WHO IS CANDI DESOUSA

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My name is Candi DeSousa and I am seeking your vote for election to the position of Provincial Treasurer.

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I became a union activist in 2004 and filed my first grievance within the year. Over the years I have held many regional positions (Regional Council Member, Steward Liaison, Treasurer) and was fortunate to have been the regional Member Educator where I had the pleasure of introducing members to our Union. I have substantial Labour Relations experience having completed multiple courses as well as hands-on experience in labour relations roles. The courses include Capilano University Labour Studies, Queen’s University Labour Certificate, and steward training offered by BCNU. Work experience in labour relations includes working as the full-time steward at Kelowna General Hospital from June 2015-2018, as an LRO for BCNU in 2017 as well as in my current role as Regional Council Member. 

As an RN I’ve worked in various places within the Okanagan Similkameen and the Thompson North Okanagan Region, both small rural sites and large tertiary acute sites since 2004. While my work as a nurse has been predominantly within the Emergency Department it has always included advocacy on behalf of BCNU members.

If I am the successful candidate for the Provincial Treasurer position, I will work to the fullest of my potential towards creating a positive, supportive, and constructive relationship with our Members and our Employer. Now, more than ever, we need to pull together and be a strong united Union. I am here to work for you, to work for a future in nursing where we thrive and not just survive.

I am a proud Indigenous woman of the Lheidli T’enneh peoples historically from Fort George, BC.

I am an active member of the Indigenous Leadership Caucus.

I am passionate about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and am the elected Regional Council Member of one of the only regions with FULL caucus representation. It is a PRIORITY for me and my regional team to have the caucuses involved in all the aspects of the region. I am proud to have worked on the new DEI language in the collective agreement as a member of your bargaining team. I STRONGLY believe that DEI representation at the highest levels of BCNU leadership is essential.

Throughout my extensive history as an activist within the organization, I have undertaken many roles such as Member Educator, Full-Time Steward, Regional Steward Liaison, Regional Treasurer, Regional Council Member, and interim Labour Relations Officer. This rich experience has prepared me to step into the role of the Provincial Treasurer.

I AM READY

To BE the PROVINCIAL TREASURER. Recognizing BCNU’s grassroots nature, I believe that the Treasurer does NOT need to be an accountant but a NURSE well-versed in BCNU processes, policies, and possessing robust foundational financial knowledge.

I have past experience in the role of regional treasurer and am responsible for directing the budget of one of the LARGEST regions in the province.

I am KNOWLEDGEABLE about budgeting processes and FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT. I Have EXTENSIVE knowledge of BCNU policies as Chair of the policy committee and I am currently completing business finance courses in my Human Resources Post Baccalaureate Program.

I AM CAPABLE of fulfilling the role of the Provincial Treasurer to ENSURE our financial oversight and processes continue as smoothly as possible.

I encourage you to please take the time to read the candidate bio’s and vote between Nov 29 at 1200 and Dec 1 at 1200 when the voting period is open. You, the member, are the driving force behind this organization and it needs your participation.

As a nurse who worked at the bedside through COVID I understand the hardship BCNU members are facing today. Our dues, a product of the hard work and sacrifice of our front-line nurses, are a solemn responsibility. I am committed to ensuring their judicious use, reflecting our dedication to the responsible financial management.

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Please feel free to connect with me at candidesousabcnu@gmail.com

Thank you for your support.

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