Archive for the ‘sac’ Category
2026 Members’ Day Lunch
Monday, June 1st, 2026
Thank you to the 585 members who attended our Members’ Day Lunches at the UW, UM Bannatyne, and UM Fort Garry campus. It was amazing to see everyone and enjoy lunch!
This year, altogether, $292.05 in monetary contributions and two full bins of non-perishable food was collected for the two campus food banks. Thank you!
25-Years of Service
Members who have 25 years of service were recognized at the lunch. Congratulations!
The University of Winnipeg
- Kevin Doyle
- Jennifer Gibson
University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus
- Matthew Dahl
- Kevin Janzen
- Myke Kurnell
University of Manitoba – Fort Garry Campus
- Epifania Austria
- Suzanne Beaudet
- Linda Carnegie
- Wayne Chan
- Gerard Gagnon
- Pam Gauthier
- Denise Gill
- Thomas Holovach
- Jarod Innis
- Colleen Loewen
- Brian McLean
- William Moore
- Montana Quiring
- Jennifer St Laurent
- Jared Whiklo
- Lynda Whitlam
- Lesley Wiebe
- Andre Worms
AESES Announces New Executive Council for 2026-2028
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Last night at the May 2026 AESES Board of Representatives meeting, Will Christie was elected by acclamation as President for the 2026–2028 term. Congratulations, Will! We thank outgoing President Karen Simpson for her guidance and professionalism over the past six months, and we wish her all the best on her upcoming retirement from UM later this year.
Divjyot Grewal was re-elected as Executive Vice-President and Vice-President (Fort Garry), and four positions were elected by acclamation:
- Vice-President (Bannatyne) – Danielle Saj
- Vice-President (UW) – Tessa Pearen
- Secretary – Alex McGregor
- Treasurer – Charlene Hawryluk
We are thrilled to welcome Alex as a new member of the Executive Council in his role as Secretary and are equally pleased to see Charlene step into the Treasurer role vacated by Will. Congratulations to all members who have committed to this two-year term. The AESES Business Office looks forward to working with the Executive Council to advance services and supports for all members.
AESES 2026–2028 Executive Council
- President | Will Christie, IST – Computer/Network Services (UM)
- Executive Vice-President | Divjyot Grewal, Career Services (UM)
- Vice-President (Fort Garry) | Divjyot Grewal, Career Services (UM)
- Vice-President (Bannatyne) | Danielle Saj, Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (UM)
- Vice-President (UW) | Tessa Pearen, Student Services (UW)
- Secretary | Alex McGregor, Arts – Dean’s Office (UM)
- Treasurer | Charlene Hawryluk, Animal Science (UM)
- UM Contract Administrator | Will Christie, IST – Computer/Network Services (UM)
- UW Contract Administrator | Dan Bailey, Awards and Financial Aid (UW)
September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Monday, September 29th, 2025
It’s 10 years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), when Canadians and Indigenous peoples were invited to “climb a mountain” together and forge a relationship that will solve a growing social, economic and climate crisis and unveil what kind of country we will raise our children in. While work on several of the TRC’s 94 calls to action is underway – such as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 – there is much work and a long journey yet to go. As one of this country’s most important institutions, unions must offer visions and tangible ways that all of us can participate in this country’s most important conversation and create workplaces of inclusivity and action. In this way, we can create a Canada with a collective, prosperous future that will show us things we have never seen before.
Dr. Niigaan Sinclair
Professor, Department of Indigenous Studies, University of Manitoba
Niigaan’s words remind us that there is much work to do towards reconciliation, and that while it’s important to reflect on the past, it’s our effort and work going forward that truly makes an impact. We accept this responsibility.
We will commit to ensuring that our union is a positive place, where reconciliation moves forward via education and advocacy, while ensuring that it strives to be a safe and inclusive place for our Indigenous members. We will listen intently, act with integrity and compassion, and take ownership of our actions and attitudes as we navigate calls for justice and for change.
The journey for reconciliation is a shared one. On this, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we recognize that while it’s important to remember, we must recommit to building a shared and equitable future with dignity and respect.
Rob Parker
President, AESES
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025 Events Listing
AESES Volunteers’ Appreciation Banquet 2026
Sunday, June 1st, 2025
Annually, AESES acknowledges, thanks, and celebrates its Board of Representatives and longstanding volunteers. This year’s event took place at the Norwood Hotel at the end of April. Karen Simpson, AESES President, presented the following pins and awards after supper:
Bronze Pin – 5 Years of Service
- Katy Hunt
- Teddy Zegeye-Gebrehiwot
Silver Pin – 10 Years of Service
- Judy Archibald
- Lara Coombs-Sokalski
- Robert Dvorski
- Jillian Golby Borsa
- Daniel Gwozdz
- Leanne Shumka
- David Waller
Dedicated Service Award
The Dedicated Service Award was awarded to Mary Kuzmeniuk. Mary’s consistent dedication to AESES was recognized with this award. Mary was unable to attend.
Honourary Life Member Award
An Honourary Life Membership is the ultimate recognition by AESES and, therefore, should be considered as being somewhat restrictive. Honourary Life Membership will be granted only to those who have contributed outstanding or meritorious service to the Association over a substantial period of time. This year, Joan Duesterdiek was recognized with an Honourary Life Member award at the banquet. Gloria Saindon was also in attendance to be presented with her Honourary Life Member award that she was awarded last year but could not attend in 2025.
