Dave Coles returns as president of one of Canada's largest unions

TORONTO, Sept. 23 /CNW/ - Dave Coles was acclaimed as president of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada at its convention in Toronto this week. Gaétan Ménard, was acclaimed as CEP Secretary-Treasurer, Peter Murdoch as Vice-President Media, and Michel Ouimet as Executive Vice-President, Quebec. At end of the five-day convention, President Coles said he felt renewed and invigorated by his members' determination and enthusiasm. "We are ready to change Canada, defend the well-being of our members, and work to protect Canadian industries," he said.

The nearly 1,000 delegates passed a resolution calling for the opposition parties to ensure that a progressive alternative replace the minority Conservative government.

They were unanimous in their call to fight government plans to allow more foreign ownership of our telecom and media industries, and they vowed to mount campaigns to ensure that our energy resources are used to ensure Canada's energy security and to create jobs here.

The convention also passed several resolutions calling for action to address rules on better banking and investment practices that protect workers' pensions, and support viable industries facing bankruptcy. 

Regional leaders of the 130,000-member union are: Chuck Shewfelt, Atlantic Vice-President, Renaud Gagné, Québec Vice-President, Kim Ginter, Ontario Vice-President, and Jim Britton, Western Region Vice-President.

CEP is the largest union in several key sectors of Canada`s economy, including forestry, energy, telecommunications and media.

For more information on the convention, including videos of keynote convention speakers, visit www.ceplive.ca.

For further information:

Dave Coles, 613 299-5628, Michelle Walsh, Communications Director, 613 858-9144