SUN Annual Election

SUN Annual Election 2023

The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses is a thriving organization thanks, in part, to members who step forward and run for positions. Holding an elected position in your Union is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of SUN, and to have a positive impact on registered nurses across Saskatchewan.

Ticket of Nominations

The nomination period for the 2023 SUN election has officially closed. Click here to view the official memo

The 2023 Provincial SUN Elections shall be conducted by electronic ballot. Simply Voting Inc., a Canadian company, has been hired as the third-party election provider. Members are responsible for conducting their vote prior to the official end date and time.

Voting will open at 09:00 Saskatchewan time on 28-MARCH-2023.
Voting will remain open until 12:00 Saskatchewan time on 17-APRIL-2023.

Voting instructions will be distributed to all eligible voters by standard mail and by email on or around 28-MARCH-2023.

Each member will receive an Elector ID number and a PIN number. These are both required to cast a ballot. These credentials are only good for one vote. Eligible voters will have the ability to vote using a toll-free phone number or through the voting website.

If eligible voters have not received their voting instructions by April 4, please contact SUN Provincial at 1-833-SUN-VOTE (1-833-786-8683) or email annual.meeting@sun-nurses.sk.ca to verify contact information.

ACCLAIMED

Congratulations to following members ACCLAIMED to their position for a two-year term:

President | Tracy Zambory, RN, Local 49.1
Network Representative — NE | Barb Fisher, RN, Local 62
Network Lead — North | Rikki Skiffington, RN, Local 265
Network Lead — South | Katherine Dally, RN, Local 246
Finance Committee
- Barbara Deets, RN, Local 268
- Angela Felskie, RN, Local 29
Nominations Committee:
- Gail Kizlyk, RN, Local 75
- Garth Wright, RN, Local 276
Program Committee:
- Tracy Bergen, RN, Local 75
- Yvonne Sawatzky, RPN, Local 259
Negotiations Committee:
- Home Care: Lenore McMillan, RN, Local 220
- Public Health: Rebecca Pott, RN, Local 256
- Nurse Practitioner: Lesley Shoemaker, NP, Local 258

ON THE BALLOT

The following positions will be ELECTED via electronic voting to a two-year term:

Second Vice-President:

Mark Henderson, RN, Local 75

Sisters and Brothers,

Before I begin to share my work experience and thoughts on the future of bargaining, I want to take this opportunity to THANK YOU! Thank you for working thru a Pandemic. Coming to work with overwhelming workloads, working without enough human resources, having your schedules changed regularly to meet “operational needs” and picking up extra shifts has been a hardship you have faced and continue to work through to support patient care. I am Humbled and Proud to be associated with a dedicated team of Nurses who go “above and beyond” every day, again THANK YOU!

I am seeking re-election to the position of 2^nd Vice-President at this year’s annual meeting. I am honored to have been able to finish the last round of negotiations on your behalf. Over my terms on SUN’s Board (11+ years) I have represented all nurses with integrity, professionalism and a commitment to enhance your rights in our Collective Agreement. In my role as Local 75 President (14^th year), I daily am required to uphold the terms and conditions of our CBA. I recognize the strengths of the CBA, as well, am aware of places where our CBA language could use improvement to support you.

Bargaining Principles, I endorse:

Nurses should be paid salaries and provided benefits that recognize their invaluable contribution to healthcare (no rollbacks and no zeros).

I am committed to achieving a Health Human Resource plan that provides for “Safe Staffing Levels” and evidenced based workloads. Positive solutions such as regularization of hours, decreasing the casualization of the workforce and having more RN / RPN / NPs at point of care are imperative.

After the aggreges actions of the Gov’t thru legislation to make members lives more difficult, I want to negotiate stronger language in our CBA regarding member rights.

We need improved language in our CBA to support members rights to refuse when our practice conditions breach our professional standards (No hallway nursing, no inappropriate admissions).

We must demand workplace safety – STOP violence in the workplace (physical and psychological).

There are concerns that you as members have that I need to be made aware of…your input is crucial as SUN develops new strategies and principles to support each and every member. I am always happy speak with and advocate for members.

In our Province over the last 3+ years we have witnessed change and events unlike any in our history. We’ve transitioned from Health Regions to a single Health Authority during a pandemic and the workplace has become increasingly challenging for members. I am proud of the work SUN has daily undertaken to support Nurses. I would like to remain part of a leadership team that Stands UP for Nursing. There are challenges ahead and together we can overcome them.

I look forward to working with all members to build a better, healthier workplace for today and tomorrow. I ask for your ongoing support.

In Solidarity,

Mark T. Henderson RN

Melissa McGillivray, RN, Local 107

I am excited to let my name stand for the position of Second Vice President with the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses as I believe we all have the capacity to make a difference. I would love the opportunity to collaborate with leaders at SUN to ensure our members feel supported, valued, and heard.

