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From the Director
This past year has been a full and rewarding one. It has given me the opportunity to meet with members across the Region, attend branch and group events, participate in national meetings and continue representing Atlantic members at the Board table. Through all of this, I have remained mindful that the role of Regional Director is, first and foremost, about ensuring the voices of Atlantic members are heard and represented within the Institute.
One of the parts of this role that I value most is the opportunity to connect directly with members, stewards, and branch leaders throughout Atlantic Canada. Whether through AGMs, outreach activities, or informal conversations, those interactions continue to remind me of the commitment that exists across our Region and the importance of supporting one another in the work we do on behalf of members.
At the national level, I continued to participate in Board of Directors meetings and planning sessions and, in 2026, I was honored to take on the role of Chair of the Finance Committee. I am also sitting on the Legacy, Building Trust, AGM Task Force, and Pension committees as finance chair. I look forward to contributing in that capacity while continuing to bring an Atlantic perspective to the Board’s work.
I would like to sincerely thank the staff of the Halifax/Regional Office and our colleagues at Head Office for their continued support throughout the year. The work of the Region and PIPSC depends in no small part on the professionalism, advice, and day-to-day assistance provided by staff, whether in support of our members, our branches, our committees, or our regional activities. Their efforts are appreciated and do not go unnoticed.
As your Regional Director, I will be representing PIPSC at the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference during the same period as the Atlantic Regional Council, which is why I will not be able to attend ARC in person. This conference is held only once every three years, and I am extremely honored to have been selected as one of 250 participants from across Canada to take part in this prestigious event. I would also like to thank the members of the Atlantic Regional Executive for their support, collegiality, and commitment to the Region over the course of this year. In particular, I want to recognize and thank the outgoing Executive members for their service and contributions to the Atlantic Region: Tamara Critch, Carolyn Hynes, Paul Hubley, Kimberley Keats, and Christine LeDrew. Your work has helped strengthen the Region, and your efforts on behalf of members are sincerely appreciated.
As I reflect on the year, I remain proud to serve as Atlantic Regional Director. I remain committed to strengthening communication across the Region, supporting our branches and provincial groups, and ensuring Atlantic members continue to be represented effectively within the Institute.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Bellefleur
Atlantic Regional Director
Basic Steward Training February 2026
We welcomed eighteen new stewards at our February Basic Steward Training. The session was held at the Westin Halifax, NS. Simon Davenport, Mason MacDonald and Chris Bussey facilitated the two-and-a-half-day session. Participant and facilitator feedback on course content was positive. We hosted a well attended social event at Niche. We had the opportunity to network with stewards (and some family) after hours-walk the harbourfront, have a snack at the hotel bar and dine at local restaurants. We are sad to report that Mario Doucet, a course participant, passed away May 31, 2026. We offer condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends.
Atlantic Regional Training School
The 2026 Atlantic Regional Training School was held April 16-18 at the Delta Dartmouth, NS. Eighteen participants were trained by Max Way, Mason MacDonald, and Cheryl Owens-Carr for Advanced Grievance and Consultation. The second stream of Empowering Stewards: Taking action against workplace violence and Investigative Techniques was facilitated by Simon Davenport and Chris Bussey. This year there was a third stream facilitated by member facilitators Christine LeDrew and Lori Rowe on Core Training for Constituent Body Executives, Conflict Ready executives, and Leadership Essentials with ten participants. The reviews were very positive. Social events included a Meet and Greet event onsite as well as an excursion to a local Brewery for some socialization.
Atlantic Regional Council
The 82nd Atlantic Regional Council commenced Friday afternoon May 22nd and Saturday, May 23rd at the Marriott Harbourfront in Halifax, NS. Friday at lunch time the Halifax Branch had organized a Rally that was well attended and President Sean O’Reilly attended as a speaker. The nominations for the executive positions and the candidate’s address took place with the presentation of the Executive of the Year award. PIPSC President, Sean O’Reilly, addressed the delegates with a Q&A session. The afternoon was closed out with a great motivational speaker, Neville MacKay.
Saturday morning at 9:00am the 82nd ARC Business got underway by the delegates, chaired by Mike Pauley. Reports were received from Carolyn Hynes, Training Committee Chairperson, Christine LeDrew, Atlantic Young Professionals Committee, and Cheryl Owens-Carr, Atlantic Regional Manager. Paul Hubley, Treasurer, tabled the regional budgets and financials. The delegates were presented with a presentation from Navy Vezina from the National Policy Office while the New Brunswick Group delegates had a breakout session with Colby Briggs. Prior to lunch the elections were conducted by Lori Rowe, Chad Lacoste, and Leslie Hill. Carolyn Hynes, Paul Hubley, Kim Keats, Jason Rioux, Hashem Abou-Shahla were elected. Thank you to the previous executive members, Christine LeDrew and Tamara Critch for their contributions and to all those that had put their names forward.
