Atlantic Region Newsletter - Summer 2025
From the Director
It’s a quiet Tuesday afternoon here in Dieppe, and I’m finally enjoying a rare moment of peace. Birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and for a brief second, I think I might actually get to relax. But then—ding!—a message pops up from the Atlantic Regional Executive Secretary. The summer newsletter article is due. So much for peace and quiet. No rest for the wicked, andapparently, no escape from deadlines either. Summer is here, and that means longer days, warmer weather, and the annual struggle to remember where I left my sunglasses. It’s the perfect time to get outside, take in the breathtaking scenery of Atlantic Canada, and maybe even pretend that work and PIPSC emails don’t exist.
We recently held the 81st Atlantic Regional Council in Fredericton, New Brunswick—a successful event filled with productive discussions and engaging debates on resolutions heading to the PIPSC AGM. It was an honor to preside over the meeting and witness firsthand the passion and dedication of our members. We had loads of fun on Bingo night and it was great to see such a great turnout!
One of the most pressing issues for our members remains the continued push for increased return-to-office mandates. Despite mounting concerns from employees, the Employer has doubled down on its directive, citing “responsible spending” as justification for requiring a greater physical presence. This decision disrupts well-established remote work structures that have been effectively delivering essential services since 2020. For many employees—especially those hired post-pandemic—this transition is abrupt and unnecessary, as they have never worked in the office. Others have successfully adapted to remote work, maintaining productivity while benefiting from flexibility.
With the new Carney government now in place, there is hope that fresh leadership will bring a more balanced approach to workplace policies. Prime Minister Mark Carney has emphasized economic growth and efficiency as key priorities, and we urge his administration to recognize the value of flexible work arrangements in achieving these goals. The Institute continues to challenge rigid return-to-office policies, advocating for a “presence with purpose” model that considers operational needs rather than a blanket mandate. Discussions remain ongoing, and we remain committed to ensuring that any return-to-office expectations prioritize efficiency, fairness, and employee well-being.
In New Brunswick, our provincial groups are actively engaged in bargaining or preparing for negotiations. Among them, our Crown counsel continue their fight for pay parity, ensuring their compensation reflects the essential legal services they provide to the province. Their efforts go beyond securing fair wages—they seek equitable solutions that benefit all New Brunswickers by maintaining a strong and stable legal workforce. The Institute stands firmly with them in their pursuit of fairness and will continue to advocate on their behalf.
Additionally, our NB members across sectors are actively engaged in efforts to protect their pensions. With ongoing litigation, standing up for retirement security remains a priority. The Institute continues to challenge unfair pension changes and advocate for the long-term stability of members’ benefits. As the legal battle unfolds, we remain committed to keeping members informed and ensuring that their hard-earned pensions remain safeguarded. Lastly, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Greg Hues, Leslie Hill, and Chad Lacoste, who have joined the Atlantic Regional Executive. A heartfelt thank you to Tony Chubbs, Gerald Hill, and Scott McConaghy for their dedicated service over the years—it has been greatly appreciated.
Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable summer.
Mark Bellefleur
Atlantic Regional Director
Basic Steward Training February 2025
Simon and Cheryl facilitated the February 2025 Basic Steward Training at The Lord Nelson in Halifax with 16 very engaged new stewards. Participant feedback was positive. There was excellent attendance at Your Father’s Moustache for a meet and greet hosted by Training Chair Carolyn Hynes. We are excited to welcome these new stewards in the Atlantic Region. Well done!
Atlantic Regional Training School
The Atlantic Regional Training School was held April 10-12, 2025, at the Old Orchard Inn, NS. Twenty-two new stewards attended Advanced Grievance and Consultation modules, and 24 seasoned stewards attended the newly released Occupational Health and Safety course and Investigation Techniques. All 46 stewards participated in a half day Workforce Adjustment (WFA) session. We thank Max Way, Elissa McCarron, Simon Davenport, and Cheryl Owens-Carr for all their expertise in facilitating these courses. Material and facilitator reviews were very positive, with several accolades raised for the facilitators. Social events included a directors Meet & Greet and a local Mentalist. During the school tickets were sold and raised $575.45 for The Wolfville Area Food Bank.
Atlantic Regional Council
The 81st Atlantic Regional Council commenced Friday afternoon May 23rd and Saturday, May 24th at the Delta Fredericton, NB. Friday afternoon the delegates participated in a Write that Resolution and mock AGM session, while the New Brunswick Group delegates had a breakout session regarding pension and benefits updates. The nominations for the executive positions and the candidate’s address took place with the presentation of the Executive of the Year award.
