Our Blogs - Wilfrid Laurier University Staff Association

Rebuilding Canadian post-secondary education

July 23, 2025/in Education in Politics/by Tracy Cochrane

Canada has a chance to lead the world in higher education, if it can fix its own long-neglected system first

https://canadiandimension.com/articles/view/rebuilding-canadian-post-secondary-education

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Centre for Indigegogy has permanently closed

July 17, 2025/in Did you know?/by Tracy Cochrane

The centre promoted Indigenous ways of knowing, teaching and learning, including through hands-on workshops that incorporated traditional medicines, circle work and ceremonies.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/centre-for-indigegogy-laurier-closed-why-1.7575076

United Way Waterloo Region’s March of 1,000 Umbrellas

July 17, 2025/in Did you know?, Social, WRLC/by Tracy Cochrane

We are excited to announce that registration is now open for one of the most inspiring events of the year, United Way Waterloo Region’s March of 1,000 Umbrellas, launching our 2025 Campaign!

Mark your calendars and register early to be part of this powerful demonstration of community solidarity. Together, we will march down King St. from Waterloo to Kitchener, in support of the hundreds of thousands of people in Waterloo Region who rely on vital services funded through United Way.

Event Details:
Date: September 18, 2025

11:00 AM: Gather at Waterloo City Hall (100 Regina St S, Waterloo)
11:30 AM: March departs for Kitchener
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM: Arrive at Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener City Hall — enjoy entertainment & lunch as we celebrate community spirit and kick off this year’s United Way campaign.

This event continues to grow year after year, and in 2025, as the need for unity and support is greater than ever, we’re setting our sights on 1,000 participants!

Join us to show your support for those facing housing and food insecurity, mental health challenges, and other pressing issues in our region.

Register

United is the way we strengthen our community and help those in need. We can’t wait to see you there.

University and College workers raise the alarm on proposed changes in Bill 33

July 17, 2025/in Did you know?, Education in Politics/by Tracy Cochrane

The Ontario Universities and Colleges Coalition (OUCC) is deeply concerned with the proposed changes in Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025.

https://ocufa.on.ca/press-releases/university-and-college-workers-raise-the-alarm-on-proposed-changes-in-bill-33/

How to manage risks at home

June 12, 2025/in OTIP/by Tracy Cochrane

Ensuring the safety and security of your home is a crucial responsibility. By understanding common risks and taking proactive measures, you can protect your most valuable assets. Here, we’ll explore various ways to identify, assess, and manage risks in and around your home so you can enjoy peace of mind.

Read more at www.otip.com/article193. #OTIPUpdate

Celebrate the end of the school year with a bonus offer!

For the month of June only, get a $30 gift card of your choice when you get a car, home, or leisure product quote. Get a quote or call 1-888-892-4935 and mention this offer.

A Conversation With UPP’s CIO Going Over Their 2024 Results

May 30, 2025/in Uncategorized/by Tracy Cochrane

Toronto, ON – University Pension Plan Ontario (UPP) today announced a 10.3% annual net rate of return in 2024, growing net assets to $12.8 billion. The Plan remained fully funded at 102% with a surplus, staying well-equipped to pay members’ pensions today and over the long term

https://pensionpulse.blogspot.com/2025/05/a-conversation-with-upps-cio-going-over.html

Period. Promise

May 26, 2025/in WRLC/by Tracy Cochrane

A UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN. TAKING ACTION, PROVIDING PRODUCT

We’re reaching out to you today with an important message about a vital initiative: the Period Promise campaign, a United Way effort focused on taking action and providing products to combat period poverty in our community. 💖

Did you know that May 28th is Menstrual Health Day? 🗓️ It’s a day to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene and to advocate for access to essential products for everyone. Unfortunately, many individuals in our community still face “period poverty,” meaning they lack consistent access to menstrual hygiene products. This can have significant impacts on their health, dignity, and participation in daily life. 😔

The Waterloo Regional Labour Council is proud to support the Period Promise campaign, working alongside United Way Waterloo Region Communities to make a tangible difference. ✨

Here’s how you can help: 👇

We are collecting menstrual hygiene products to support those in need. Your donation, no matter how big or small, can help ensure everyone has access to the products they need with dignity. 🙏

Drop-off Details:

Dates: May 26th – 30th 📅
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM ⏰
Location: United Way WRC Office, 50 Sportsworld Crossing Road #220, Kitchener, ON N2P 0A4 📍

Together, we can make a significant impact and help ensure that no one in our community is held back by period poverty. Let’s stand in solidarity! ✊

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to building a stronger, more equitable community. 🌟

In solidarity,

The Waterloo Regional Labour Council

Visit a line and show your support for striking CUPE 2073 members!

May 26, 2025/in Uncategorized/by Tracy Cochrane

CUPE 2073, which represents workers at Canadian Hearing Services, are on strike at CHS offices and Conservative MPP offices across Ontario.

This is the second strike at CHS under the leadership of Julia Dumanian

This small group of workers has an outsized impact, delivering critical programs for thousands of Deaf and hard of hearing Ontarians. And they need your help!

CUPE 2073 members are fighting for their livelihoods – but they’re also fighting for basic respect as union members and for CHS to live up to it’s mandate and meaningfully support the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

CHS left these workers on strike for 10 weeks in 2017. We can’t let that happen again.

Find your nearest picket line and visit to show your support.

Find a Picket Line Near You

Waterloo Region Labour Council’s 2025 Scholarship

May 26, 2025/in Did you know?, WRLC/by Tracy Cochrane

Discover the Waterloo Region Labour Council’s 2025 Scholarship opportunity! Up to two $1000 scholarships, with a potential additional $1000, are available for active union members or their children/wards under 25 (as of September 1, 2025) who are affiliated with the Waterloo Regional Labour Council. An additional scholarship may also be available for active members of Waterloo Region-based unions or their eligible children/wards even if not affiliated with the council.

Find more details and apply through the Waterloo Labour website.

Faculty Rally Nationwide for Free Speech, Free Tuition, and to Free Detained Students

April 25, 2025/in Education in Politics, Labour Movement/by Tracy Cochrane

Across 170 events on campuses around the country on April 17, faculty, students and staff rallied, displayed art, and organized during the second annual higher education day of action.

https://labornotes.org/2025/04/faculty-rally-nationwide-free-speech-free-tuition-and-free-detained-students

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