Charlottetown Nov 7, 2021: Island New Democrats met Saturday, November 6, for the annual general meeting (AGM) at the Carrefour de L’isle-Saint-Jean to elect officers to open positions, discuss policy, present awards, and report progress. Lori MacKay, National Representative for the Canadian Union Public Employees (CUPE) takes the helm as President with overwhelming Party support, succeeding the term of outgoing Jason Alward.
Mr. Alward on completion of his two year term reports, “It has been a very challenging time for the Island New Democrats with the COVID-19 epidemic, between Party leaders and operating as an extra-parliamentary opposition, but I’m very proud of the progress we have made, being the first party to be debt free following Election 2019, and witnessing progress with our policy initiatives including housing, poverty reduction, establishment of an Island Ombudsperson, and a medical faculty at UPEI”.
Other Party officers re-elected or newly elected included: Katie McInnis – Treasurer, Janis Newman – Second Vice President, and Michelle Neill – Membership Secretary. The Women’s Committee met as well and elected Marian White as the Women’s Representative to the Executive and Council.
Island New Democrats approved several policy resolutions addressing social justice, the environment and support for Island immigrants; including accreditation of newcomer professionals, particularly in the understaffed health care field.
Presentations were made including the Edith Perry Award for Volunteerism to long serving member Ron Kelly, the Environmental Advocacy Award to Tony Reddin, and the Hilda Ramsay Scholarship to Meghan Dewar .
Upon conclusion of essential Party business during the morning session, an enthusiastic group of volunteers joined Island New Democrat Larry Hale in Cornwall-Meadowbank to bolster his chance for winning the by-election slated for November 15.
“Having punctuated a year of team work and Party progress with a great AGM, Island New Democrats look forward to further building for success in the next provincial election”, concludes Jason Alward who will continue to serve as Past President.
Contact:
Jason Alward, Past President
(647) 280-6272