The role of Second Vice President is particularly relevant for me as I have a strong interest in effective and meaningful collective bargaining processes. I believe the membership is apprehensive in regards to the next round of bargaining and I would appreciate the opportunity to exceed their expectations. I believe we are at a pivotal point in collective bargaining, and we need strong leaders who are confident in advocating on behalf of their peers.

As president of CUPE 3761 while employed at SUN, I had the opportunity to bargain with our employer and it was a truly memorable experience. While I had anticipated the long days discussing collective agreement articles and their respective rationale, the ongoing communication back to the members of my local was equally important. I believe the skills I developed will be of great value should I be the successful candidate for the role of Second Vice President.

To be an effective representative of the membership at large, I believe there is value in understanding the lived experience of nurses throughout the province. While I am currently employed at City Hospital and St. Ann’s Senior Citizens Village, I have worked at all three base hospitals. I have worked in a variety of care areas including Emergency, Medicine, Surgery, Long Term Care and Rehabilitation. I was previously a NAC Committee Member and am currently the Public Relations Representative for my local.

In addition to practicing as a front-line nurse, I was fortunate to be employed as a Nurse Practice Officer at SUN for about five years. My time with SUN afforded me the opportunity to meet nurses throughout the province and connect with members to hear their professional practice concerns. I believe this means I am uniquely qualified to fulfill the role of Second Vice President, as it is my opinion the elected representative is obligated to ensure their focus is the membership at large.

In addition to my involvement with SUN, I am active in the community. At present I am the Registrar for the Saskatoon and District Labour Council. I am also the Recording Secretary for the Rotary Club of Saskatoon North. These roles have led to my personal development in terms of organizational skills, member mobilization and effective collaboration and communication.

I believe in addition to supporting its members, SUN is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the labour movement. If elected, I assure you while my priority is to advocate on behalf of the membership, I envision an opportunity to work within the labour movement to protect high quality, publicly funded and publicly delivered health care in Saskatchewan.

Melissa McGillivray, RN, BSN

Network Representative — SE:

Sheila Bear, RN, Local 78

I am Sheila Bear, and I am running for the SUN Board of Director representative for the South East Network. I currently sit as a Board representative for what was known as Region 3 for the past 2 terms.

I have been a Registered Nurse for 35 years, working in rural Saskatchewan. I have worked in acute and LTC, and now is System Flow as a Bed Coordinator. I am a proud SUN member and have been involved in my Union for many, many years. I have held many positions at the local level (Pres, Vice-Pres, Treasurer, NAC committee, OH&S), SDC Chairperson, Negotiations committee member, and BOD representative.

I enjoy being a part of SUN, and representing my co-workers and fellow registered nurses. I have learned a lot in each position I have held, and continue to learn. I try to be a mentor, an understanding ear, an avenue to answers (because I certainly do not have them all), a sounding board, a helpful hand. I hope to continue in this position and be a liaison with the South Lead to pass information between the members and SUN Provincial, to get locals active and members engaged and yearning to learn about SUN and what it offers. I know that COVID and the nursing shortage have made our lives and work places difficult, let’s work together to try to make them better. Let’s keep making SUN the strongest voice of healthcare in Saskatchewan. I ask for your support.

Kelli Howells, RPN, Local 63

Kelli has been a registered psychiatric nurse for over 29 years. Most of her career has been in rural long-term care, starting at Souris Valley then later at the new building Tatagwa View. She also worked rural acute psych at the Weyburn in patients' facility. Kelli loves her role as an advocate for her seniors and makes it a priority that they receive safe, dignified care.

Kelli got involved with her local union in 2017 as a facility rep. She then moved into the vice president roll, and in 2021 she was elected as co-president. Kelli enjoys her co-president role and is striving to increase Sun's community presence. Last Canada day local 63 entered a float into the parade, they sponsored five local nursing students' bursaries and donated a decorated Christmas tree for a local charity auction the Family Place.

Kelli has a passion for nursing and serving others, she feels it would be a privilege to expand her knowledge and serve her fellow members by representing them at a provincial level.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her five kids as well as her fur babies. In 2015 she became a volunteer first responder and in 2019 she became a volunteer firefighter for the 737-fire department. Kelli enjoys travelling and is usually found knitting something for someone.

Leslie Saunders, RPN, Local 184

My name is Leslie Saunders, and I am pleased to submit my name to run for SE network representative. I have worked in various rural Southeast facilities since 1999. I currently work in System Flow at St Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan. I have been involved with the union for 20 years. I have served as local president, SDC Chair and SDC Secretary Treasurer. I have had the honor of being the Region 5 Board of Directors Representative since 2013. I have served on the Executive, Policy, Governance, AD Hoc structure, and Lifetime membership committees. In recent years there has been increased pressure put on nurses as we have had to deal with covid, nursing/staffing shortages and ongoing transitional change. My work experience has given me an in-depth perspective of the ongoing issues that members face in rural areas. My union experience has provided me with a tool kit to assist in dealing with those issues. I have had the opportunity to get together with locals and members to listen, support, mentor, provide resources and create change. It is an honor to represent SUN nurses by developing a strategic direction that reflects members views and charts the course of SUN provincial work. I first got involved with my union because nobody else would. I stayed involved because someone must. We are stronger together and together we can make a difference. I would be grateful for your vote in this election.

Thank you for your support.

CB&R Committee:

Angelica Daigneault, RN, Local 73

Position statement unavailable

Trudy Derkach, RPN, Local 266

My name is Trudy Derkach. I am a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and have worked for over 6 years within Yorkton Mental Health Centre's inpatient psychiatric unit, Pine Unit. My involvement with Local 266 has been in the role of Vice President as well as the NAC Chair for the past two years. The Collective Bargaining Agreement is something that I have a great interest in and advocate within my local to ensure our rights as nurses are upheld. I am seeking a position for the Constitution, Bylaws & Resolutions Committee. I am looking forward to the opportunity to further my knowledge on the CBA and attain a more active role within SUN.

Rachel Hyatt-Hiebert, RN, Local 69

Greeting SUN Members,

My name is Rachel Hyatt-Hiebert. I am a member of SUN Local 69 Cypress Regional Hospital and Homecare and work in CCU and education. I am seeking to be reelected to the Constitution Bylaws and Resolutions Committee for another term. I currently have been sitting on the committee as its chairperson. I greatly value the work of the committee and truly enjoy being able to serve in this capacity. I am committed to upholding the constitution, bylaws and resolutions that form the backbone of our union and believe that I bring experience and knowledge to the position. If elected I commit to fulfilling this role to the best of my ability. I ask for your consideration as I pursue another term on this exciting and rewarding committee.

Thank You,

Rachel Hyatt-Hiebert

Candace Lahoda, RN, Local 75

My name is Candace, I’m a proud Registered Nurse currently working at the Saskatoon City Hospital MS Clinic. I graduated from the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon in 2010. I have worked in several different clinical areas since, including Ortho, Neurology, La Ronge and Inpatient Mental Health at Dube. I am active with the union as a local unit rep, and have previously served on the provincial Program Committee, and most recently the Constitution Bylaws and Resolutions Committee. I thoroughly enjoy working with the many fantastic healthcare teams and union members that I’ve crossed paths with over the years. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve you as a CB&R Committee member. Thank you for your consideration.

Amanda (Mandi) Senger, RN, Local 75

Previously, I worked at the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital in Pediatric Intensive care and Children's Emergency services. Currently, I hold a temporary position at RUH as a Repatriation Coordinator. In 2016, I began attending local meetings as well as SUN Provincial events. Presently, I hold the position of OHS Chair on my executive at Local 75 and have been in that role since 2018. I also review the master and provisional schedules for SUN Local 75. Prior to this, I was the junior executive member. I have held an elected position on the Constitution Resolutions and Bylaws committee since 2019. This committee has taught me numerous things, including the structure of our union, Roberts's rules and has given me the chance to re-familiarize myself in regards to speaking in front of a large crowd. I really do love this work!

I thank-you for your consideration,

Mandi Senger, RN BSN

Negotiations Committee:

Mental Health:

Candace Bellegarde, RPN, Local 266

My name is Candice Bellegarde. I am a proud Registered Psychiatric Nurse and SUN member of 25 years. My work passion has always been in the field mental health with experience in both acute and community settings. This area has been hit hard with challenges and cuts, which require strong advocacy and a seat at the decision making table. Nurses have a powerful voice collectively, strong leadership, and an enormous will to create better for our patients and our fellow nurses.

During my career I have served in numerous union roles including the Negotiations Committee, Local President, NAC Committee/Chair, OH&S, and several other forums. I am seeking to be elected for the position of Mental Health Rep for the Negotiations Committee. I believe I can be one of the strong voices in the bargaining process for contract and work life improvements effecting greater improvements for patient care as well.

Krystle Wallman, RN, Local 258

In 2012 I began my RN practice. Since 2013, I've been working the frontlines of mental health in both inpatient and community settings, currently employed as an Outreach Nurse with Saskatoon Mental Health and Addiction Services. Over the past six years, I've been involved with my Locals in various capacities including NAC committee, ward rep, treasurer and additionally, the SUN rep on the SFL Solidarity and Pride Committee.

Not only have I witnessed existing challenges in mental health, but have experienced them first hand. I believe this knowledge would be an asset as we enter the next round of bargaining. Retention of nurses is crucial. Adequate orientation is critical. Workload must be manageable. Staffing has to be sufficient. I am committed to embracing what lies ahead and being a voice for the membership to ensure member rights are protected and client safety is at the forefront of what we do.