Saturday morning at 9:00am the business got underway by the delegates, chaired by Mark Bellefleur. Reports were received from Carolyn Hynes, Training Committee Chairperson, Christine LeDrew, Atlantic Young Professionals Committee Chair, and Cheryl Owens-Carr, Atlantic Regional Manager. Paul Hubley, Treasurer, tabled the regional budgets and financials. The delegates had the pleasure of President’s Address from Sean O’Reilly. Prior to lunch the elections were conducted by Carolyn Hynes, Tamara Critch, Kim Keats, and Paul Hubley. Mike Pauley, Chad Lacoste, Lori Rowe, Leslie Hill, Greg Hues, and Christine LeDrew were elected. Thank you to the previous executive members, Scott McConaghy, Gerald Hill, and Tony Chubbs for their contributions and to all those that had put their names forward.
The afternoon continued with the debate of the resolutions. Branch Members, Nick Isenor and Greg Hues gave an informative presentation on the Halifax Branch.
At the Atlantic Regional Council, the raffle proceeds of $1780 were donated to the Greener Village.
Executive of the Year
The purpose of the Executive of the Year Award is to recognize the outstanding contributions of a PIPSC Member from the Atlantic Region who is active as an executive member of a constituent body within the region. Recipients are nominated by their peers, and that genuine appreciation and recognition is conveyed in the nominations that were received this year. This year's 2025 Atlantic Region Executive Member of the year is Sheila MacLean.
Since 2004, Sheila has held multiple roles on the New Brunswick Engineering, Land Surveying and Architecture (NBEN) executive and the Fredericton Branch executive since 2008. She became a steward in 2006 and has been the labour co-chair of local and provincial union-management committees.
Sheila has always been a visible PIPSC member and actively promotes PIPSC through her presence at Branch and Group events. She has often been the first point of contact for new hires, actively encouraging union membership, and explaining the benefits of membership to regular members as well as RANDs. She has promoted lunch and learns and various other union events. Sheila openly shared her knowledge and provides mentorship to other stewards and members, for example, helping them understand their collective agreements.
Sheila has been an active voice for the NB Groups at the Advisory Council and Separate Employer meetings for the benefit of PIPSC as a whole. She actively seeks out concerns from NB members as well as ideas to better address serious issues. Sheila has always been a go-to steward and union representative. She has an excellent rapport with other union representatives, stewards, and staff. She is an excellent resource on harassment complaints and duty to accommodate issues.
Sheila was approached by NBEN Group to become an executive member and steward as she was seen as a role model at work. She is tough on issues and always has the members’ interests at heart. She is consistent in nature, an excellent listener and communicator, a strong mentor, and an extremely trusted individual. Sheila exemplifies the qualities of a union leader.
Congratulations Sheila as the recipient of the 2025 Atlantic Executive of the Year award.
Atlantic Young Professionals Committee (AYPC)
The boundary between professional responsibilities and personal life can often conflict with each other. This can lead to stress, burnout or a decline in your personal well-being. As members of the Atlantic Young Professional Committee (AYPC), we would like for our members to understand the importance of a good work life balance, its advantages and your rights as a member of the PIPSC union.
One of the most important things a good work-life balance can bring is improved mental and physical health overall. When members are overworked, stress and fatigue can become a chronic condition which can lead to anxiety and depression. Those can then lead to a decline in productivity and performance. It is important to ensure that you are not overworked and to ensure you take time for YOURSELF to recharge. When you feel you need to take a mental break, take it! Burnout is real, and it is better to prevent it rather than to have to cure it.
As members of the PIPSC, know that you are entitled to some leaves including vacation, family related leave, and sick leave. It is important to understand your rights and entitlements as per your collective agreement and the importance of taking time off when needed. Depending on your collective agreement, some leaves will not carry-over to the next year, which means if you don’t take them, you lose them. We recommend that those are taken first to ensure you take full advantage of your deserved leave. It is your right to take your leave, and doing so can help you ensure that you have time to relax and take care of yourself. These leaves are negotiated for a reason, and we strongly encourage you to take advantage of them whenever you can.
If you don’t know what your leave entitlements are in your collective agreement, you can visit the PIPSC website or speak to one of your union representatives to understand what your rights are.
Calendar of Events
(Items are subject to change)
July 11-12, 2025 - AYPC Meeting
August 15, 2025 - Atlantic Regional Training committee
August 15-16, 2025 - Atlantic Regional Executive
September 18-20, 2025 - Basic Steward Training
October 23, 2025 - Atlantic Regional Executive
October 24, 2025 – AYPC Meeting
October 24-25, 2025 – Atlantic Steward Council
November 21-22, 2025 – Extra Steward Training
November 28, 2025 – Atlantic Regional Executive
December 12-13, 2025 – PIPSC National AGM
Getting To Know your Regional Executive
A little about me:
I am Chad Lacoste and I was born in Victoria BC to a Navy father, so we got posted all over the country as I grew up. We ended up in Nova Scotia and my parents decided to settle down by buying a strawberry farm in the Annapolis Valley just outside of Greenwood. After high school I lived in Halifax for about 8 years and then moved back to the valley where I remain to this day. I work in IT at 14 Wing Greenwood making Synthetic Airfields for the CP140 Aurora Flight Simulator. I essentially get paid to make video games and then 'play' them (you have to test the end product after all!)
