“Congratulations to all the winners of our 2019 scholarships.  We were very impressed with the entries we received this year and wish the winners and all the entrants the very best in their pursuit of their education and future careers.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President

Ottawa (30 Oct. 2019) — The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) offered six $1,500 scholarships for 2019 that reflect its pursuit of equal opportunity for all workers. They are available to the children/grandchildren and foster children/grandchildren of the current 390,000 members of the National Union or of its retirees. Applicants must be starting a post-secondary education in a public educational institution. The National Union is pleased to announce the winners of these awards.

Brian Fudge Memorial Scholarship

Katherine Lyster’s parent is Rosanne Lyster, who is a member of the BCGEU/NUPGE. Katherine is excited to enter the field of nursing as she recognizes the key roles that nurses play in the Canadian public health care system: acting as advocates and educators, caring for the elderly, educating the community, ensuring housing for vulnerable people, food safety, and so much more.

Health care is perhaps the number one public service in the minds of

Canadians. . . . (and nurses) play a key role in the delivery of public services to Canadians, and I am looking forward to joining the ranks of this important group of actors.

Scholarship for Indigenous Students

Ainsley Whynacht’s parent is Tanya Whynacht, who is a member of the NSGEU/NUPGE. Ainsley’s essay commented on how the lack of access to public services has negatively impacted the lives of Indigenous people in Canada on reserves:

While some progress has been made, as the Canadian government begins to make amends with the Aboriginal peoples of Canada, there are still many challenges faced by young and old alike. With proper water, financial and mental health aid, the quality of life on reserves, and for Aboriginal people, could improve greatly.

Scholarship for LGBTQ2 Students

Mariane Rioux’s parent is Rene Goguen, who is a member of the NBU/NUPGE. As the first winner of our newest scholarship, Mariane reflected on the importance of trade unions in supporting the LGBTQ2 community, both in the past and in the future:

At the heart of the trade union is solidarity and the belief in the equal rights and dignity of all human beings. Trade unions have stood up for LGBTQ2 workers against the disdain of institutions and employers, against the marginalization of their community, against the belittlement of their needs and relationships. Trade unions’ influence will no doubt continue to be instrumental to the furtherance of LGBTQ2 rights.

Scholarship for Students of Colour

Nicole Cao’s parent is Jing Yuan, who is a member of OPSEU/NUPGE. Nicole wrote a very compelling essay about her childhood accompanying her grandmother to the community library. In recognizing the role that public services play in the lives of new Canadians, like her grandmother, in helping them integrate into the community, she commented:

Public services . . . can be especially impactful for people of colour like my grandmother. . . . By serving all people regardless of race, public services create safe environments for understanding. Quality public services cultivate a culture of diversity and acceptance.

Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship

Stephanie Budden’s parent is Les Budden, who is a member of NAPE/NUPGE. Stephanie wrote a very personal essay that gratefully acknowledged the assistance provided to her that allowed her to flourish as a student. She also commented on her sibling’s struggles to obtain much-needed medical support for his disabilities in their home province of Newfoundland and Labrador:

People who are facing disabilities are still very capable. Yet due to failing public services, many times they are not able to avail (themselves) of the services and accommodations they need to achieve the success of which they are capable. Living with a disability is not a choice. However, installing proper public systems to assist these challenged individuals is.

Tommy Douglas Scholarship

Erin Novakowski’s parent is Veronica Novakowski, who is a member of HSAA/NUPGE.  In her unique and well-researched essay on the legacy of Tommy Douglas, she recognizes his overall positive contribution to Canadians:

Fairness is about allowing everyone equal access, and giving everyone a fighting chance. Tommy Douglas’s promotion of free and comprehensive health care did exactly this. . . . By eliminating the discrimination against poverty and class that prevent people from accessing health care, individuals of all walks of life are given the most basic human right: the right to live.