Apply to attend: SFL OH&S Conference 2025
SEIU-West's Worker Safety Committee is sponsoring up to five (5) members to attend the 2025 Saskatchewan Federation of Labour Occupational Health and Safety Conference.
In celebration of International Migrants day on December 18th, Our SEIU-West Multicultural Mentorship Committee (MMC) is sharing their stories of what it was like when they first came to Canada.
Felix is a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) in a rural long term health facility and is a member of the MMC.
Here is Felix's story:
It was a great relief for me when I finally stepped outside the airport's clean environment to discover that the air I inhaled was fresh and significantly different. A friend picked me up after being cleared by immigration.
The next day, I went to Kwantlen University Polytechnic to check my course registration and familiarize myself on campus. The academic advisor advised me to apply for my health card and Social Insurance Number. I enjoyed the warm Canadian hospitality and did not feel out of place at all. A colleague of mine and I boarded a sky train to Vancouver downtown, and it was breathtaking seeing high-rise buildings surrounded by nature (mountains, lush forests, rugged coastline). I quickly made a video call and spoke to my family back home, and I vividly remember telling my family "Canada is much more beautiful than it is on TV".
While in British Columbia in 2018, a friend recommended to me that I take a Continuing Care Assistant(CCA) program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. So I applied and came to Saskatchewan Polytechnic the following year. I landed at Saskatchewan Diefenbaker airport on January third, 2019. The officials at the airport were very professional and helpful, so I was cleared at the immigration very quickly. Even though I had seen snow before, I was overwhelmed. I had not seen heavy snowfall falling like that, just like in the fairytale movies. There was an intense snow squall, and I could hardly breathe. I was bundled up with a two thick jackets. Still, I was chilled to the bone. It was a cultural shock for me to see about seven feet of snow and the Saskatchewan River frozen to ice. I was a little bit starved from eating fast food the whole day.
I count myself lucky for being in Canada, a peaceful country. I have access to potable water and vaccinations. This is something that some Canadians take for granted. Chasing my dreams comes along with a lot of challenges but I try to keep my chin up so that I can give my family and African child the life I never had.
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Executive Board Vacancy: former Heartland Health Region
Are you an SEIU-West member working in the former Heartland Health Region? There is a vacancy on the SEIU-West Executive Board you might be interested in.
SEIU-West/SAHO Bargaining Update No. 21
Date: June 27, 2025
Sisters, Brothers, and Friends,