What do I do for fun?:
I spend my spare time off roading in my Toyota Tacoma, flying my drone and using my GoPro to capture the neat and not so neat places I find on my adventures. I also enjoy riding around on my motorcycle on the winding roads of Nova Scotia. I'm big into smoking meats and fish and I make a mean NY style cheesecake. I spend every Thursday night volunteering at my local food bank, and I have 3 fur babies in the form of cats I rescued from a barn a few years ago, Jack, Jill, and Loki. I like to read, and I love watching movies. I'm also big into playing and watching others play video games.
Why I became a steward:
When I was a teenager, my mother was a steward with PSAC and I can remember her talking about it, but I'm not sure I ever really understood what it meant. As I got older, I realized one of the things that made me most happy was when I got to help someone else out for no other reason than to just help. I would always walk away from those times with a smile and a sense of satisfaction like no other I had ever experienced. When I got hired as a public servant, I was encouraged to go to my local union meetings and heard that there were currently no active stewards at 14 Wing Greenwood, where I work. I decided to sign up and see if I could help out. I got involved with my local PIPSC Branch, where I got voted in as the VP and eventually President, and my local IT Sub-Group, where I was also voted in as the VP. I went to my first Atlantic Regional Council in St John's Nfld in 2023 and I met all kinds of simply amazing people, and I've continued to attend all of the union events I can. I'm motivated by the idea that a bit of effort on my part can result in better working conditions for me and my fellow members. It's not often you get to do something that can directly make yours and others lives better! I'm a big proponent of equal rights for all. I believe in the importance of respect and dignity, and I believe that we should all strive to just be nice.
A little about me:
Hi, I’m Leslie Hill. I’ve worked at the Canada Revenue Agency in Summerside, PEI for almost 20 years. Although I now call PEI home, my roots are in Nova Scotia, where my family is from. I moved to the Island as a young girl, and I’ve built a life here with my husband of 31 years and with our two daughters.
What do I do for fun?:
When I’m not working, I enjoy being outdoors, watching movies, spending time with family and friends, and meeting new people. Whether it's exploring a new place or having a conversation that sparks connection, I love opportunities to engage and learn from others.
Why I became a steward:
I currently serve as President of the AFS Summerside Subgroup as well, I am a current and active steward and member of the PEI Branch. I’ve also participated in the CRA EAP Committee and up until recently, the Employment Equity and Diversity Committee. I joined these committees because I truly believe in creating balance in the workplace. We need leaders who understand the challenges we face, who are willing to step up, support others, and drive meaningful change. My time with PIPSC and working with such a wonderful group has shown me that when people care enough to act, real progress is possible, not just for today, but for building a stronger, more inclusive future.
A little about me:
Hello, I am Greg Hues and I live in Halifax, NS. I have been here for 7 years, but I am originally from Prince George, BC. I have lived in a few places but fell in love with Halifax when I moved here for 7 months on a whim in my early 20s (that is a story for another time). I have a cat named Versace that I flew in from northern BC. I have been with the CRA for 6 years and am currently an AU.
What do I do for fun?:
I always love planning my next trip. I love to venture out of the city on vacation and try something new. Last year I got the opportunity to go to the summer Olympics with my friends and did my first multi-country euro trip. Concerts have
also been more on my radar as of recently. Last year (2024), I got to see Billy Idol and Cyndi Lauper. This year, I saw Kylie Minogue in Montreal, I am going to Kesha/Scissor Sisters in Toronto and going to Sommo in PEI where I finally get to see Alanis Morisette. That add to cart button has been really getting me. When I’m sticking around home, I enjoy walking around the city and taking in the Nova Scotia beauty, doing mini day trips, and going to the movie theatre (nothing is more terrifying than seeing me devour movie theatre popcorn).
Why I became a steward:
My route to steward was an interesting one. Prior to being in PIPSC, I was not involved with my previous union. I received the e–mail for the Halifax executive AGM and decided to go and see what it is all about (and enjoy the meal that was being served - I, like my cat, can be food motivated). While there a colleague said I should be nominated and the next thing I know I am on the Halifax executive. Long story long, with my involvement on the executive, I got more of an understanding of the workings of the union and steward was the next logical step. I believe in the work that the union does and I am happy to be a support to our members. As a member of the 2SLGBTGQI+ community and a person with non-visible disability, I recognize the importance of having additional support to navigate complicated situations.
Your Regional Executive:
Director:
Mark Bellefleur
mbellefleur@pipsc.ca
Vice-Chair:
Michael Pauley
hkystick@gmail.com
Secretary:
Christine LeDrew
christineledrew@pipsc.ca
Treasurer:
Paul Hubley
paul.hubley5@gmail.com
Training Committee Chair:
Carolyn Hynes
Carolyn_Hynes@pipsc.ca
Members at Large:
Leslie Hill
lhill@pipsc.ca
Lorraine Rowe
Kimberley Keats
Tamara Critch
Chad Lacoste
Greg Hues
Atlantic Members Facebook Page: