Inaugural Manitoba Legislative Advocacy Conference - SUCCESS!

On Wednesday, December 1st, the inaugural Manitoba Legislative Advocacy Conference was recently held virtually with executive board members of TEAM/IFPTE Local 161 and WAPSO/IFPTE Local 162. The day was filled with information and training focused on developing the political acumen of activists within each Local. One of the highlights of the day was the presentation and facilitation conducted by Renee Cable of NOW Communications. One of the more challenging effects of political engagement is developing effective messaging. Ms. Cable worked in real time with both Locals to hone messaging heading into meetings with elected officials. Comments received from activists was overwhelmingly positive regarding this segment of the day. Many thanks to Renee and other presenters for their valuable information.

Following the day-long conference, TEAM/IFPTE Local 161 and WAPSO/IFPTE Local 162 executive members were able to put their skills to the test with a set of meetings scheduled on Thursday, December 2nd. Members of the provincial Manitoba Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party met with IFPTE Local leaders early in the morning via Zoom and were able to present their concerns regarding the following issues: a National Pharmacare plan; the Right to Disconnect; the use of Public-Private Partnerships in the development of public infrastructure; and the presence of good jobs in Manitoba at Bell MTS. The Manitoba Liberals were very receptive to all issues presented and suggested methods in which their caucus could help promote Local specific issues. Similarly, the Manitoba New Democratic Party shared much of the same views as the Liberal Party, and also offered to meet further with Locals 161 and 162 to discuss other options available. The governing provincial Progressive Conservative Party caucus have not yet responded to IFPTE’s request for a meeting.

On Tuesday, December 6th, TEAM/IFPTE Local 161 and WAPSO/IFPTE Local 162 leaders also had an opportunity to meet with members of the federal Conservative Party caucus in Manitoba. Despite differences regarding a few issues, the response was similarly positive and suggestions for resolving our concerns were highlighted and forwarded. Future meetings are planned with the federal Liberal Party caucus and New Democratic Party caucus in the next two weeks. IFPTE and the Locals in Manitoba look forward to all political engagements in the future with the hope of resolving issues affecting our members.