Welcome to Convention 2026!
One Root System: Day One of Convention 2026
From the opening smudging ceremony to the final announcement, Day One of HSAA Convention 2026 set the tone for two days of solidarity, purpose, and collective action. Under the banner of “Rooted & Rising,” health-care professionals from across Alberta gathered to reaffirm what makes our Union strong — deep roots, and an unstoppable drive to grow.
President’s Address: Mike Parker
HSAA President Mike Parker opened Convention with a speech that was equal parts reflection and rallying cry — drawing on the natural world, his own journey as a paramedic, and the hard-won history of HSAA to remind delegates what it truly means to be rooted.
Mike opened with an image of the trembling aspen groves of Alberta. To the eye, they look like hundreds of separate trees. But beneath the surface, every single aspen in a grove shares one root system.
“Those groves have been standing for centuries. They have survived fires, floods, droughts, diseases, and everything this climate has thrown at them. Not because any single tree was strong enough. But because they were all connected. Friends… that’s what this Union is. That’s what HSAA is. And that’s what being rooted means to me.”
Mike Parker, HSAA President
He spoke candidly about HSAA’s journey from association to union, the dismantling of AHS, the near-strike that showed employers exactly how much power members hold, and the landmark LAPP pension win that decades of HSAA leaders planted and then later got to see come to fruition. He celebrated the Treaty Walk, a 2019 journey from Edmonton to Calgary alongside Indigenous leaders and Elders, as an example of what it means to act on values, not just proclaim them.
He closed by returning to the aspens and to the words that have always guided him:
“If you fight, you won’t always win. But if you don’t fight, you will always lose.”
Mike Parker, HSAA President
“Together, we are rooted. And my friends, we are rising.”
Message from Executive Director Christine deMontigny
Executive Director Christine deMontigny marked her first full year leading HSAA with a forward-looking address that gave delegates a clear view of where the union has been, and where it’s headed.
Christine reflected on a year that was anything but quiet — the largest contract negotiations in HSAA’s history, a membership that stood on the brink of a strike, and a new strategic plan.Through it all, she credited the staff team beside her, and took the opportunity to introduce members to some of the experienced professionals working every day for HSAA members.
Christine also shared that she recently completed a health system fellowship with the University of Alberta School of Public Health, an experience that deepened her understanding of the complexity members navigate every day.
“We know, that before the government and the public can support us, they need to understand and value the work of our members. You have the power to help us with this. What if you, along with our 32,000 members, felt so connected to and supported by, your union, that you started generating your own social media content, sharing our ads, talking to your friends and family. That’s a lot of people! And a lot of power!”
Christine deMontigny, HSAA Executive Director
Looking ahead, Christine outlined a shift in how HSAA operates: more data-driven, more member-informed, and more proactive. Rather than simply responding to government decisions, HSAA will be advocating for specific solutions. And rather than the Union speaking for members, the goal is to ensure members feel so connected to and supported by their Union that they become its most powerful advocates.
HSAA Awards: Celebrating Excellence
Convention 2026 honoured members whose dedication, advocacy, and leadership exemplify union values. This year’s recipients are:
- Advocacy Award: Sheri Carter
- Local Unit Champion Award: Kasia Spiker
- Workplace Health, Safety & Wellness Award: Jana Yee
- Women’s Empowerment Award: Faika Satterthwaite
- Young Workers Activism Award: Katelyn Andrews
Congratulations to all our award recipients. Your work uplifts every one of us.
Showcasing Our Work: Committees and Working Groups
Delegates were treated to a video montage highlighting the remarkable work of HSAA’s committees and working groups over the past year. Following the main session, members connected directly with committee representatives during a dedicated learning and networking activity. It was a chance to engage with the work being done on their behalf and find their place in shaping HSAA’s future.
Resolutions: Shaping Our Priorities
Delegates engaged in robust resolutions debate throughout the day, bringing member voices from every corner of Alberta to bear on the policies and priorities that will guide HSAA in the year ahead. From health-care funding to worker protections, the debates reflected the depth of commitment and expertise members bring to every issue they champion.
Finance Report: Vice-President Leanne Alfaro
Vice-President Leanne Alfaro presented the Finance Report, providing delegates with a transparent look at the Union’s financial standing. The report reflected HSAA’s continued commitment to responsible stewardship of member resources in service of our shared priorities.
Union Affiliate Panel: The Future of Unions in Canada
The afternoon closed with a powerful panel that placed HSAA’s work in national context. Three of the Canadian labour movement’s most prominent voices joined delegates to discuss what lies ahead for unions across the country:
- Bert Blundon, President, National Union of Public and General Employees
- Sióbhán Vipond, Executive Vice-President, Canadian Labour Congress
- Gil McGowan, President, Alberta Federation of Labour
Together, they painted a picture of a labour movement that, like HSAA, is rooted in its values and rising to meet the moment. Their messages energized delegates heading into the evening and set the stage for Day Two.
A Strong Start: Looking Ahead to Day Two
With a rally, the launch of new campaigns, a new Board to welcome, and more resolutions debate on the horizon, Day One made one thing abundantly clear: HSAA delegates arrived ready. Rooted in the work, rising to the challenge. Day Two promises to be even more powerful.
