Climate change plan will be good for Alberta

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EDMONTON – CUPE Alberta’s President is adding her name to the list of people endorsing the province’s plan to address climate change.

Marle Roberts says the plan announced in November and endorsed by oil patch CEOs and environmentalists will help combat climate change and open new economic opportunities for Alberta.

“This plan will change the world view of our oil sands, and the view of Alberta,” said Roberts. “It will develop greener energy sources while at the same time, open up new markets for our oil and gas products.”

CUPE Alberta represents 35,000 public sector employees in the province.  Roberts says that while her union only represents a small number of energy workers – like all Albertans – CUPE members rely upon the industry.

“When the price of oil is high, Albertans have done well, and when oil is low, our economy suffers,” said Roberts. “This plan is first real attempt in a generation to diversify our economy and get us off the roller coaster dependence on oil prices.”

“Climate change is real, it is manmade, and we have to address it.  This plan does so while tackling our economic problems at the same time.  It deserves our support.”

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pk cope#491

World AIDS Day – December 1st

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red ribbonDecember 1st is World AIDS day. It is a day to unite in the fight against AIDS and HIV.

More than 35 million people have died of AIDS or HIV since the virus was identified in 1984. There are 34 million people living with HIV globally.

Scientific advances have been made that make it possible for HIV positive persons to live long, productive lives.  However, much of that progress is limited to patients living in prosperous countries with good health care systems.  There is much to do for HIV patients in the third world, and among the poorer populations throughout the west.

If you want to support World AIDS Day, wear a red ribbon (or post one on your social media profile).  You can also check this website for activities in your city, or to donate to AIDS research or assistance.

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Alberta delegates elected at National Convention

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CUPE Alberta President Marle Roberts was one of three delegates from Alberta elected to CUPE’s National Executive Board at the recent CUPE convention in Vancouver.

Roberts was re-elected to the position of General Vice President (BC & Alberta).  In addition to Roberts, David Graham (CUPE 941 – St. Albert Municipal Workers) was elected as Regional Vice President (Alberta) and Gloria Lepine (CUPE 3550 – Edmonton Public School Support Workers) was elected as Diversity Vice President.

You can see the whole list of newly elected National Executive Board members here.