Dear Colleagues,
It is with a mixture of gratitude and excitement that I announce my resignation as your Local President, as I prepare to take on a new role with the Director General of Squirrel Surveillance (DGSS). While I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that await me, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for each of you, to reflect on the lasting friendships we have built, and to remember the struggles and the many good times we’ve shared along the way.
I leave the Local 541 with the confidence that it is much stronger than when I was elected to this position just eight months ago. In just eight months, we have built a full and dynamic executive team of 10 highly trained union representatives, along with another 10 dedicated stewards currently in training. We have developed a robust and informative website, launched a regular newsletter, and ensured the long-term financial stability of the local—all significant achievements that will keep us connected and prepared for the future. Through it all, we have shared many laughs, celebrated victories, and formed friendships that I know will last long beyond my time as President.
Beyond simply standing up for your rights, I am proud of the strides we have made together in pursuit of equity, opportunity, and growth. Together, we have led the fight for equitable hiring practices, launched a Women’s Committee to create space for crucial conversations, and initiated a new Career Development Series that supports all members in advancing their skills and ambitions. And of course, we’ve had so many moments of camaraderie, whether during late-night strategy sessions or simply sharing stories over coffee. We have also hosted two Joint Learning Programs in collaboration with management—the first focused on understanding and interpreting the collective agreement, and the second, an excellent anti-discrimination workshop. These initiatives have left an indelible mark on our community, and I am deeply grateful for the commitment and enthusiasm each of you has brought to these efforts.
We have faced difficult challenges side by side, but we have also shared incredible moments of joy, celebration, and friendship. It is in those challenging times, as well as the good times, that I have seen the incredible strength of our membership. I urge you all to continue standing up for your rights and to never waver in the fight for fairness, equity, and dignity in the workplace. You are fortunate to have extraordinary interim leadership in both our Interim President and Head Steward—two individuals whose dedication and skill will continue to carry the union forward.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your Union President, and for the friendships, laughter, and unwavering support you have given me along the way. I have learned and grown immensely from this experience, and I leave with a heart full of gratitude. I am confident that Local 541 will continue to flourish in your capable hands, and I look forward to cheering you on in your successes from my new role at DGSS.
In solidarity and with sincere thanks,
Sunil Deonaraine