Executive Bios
President: Brett Evans
I want to take a moment thank you all for giving me the opportunity to carry on my work as your local union President for another term. The last three years have been busy, and we conquered many challenges together and are still fighting on others. The possible closure of the port of Yarmouth proved to be an exercise in resilience and the loss of Client Services and pending loss of Targeting have reminded us that we must continue to fight for what is ours. As an active member of the National Occupational Health and Safety Committee, Nova Scotia has finally been given a voice and we have been able to address many of your concerns. The next three years will definitely bring on a new set of challenging issues, as concerns with duty to accommodate, the possible move of various marine units to the pier, and the border initiative are already being addressed. I will continue to represent you, the membership, with the dedication and enthusiasm you have come to expect from me.
In Solidarity,
Brett Evans
1st Vice President: Kyle Murray
Let me begin, by telling you a little bit about myself. My union activism began in the '90s, when I was a member of the Union of Northern Workers, while working as a Correctional Officer In Iqaluit, Nunavut. I never thought much about the union, until one day I needed them! I was so impressed with my representation, that I became a shop steward for the rest of my time there. I began working for the Agency in 2001, at the Marine Enforcement Unit. As a TERM employee at the time, many of us kept our heads down and our mouths shut. For many of us at that time, we did not promote our local union, nor did we make any waves. The employer used term contracts as a control mechanism for its employees, a tactic that worked rather well in this district especially. There was always fear of reprisals, punishment, and even termination if we dared to mention things such as: - Unsafe working conditions - OHS concerns - Time for time issues - Hours of worked not claimed as overtime - Being treated like outcasts or second class citizens - Plus many more issues!! Beginning in 2004, the employer finally came to their senses (here in NS anyway) and began making employees indeterminate. It was only then could I step forward and make a voice for the membership, and I became a union steward for Marine Enforcement in 2004. During my time I fought for issues, such as member rights, BSO duties being performed by management, and sat as the union representative on the OHS committee. In 2006, I was transferred to HSIA, where at the time the VSSA was being torn apart by management. Along with many of our brothers and sisters, we watched as our schedule was picked apart piece by piece. Never before had I seen such outrage with our members as the morale literally evaporated. No matter how much common sense the union negotiators were making at the table, our management were hell bent on controlling the schedule. In the end, we had a schedule that no one wanted. As far as I’m concerned, this is still an ongoing issue. Due to frustration at management, I felt then that I needed a break from the union, and stepped down as steward in early 2007, and received the training as a Referral Agent for the EAP program. At the beginning of 2007, I took an assignment as a Technical Trainer at the Marine Centre of Expertise. I had the unique opportunity to train BSO’s and Customs Officers from here in Canada and around the world. I would hear their concerns about how the employer would not take their rights and their safety seriously. I had a chance to travel to different parts of the country to see 1st hand the lack of training, PPE, and tools to do their job effectively and safely. It was these very things that made me realize that we needed a strong union voice. In the summer of 2007, I accepted a position back at the Marine Enforcement Unit as a BSO. So many issues have come to bear in our district, and I am proud to say that we have stood up for member rights! Such as: - OT - Travel - Safety at work - Confined Space Entry program - OHS concerns - Equipment used on the job - PPE - Punishment tactics used by Management - Individual member rights - Classification Issues. Many issues are before us, VSSA, Yarmouth WFA, Leave issues, etc., that will keep your executive on our toes! Remember, we support you….. the members !! I look forward to hearing from you.
In Solidarity,
Kyle Murray
2nd Vice President: Greg MacRae
My name is Greg MacRae. I’ve been working with CBSA since November 2007. I have recently been transferred to the Marine Unit in Halifax, prior to this I was working at the Container Exam Facility in Burnside. I became 2nd Vice President two years ago, and have just been elected for a three year term as the 2nd Vice President again - I thank you for your confidence in me. I was on the Master Committee for Occupational Health and Safety for the Province of Nova Scotia, as well co-chair for Occupational Health and Safety Committee with Sheriff Services. Prior to this, I was a Shop Stewart in Correctional Services for the Nunavut Employee’s Union. I enjoy a challenge, and strive for excellence, and look forward to what is ahead of us in the Customs and Immigration Union.
In Solidarity,
Greg MacRae
3rd Vice President - Jonathan Ernst
I look forward to the road ahead. In my time with CBSA, I have had the opportunity to work at the Airport, with Marine, and now with the Container Exam Team. I have attended a couple of regional Conferences this year; one in Newfoundland, as well as the National Convention in October. These experiences have given me enthusiasm towards initiatives that are taking place across the country. I look forward to working with the new Executive and representing you on issues that may arise.
In Solidarity,
Jonathan Ernst
Vice President of Communications: Allison Rodrigues
Someone once asked me why I would want to join the union. My response was simple: I want to make my workplace better. It is for this reason that I wanted to take on the role of Vice President of Communications. There are so many issues that affect us in our lives, be it at home or at work, and communication is vital in addressing and rectifying situations in any facet of life. On that note, we are aware of the need to improve our communication strategy as a local executive, and have already begun taking steps towards this goal. I look forward to the challenges that are ahead, as well as the opportunity to keep you informed on all the hard work and progress CIU is making for its membership!
In Solidarity,
Allison Rodrigues
Vice President of Finance - Tracey Eisener
I look forward to working as your Vice President of Finance. My years of experience with CBSA (and CIC) have allowed me to participate in numerous milestone initiatives and have inspired me to get involved. I look forward to working with you and the Executive, achieving all the goals we set out to achieve.
Executive Stewards Marine/ District/Commercial/MCE/Sydney
Derek Brackley
Airport
Joey Potter
Purdy’s (Programs)
Roxanne Myers
Burnside
Jonathan Ernst is the contact for Burnside