Persons with Disabilities
Juno Diane
Racialized Workers
Cindy Ozouf
David Robertson was also elected as Trustee (3-year term)
