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BC FORUM’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, held June 17, began shortly after 9:55 a.m. following minor technical delays. Thanks to USW staff Brett and Iman, the meeting opened smoothly with a Territorial Acknowledgement by First Vice-President Gord Savard.
Members attending in person and online were welcomed, along with special guests representing key labour and seniors’ organizations, including COSCO, CURC, the National Pensioners’ Federation, and the HEU Older Workers’ Committee.
Guest speakers provided important updates on issues affecting retirees and working seniors. CURC President Michael MacIsaac highlighted the organization’s new affiliation with the federal NDP, strengthening seniors’ voices within labour, and ongoing efforts toward a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. Hermender Singh Kailley of the BC Federation of Labour spoke about the “Unions Are For You” campaign and emphasized the need to address pensions and retirement security earlier in workers’ lives, alongside broader legislative and political priorities.
Updates were also provided on BC FORUM’s benefits program by WE Consulting & Benefits, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong membership to sustain affordable coverage. Jodine Rivard shared the work of HEU’s Older Workers’ Committee, including advocacy to extend long-term disability benefits beyond age 65.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Board report and several key resolutions, including calls for improvements to long-term care, universal pharmacare, property tax deferral, and enhanced CPP benefits. All resolutions passed unanimously following engaged discussion.
In closing, National Pensioners’ Federation President Trish McAuliffe expressed support for partnering with BC FORUM on a future webinar addressing ageing, ageism, and international rights for older persons.
BC FORUM wishes to extend sincerest appreciation to the affiliates of the BC Federation of Labour for their continued support of the work we do, We would like to acknowledge BCGEU, HEU, CEU, CUPE BC, MoveUP, FPSE, the NWDLC and WE Consulting & Benefits for their financial support and the BC Federation of Labour for providing office space and utilities.
Thank you to all who participated in this productive and informative AGM.
Sam Wiese, BC FORUM President
Resolutions and Commitments will be posted soon