My career has taken me through broadcasting, video production and education. I have worked in many creative positions in the industry mostly as a producer and director. I was the founding president of a union of producers and directors at ACCESS NETWORK in Edmonton in the early 90s. I have negotiated a contract from scratch. Learning to reconcile and unite co-workers in different cities was a requisite skill for that job as we had members in both Edmonton and Calgary. I understand that people in the same organization, in different cities, doing the same job, can have widely varying viewpoints, attitudes and cultures.
I have always valued the function of the unions of which I have been a member. At this point, I have decided to offer my skills and energy to SPFA at a time when I detect its need for some resilient and robust representation. Our inclusion in CAUT is a huge step towards that. I have come to the SPFA to add my energy to the effort.
I have been at Sask Polytech for 7 years. That experience has been rewarding on an educational level. I love being with the students. I see the energy and commitment my colleagues offer them. I see the same in other departments. Yet, it seems that we, the instructional staff, are not understood and recognized as the very core of the service offered by Sask Polytech. I feel a lack of connection between upper management and staff. I hope to help in bringing change to that.
An educational institution is only as strong as its experienced, educated and motivated instructors. My goal is to be a part of garnering us the recognition we deserve. I hope I can be a contributor to a rise in morale and pride in being a member of the SPFA, teaching at a strong institution with committed, ongoing support from the people of Saskatchewan.