The afternoon continued with the debate of the resolutions. Gayle Armstrong gave an informative presentation on the Saint John Branch.
Atlantic Region Awards
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’s 2026 Atlantic Region Executive Member of the year is Lori Thistle.
Lori has been an active member since 2020 and has been a member at large on the Halifax Branch executive for the past 4 years. She has made, and continues to make, a substantial contribution to member outreach and engagement within the Halifax Branch. She consistently steps forward to organize events and plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts that strengthen member involvement. Her leadership and commitment have been instrumental to the success of numerous Branch activities. Lori’s dedication and enthusiasm remain an invaluable asset to the Branch and have helped foster a strong, engaged constituent body.
More recently, and a key factor in this nomination, Lori demonstrated exceptional commitment by continuing to support Branch activities while navigating serious health challenges. Despite these personal obstacles, she played a major role in organizing and revitalizing the Branch Golf Tournament and Dinner. Her work ethic and determination have not diminished in the face of adversity, and her perseverance has inspired fellow members of the Branch executive, providing encouragement and resolve to continue advancing the branch objectives.
Lori has become a respected role model within the branch through her resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to member engagement. She regularly shared her experiences and expertise through hands-on involvement in branch activities, giving guidance and support to both new and experienced members. Lori is approachable, generous with her knowledge, offering practical advice, encouragement, and reassurance to those stepping into roles for the first time. Lori’s actions have set a powerful example, showing others that obstacles can be met with purpose and perseverance. Her contributions have left a lasting and meaningful impact on the Halifax Branch and exemplify the values of service and leadership.
Congratulations Lori as the recipient of the 2026 Atlantic Executive of the Year award!
National Domestic Violence Session
For the first time, stewards across Canada received domestic violence training, including 10 from the Atlantic region who attended the sessions in Ottawa on May 8–9. Atlantic’s Lori Rowe also served as one of three member facilitators. The training empowered stewards to recognize types of domestic violence, understand employer and union roles, and handle difficult conversations. Participants also gained tools for safety planning and sharing resources. Thank you to everyone who took part in this vital course.
Charity Donations
For the members that are not aware, the Atlantic Regional Executive purchases an item and holds a raffle at Atlantic Training School, Atlantic Regional Council, and Atlantic Steward Council with the proceeds of the donations from the attendees going to a local charity within the Atlantic Region.
This year at Training School tickets were sold for a chance to win headphones with a total of $615.15 being donated to First Impressions in PEI. This charity is an initiative that provides free clothing, shoes, and accessories to women in need as well partnered with Health PEI to work with staff and clients in mental health and addictions.
At the Atlantic Regional Council once again tickets were sold on a chance to win another set of headphones with a total of $1010 being donated to CUPE Nova Scotia’s Long Term and Community Care Committee, which represents long-term card workers currently engaged in strike action of over 30 days across the province. These funds will support members who are advocating for fair wages and improved working conditions in long-term care. The Regional Executive also hosted a Music Bingo event Friday evening where members paid to play with the proceeds of this also being donated to the charity. In total, the donation to CUPE Nova Scotia’s Long Term and Community Care Committee is $1810.
The Regional Executive wants to thank its delegates for all the efforts and thoughtfulness in helping to continue the success of these raffles and donations. The charities have always greatly appreciated the donations.
Atlantic Young Professionals Committee (AYPC)
The push to return to the office (RTO) has been a noticeable challenge, especially for younger empl
oyees who started their careers in a remote environment. While being in the office can help build relationships, encourage collaboration, and increase visibility with leadership, these benefits don’t always outweigh the challenge.
One of the biggest drawbacks to RTO is the loss of flexibility. Remote work made it easier to maintain a healthier work-life balance, eliminating long commutes, allowing more time at home with children or pets, and even making space for small comforts like preparing meals in your own kitchen. Returning to the office often reintroduces rigid schedules and daily travel, which can feel like a step backward in terms of work-life balance.
Commuting in particular adds both time and cost, turning what used to be productive or personal time into something that can feel draining. To make the transition easier, consider adopting flexible start time (if your workplace allows) or creating a commute routine you actually enjoy—whether that’s listening to music, catching up on podcasts, or using the time to mentally reset. Planning errands or social activities after work can also help make the trip feel more worthwhile.
There’s also the impact on productivity and comfort. Open office environments can be noisy and full of interruptions, making it harder to focus compared to a personalized home setup. While in-person collaboration has its place, the office doesn’t always support deep, focused work.
