Local 349 was proud to take part in OPSEU/SEFPO Convention 2026, held April 9 to 11 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto. Convention brought members together from across Ontario for three full days of union business, discussion, debate, elections, and connection. The official agenda included opening ceremonies, an Indigenous Welcome, a Land Acknowledgement, candidate presentations, elections, committee reports, resolutions, constitutional matters, and caucus meetings throughout the event.
This year’s convention was especially significant because of its scale. OPSEU/SEFPO described it as the union’s largest convention yet, with 2,082 delegates, alternates, observers, and guests in attendance, supported by 200 staff. The event also included 55 meetings, 60 vendors in the Marketplace, and child care support for 197 children with 85 child care providers on site. Those numbers help show just how large, active, and member-focused Convention 2026 was.
Convention was not only about formal proceedings. It also reflected the spirit, diversity, and community of the union. Before convention officially began, the Indigenous Circle gathered to smudge the assembly space, including the perimeter, microphones, and speakers, and hosted an opening smudge for members, staff, and guests. OPSEU/SEFPO also invited members to take part in an Indigenous-led opening procession on April 9 and a closing ceremony on April 11, underscoring the importance of respect, reflection, and Indigenous presence throughout the gathering.
For Local 349, some of the memorable highlights extended beyond the microphones and convention floor. Indigenous services, the children’s parade, the Marketplace, and the silent auction all helped make the event feel vibrant and welcoming. These moments reminded delegates that convention is not only where the union handles important business, but also where members come together in solidarity, bring their families, support equity-focused spaces, and build relationships across locals and sectors.
Items donated by Local 349 for Silent Auction raised over $460
The Marketplace and Silent Auction were especially visible parts of the convention experience. OPSEU/SEFPO promoted the Marketplace as a space for vendors, partners, and organizations to share resources, services, and information, while the Silent Auction supported the union’s solidarity work through the Live and Let Live Fund and Social Justice Fund. According to the convention agenda, the Marketplace, OPSEU/SEFPO Shop, and Silent Auction all ran throughout convention, with final bidding closing on Saturday morning.
Convention 2026 also included an important leadership decision for the union. During the event, delegates re-elected JP Hornick as President and Laurie Nancekivell as First Vice-President/Treasurer for a third term. OPSEU/SEFPO reported that more than 1,200 members cast ballots in the vote for the union’s top two offices.
For those of us from Local 349 who attended, convention was a valuable opportunity to represent our members, listen to important discussions, connect with activists from across the province, and bring new ideas home. It was a chance to witness union democracy in action, while also taking part in the many cultural, social, and community-building moments that make convention such a meaningful experience.
We thank everyone from Local 349 who participated in OPSEU/SEFPO Convention 2026 and represented our local with pride. Their presence helped ensure that our local was part of the conversations shaping the future of our union.
Photos from Local 349’s participation in Convention 2026
