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 Regional Council Member for the Okanagan Similkameen Region.

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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 which I've held since 2020. 

 

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, and Rural and Remote worksites, it has always included advocacy on behalf of BCNU members.

 

If I am the successful candidate for the Regional Council Member 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 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 for the 2022-2025 collective agreement. I STRONGLY believe that DEI representation at the highest levels of BCNU leadership is essential. In my role as your current Regional Council Member I sit on the Truth & Reconciliation Committee, the Council DEI Working Group, and am the council liaison for the Indigenous Leadership Circle.

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I encourage you to please take the time to read the candidate bio’s and submit your vote between May 4 at 1200 and May 7 at 1200 when the voting period is open. Your ballot will come to your personal email address.

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.

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

 

Thank you for your support.

 

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