IFPTE Holds Its Spring 2025 Executive Council Meeting

THANKS Sister Michelle Johnston for her invaluable contributions to our Union and the Labour Movement 

(l-r) Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson, Michelle Johnston, and President Matt Biggs at IFPTE’s Union House

IFPTE honoured our Union Sister, Michelle Johnston, this week at the Spring 2025 Executive Council meeting.  Sister Johnston, who retired as Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) President in January and stepped down as IFPTE Canadian Area Vice President this week, was thanked and appreciated from all corners of the IFPTE family at this week’s meeting. 

IFPTE presented Sister Johnston with a plaque of appreciation, noting that her “contributions to the betterment of the lives of thousands upon thousands of IFPTE members and their families cannot ever be overstated.  She has shattered glass ceilings and has done so while never wavering in her support of working families.  For this, IFPTE is forever grateful.”

IFPTE’s overall business at the meeting was laser-focused on dedicating resources toward countering the attacks that the Trump Administration is undertaking against IFPTE’s federal sector, Canadian, and Non-Profit sector members.  Included in the business was passing a budget for Fiscal Year 2026 that was dedicated toward efficient spending of resources while maximizing our strength to beat back the Trump Administration’s union-busting.  This fight is not dissimilar to what Sister Johnston took on during her days fighting as a Trade Unionist, nor is it uncommon to Sister Rebecca Caron, who was elected President of SUP/IFPTE Local 160 last year, and was nominated by Canadian Area Vice President & WAPSO/IFPTE Local 162 President, Richard Mahe, elected and sworn in as IFPTE’s newest Vice President. 

Like Johnston says, “When we fight in Solidarity, we win.”  Congratulations, Sister Johnston, on your retirement, and congratulations to Sister Caron on her new position as an IFPTE Vice President.  Michelle, we will not let you down!