Political action, worker power focus of Saskatchewan Women's Conference
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Saskatoon, Sask. – March 12, 2020 – Dozens of UFCW Canada women activists and allies from across Saskatchewan recently gathered in Saskatoon for the annual Saskatchewan Women's Conference, hosted by UFCW Canada Local 1400.
This year's event focused on political action in the lead up to the Saskatchewan provincial election – expected to be called this spring – and saw one of the highest member turnouts since the conference’s inception.
Now in its fourteenth year, the unique two-day conference coincided with International Women’s Day and was attended by women activists from UFCW Canada Locals 1400, 248P, and 649.
Attendees at the conference were greeted by Maria Linklater, a respected Elder in Saskatoon who opened the event with a traditional blessing. UFCW Local 1400 President Norm Neault then discussed the importance of working people getting engaged in the political process to ensure that workers and their families can thrive in their workplaces, communities, and personal lives.
Guest speakers at the conference included Saskatchewan NDP Leader Ryan Meili, Saskatchewan NDP MLAs Cathy Sproule and Vicky Mowat, and Saskatchewan NDP Caucus Chief of Staff Adrienne King, who spoke about the party’s plan to engage women in politics and put working families first in the upcoming provincial election.
As well, the conference featured workshops on effective lobbying and how we can address major issues facing working women, including attacks on unions, a living wage, mental health issues, and domestic violence.
“It was extremely inspiring to see so many women activists from such a wide and diverse range of industries come out to participate in the 14th Annual Saskatchewan Women’s Conference,” says Lucy Flack Figueiredo, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW Canada Local 1400.
“This year’s event highlighted the everyday power that working people have to positively shape their workplace, make a difference in their community, and help improve the lives of all workers,” she adds.
The next Saskatchewan Women's Conference will be held in March 2021.