To navigate this, small adjustments can go a long way. Noise-cancelling headphones, booking quiet rooms, setting boundaries with colleagues—like signaling when you shouldn’t be interrupted—can also make a big difference. While a full return doesn’t suit everyone, small adjustments can help make office days more manageable and even productive.
While RTO isn’t ideal for all, we want to point out some positives, such as the ability to build interpersonal relationships in the office, and the separation of work and home. The key is finding ways to adapt, protect your time and energy, and make office days work for you.
Canadian Labour Congress Convention
PIPSC activists from across the country attended the 31st Convention of The Canadian Labour
Congress May 11-15, 2026, in Winnipeg. Twenty-four hundred members from forty-eight different unions attended. The CLC is the largest democratic organization in Canada. Major victories include anti-scab laws, affordable childcare, sustainable jobs, pharmacare, Canadian dental plan, and pension protection. We Build. We Care, was the conference theme with a focus to build a better future where democracy, justice, and dignity are valued and every worker, family and community has a voice.
Democracy: the power of voice -speaking out together to defend our right to bargain and strike. Educating members to build a strong democracy has been a key priority of the CLC.
Build: a future that works. Organize to protect jobs from tariffs and cuts and demand investments in infrastructure and services Canadians need.
Dignity: together we fight for better wages, public services, and good jobs that build strong communities.
Care: invest in public services so workers can thrive, and families and communities can get the care they deserve. It is about transforming how we value and care for each other.
Justice: organize for fair pay, equal rights and equity, and workplaces that are safe and accessible for all. Call for truth and reconciliation, stand against racism and discrimination, and create a future where we all feel safe, valued, and respected.
Power: organizing to build the political power needed to make our voices heard. Picket line support, lobbying, and digital tools help build power. When workers organize together, we take power and win.
PIPSC members such as, Sean O’Reilly and Doug Mason, spoke to resolution on job cuts, tax fairness and contracting out. Well done. The convention ended with a rally and educational workshops. It was a busy, interesting, and valuable experience.
Constituent Body Profile
The Prince Edward Island (PEI) Branch is the only provincial branch within the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC). The Branch represents members working across Prince Edward Island in a wide variety of federal departments, agencies, and bargaining groups.
The Branch currently represents approximately 701 members, including regular, retired and RAND members, across 12 bargaining groups with IT Group; Audit, Financial and Scientific; Health Services; and Commerce & Purchasing Groups making up the majority of our members.
Branch members work in over 21 departments including Veterans Affairs Canada, Canada Revenue Agency, Shared Services Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Public Service and Procurement Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, and Fisheries and Oceans.
The current executive includes:
Craig Bradley, President
Craig MacEwen, Vice-President
Kathy McLellan, Secretary
Gerald Hill, Treasurer
Anthony McAndrew, Members-at-Large
Andrew Cudmore, Members-at-Large
Leslie Hill, Members-at-Large
Jason Rioux, Members-at-Large
Lisa Richard, Members-at-Large
Michael Cunningham, Members-at-Large
The PEI Branch continues to focus on member engagement across the province offering virtual lunch and learns and various social activities in an effort to connect and support with the PIPSC members in Prince Edward Island.
Calendar of Events
(Items are subject to change)
August 14, 2026 Atlantic Regional Training committee meeting, Moncton
August 14-15, 2026 Atlantic Regional Executive meeting, Moncton
September 17-19, 2026 Basic Steward Training, Halifax
October 22, 2026 Atlantic Regional Executive, Halifax
October 23, 2026 AYPC meeting, Halifax
October 23-24, 2026 Atlantic Region Steward Council, Halifax
November 13-14, 2026 Extra Steward Training, Halifax
November 21, 2026 Atlantic Regional Executive meeting, Halifax
November 27-28, 2026 PIPSC Annual General Meeting, Ottawa
Your Regional Executive:
Director:
Mark Bellefleur
mbellefleur@pipsc.ca
Vice-Chair:
Hashem Abou-Shahla
hashem.aboushahla@gmail.com
Secretary:
Jason Rioux
jrioux@pipsc.ca
Treasurer:
Paul Hubley
paul.hubley@pipsc.ca
Branch Liaison Chair:
Mike Pauley
mpauley@pipsc.ca
Training Committee Chair:
Carolyn Hynes
Carolyn_Hynes@pipsc.ca
Members at Large:
Leslie Hill
lhill@pipsc.ca
Lorraine Rowe
Kimberley Keats
Chad Lacoste
Lucille Shears
shearsl@pipsc.ca
Atlantic Members Facebook Page: