December 5 2024

“Each year we are impressed with the quality and thoughtfulness of the submissions for NUPGE Scholarships. We appreciate everyone who took the time to make a submission. It is always a difficult decision to choose the winning essays because the competition is so strong,” said Bert Blundon, NUPGE President, “It’s our hope that these scholarships will, in a small way, help these students follow their dreams. “

Each year, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) offers 9 scholarships that reflect its pursuit of equal opportunity for all workers. They are offered to members and the children/grandchildren and the foster children/grandchildren of current or retired NUPGE members who are enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary public institution. The National Union is pleased to announce the winners of these awards.

Brian Fudge Memorial Scholarship

Andi-Lee Reardon’s parent Andrew Reardon is a member of PEIUPSE/NUPGE. In commenting on the importance of her chosen area of study – health care, Reardon wrote, “At this critical time with the Canadian health care system being stretched beyond measure, it is of utmost importance now, more than ever, to keep the vision of universality and equal access alive and well. My chosen field of study in health care and my goal to deliver this public service to Canadians could not be more important than it is now, for my generation.”

Scholarship For Black Students

Christale Rasamison’s parent Michael Rasamison is a member of MGEU/NUPGE. Rasamison chose to highlight the contributions of 2 leaders of African descent, Viola Desmond and Nelson Mandela for the impact they’ve had on her life. Their “experiences taught me that no matter how hard things may be, I must stay strong and never give up. Additionally, they have inspired me to remember who I am as a person and celebrate my identity with nothing but pride.”

Scholarship For Indigenous Students

Siobhan Smith’s parent Linda Del Fabro Smith is a member of HSABC/NUPGE. Smith reflected on the ways in which public services can enhance the quality of life of Indigenous students: “Due to lack of humility and creative, culturally sensitive public services in First Nation communities, we are missing the mark when we discount the unique experiences of decades of Aboriginal communities such as cross generational trauma, and use of traditional medicine as well as oral knowledge keeper traditions. Illness, addiction and mental health problems are issues starving for enough resources that are accessible, available and offered in a way that are user friendly, effective and culturally appropriate. Appropriate housing, health services and education have a huge role to play in Indigenous communities and their students.”

Scholarship For 2SLGBTQIA+ Students

Mikayla Totten’s parent is Christie Totten who is a member of CEU/BCGEU/NUPGE. In commenting on how trade union’s support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. “For decades, unions have been steadfast supporters of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, actively engaging in Pride festivities
nationwide. Their unwavering commitment signifies more than mere attendance – it embodies solidarity. Solidarity, in this context, signifies standing together, advocating for shared rights, and promoting inclusivity. When union members march in Pride parades, they become visible allies, showing that the labour movement stands with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”

Scholarship For Students of Colour

Naman Gautam’s parent is Vishal Gautam who is an HSAA/NUPGE member. In his essay on the importance of public services in enhancing the quality of life of people of colour, Gautam wrote that, “inclusive policymaking involves actively involving people of colour in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. This can include soliciting input from diverse communities, creating advisory boards that represent a range of perspectives, and implementing policies that reflect the needs and priorities of marginalized groups.”

Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship

Lauren Watson’s parent is Rececca De Sadeleer who is an NSGEU/NUPGE member. Watson reflects on how public services are important to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities, especially for students: “Things like having a teaching aid to give that one student the extra attention they need, providing them with a computer so they are able to use speech to text and text to speech to check over their work, or providing extra time on assessments and projects. These adaptations immensely improve the struggling individuals’ lives by providing them with the tools they need to succeed in the same way their peers are able to.”

Tommy Douglas Scholarship

Reyhan Habib’s parent is Lateef Habib who is a member of HSAA/NUPGE. In commenting on how Tommy Douglas’ life contributed to making Canada a more just and equitable society Habib wrote, ”Against all odds, Tommy Douglas remained steadfast in pursuit of a Canadian society in which all could live a life of dignity. Shaped by his humble upbringing, his policies were motivated by a longing to help the poor, empower the marginalised, and tend to the most vulnerable. Although he was criticised as a radical, Douglas knew his democratically socialist ideals of justice and equity could amass widespread bipartisan support from coast to coast.”

Young Worker Scholarships

Ryan Iwanicki is a member of OPSEU/SEFPO/NUPGE. In his essay, Iwanicki asserted that in a contemporary workplace, ”unions continue to be defenders of the common-sense belief that no worker who contributes to the prosperity of their employer, their community, or their country, should be excluded from that prosperity.”

Xavier Rosarda is a member of MGEU/NUPGE. Rosarda wrote that ”unions are important in the contemporary workplace especially in the healthcare system because unions help advocate healthcare worker’s rights and fair compensation, ensure patient safety and quality of care, and promotes career growth opportunities and continuing education.

More information about NUPGE Scholarships can be found on the union’s website.