After the presentations and speeches, the night ended with a live band and dancing.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers who provide their time and expertise to help the organization and the members. Volunteers are the lifeblood of AESES and essential to continued success and support for members.
If you are reading this and would like to volunteer, visit these respective pages: Board of Representatives or Committees, or email aeses@aeses.ca.
insideAESES – February 2025
Wednesday, February 5th, 2025
Welcome to February! We are still working on what works best for our members, so there might be a few hiccups along the way. If you have any questions or comments about the new format, please email contact@aeses.ca.
With that being said, here’s what you might find interesting for this issue:
- President’s Message
- Contract Admin
- Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Walk 2025 – Donate to Chris McCann’s Crew: Team AESES!
- AESES Appointments – February 2025
- New Faces
- Can You Tell Me: How Seniority Plays a Role in Vacancy Selections
- Save the Date – Annual General Meeting – April 8
- Call for Volunteers – Committees and the Board
- Safety and Health Corner – February 2025
- Spring Education Seminars Coming Soon
AESES Announces New Executive Director – Colleen Thompson
Friday, November 8th, 2024
The Executive Director Hiring Committee is pleased and excited to announce that Colleen Thompson is the successful candidate in our search for a new Executive Director.
As most of you will know, over the last six years of employment with AESES, Colleen has become an important member of our Labour Relations Team and a crucial member of our outstanding business office staff. Her knowledge of our collective agreements and bargaining processes as well as her experience with appeals, grievances, and championing our membership is extensive.
Before joining the University of Manitoba, Colleen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria. During her time with Security Services, she served as an AESES Board Representative, contributed to numerous committees, and held a position on the Executive Council as the UM Contract Administrator. Colleen’s deep understanding of AESES operations and knowledge of university dynamics will serve her well as she takes on this leadership role. Her longstanding commitment to our members and dedication to the university community reflect a passion for fostering growth and support across AESES and the University of Manitoba, The University of Winnipeg, and St. Andrew’s College.
As President of AESES, I rely heavily on the support and direction provided by the Executive Director, and I’m confident Colleen will be an exceptional colleague to work with. Colleen is currently shifting into the role with Lisa’s help.
A thank you also goes out to the hiring committee (Robert Dvorski, Joan Duesterdiek, and Karen Simpson) for their excellent work and to Lisa McKendry for her patience and superb guidance in the process!
Please join the hiring committee and me in congratulating Colleen on her exciting new role at AESES!
Rob Parker
AESES President
AESES Announces New President – Rob Parker
Thursday, September 12th, 2024
At the September 10, 2024, meeting of the AESES Board of Representatives, Rob Parker was elected by acclamation for the position of President on the Executive Council for the term ending May 2026. Rob has worked in the UM Dean’s Office, Faculty of Arts since 1998 and was the UM Contract Administrator since 2022. Rob has been on various AESES committees such as Classifications, Negotiations, and Bargaining, and is currently on the Activities (chair), Communications (chair), and Education.
Rob stated, “I have always believed strongly in the mission and value of labour unions in general and of AESES in particular. I see protecting, championing, and supporting the needs of our membership as a privilege and a responsibility. I am happy to play a part in ensuring this in any role I can.”
Over the coming weeks, Rob will begin to adjust to the new role and his duties with the AESES Business Office. Welcome, Rob!
Thank you to our members for your patience and support during this period of change. We appreciate it.
We would also like to thank the Board of Representatives and particularly, Karen Simpson, Executive Vice-President and interim President, for her help over the past few months. Thank you, Karen!
Welcome to August – the so-called mid-way point of summer, and it’s also time for the newest issue of insideAESES!
Thursday, August 1st, 2024
Welcome to August – the so-called mid-way point of summer, and it’s also time for the newest issue of insideAESES!
Before you finalize your last vacation details, take a few moments to read this issue, which includes:
- A Memorial for Chris McCann
- A Memorial for Gerry Strom
- AESES Appointments
- Can You Can Be Directed to Flex Your Time to Avoid Overtime Costs?
- Ongoing union and member grievances
- The CCU Affiliate Report for June
View the August issue and previous ones here.
Take care, and enjoy your summer!
Passing of Chris McCann, AESES President
Tuesday, July 16th, 2024
It is with heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Chris McCann, AESES President. Chris passed away unexpectedly early Sunday morning at his residence. Our thoughts are with Chris’ loved ones, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to them. For now, we kindly ask that you respect the privacy of Chris’ family during this difficult time.
Chris had been deeply involved with AESES since 2000, starting on the UM Negotiation Committee and being active over the years on many committees and Board positions. It culminated with him being elected as AESES President in 2022 and in May, re-elected by acclamation for his second term.
Chris was always eager to join the conversation, and his tenacious commitment and passion have led AESES to where we are today. This loss will be deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Chris. A longer tribute will be in the August issue of insideAESES.
If you need support during this time, please don’t hesitate to visit https://aeses.ca/wellness or your respective Human Resources department.
AESES is in the early stages of evaluating this loss to our association. In the meantime, our Executive Vice-President, Karen Simpson, will be the interim President. We will keep all members informed of any updates.
AESES and its members have always been a community that comes together in times of need. As we mourn this loss, let us also celebrate the positive and lasting impact Chris had on our organization and each of us.