PIPSC has a new union president, after months of disarray

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One of Canada’s largest federal unions has a new president after its former president was the subject of multiple investigations, a lawsuit and more.

Members of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) voted Sean O’Reilly as president of the union’s board of directors, and Stéphanie Fréchette and Katie Francis to be full-time vice-presidents. David Sutherland and Eva Henshaw were elected as part-time vice-presidents.

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O’Reilly’s candidacy page says he is “bilingual, family oriented, empathetic, open-minded and a skilled facilitator with integrity.”He said as president, he will ensure that “all opinions in the organization are heard, and that consensus is the norm.”As a strong advocate for workers’ rights, Sean will work collaboratively with all PIPSC members, representatives of other unions, and civil society partners to continue the fight for better working and workplace conditions, pay, pension and benefits, diversity, equity, reconciliation, mental health, and work-life balance.”

A spokesperson for the union said more details, including the number of votes each candidate garnered, will be released in the days to come.

They will take office on Jan. 1, 2025, for a three-year term.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all candidates for their courage, dedication, and commitment in participating in this year’s National Election,” the statement on the union’s website reads.

“Your willingness to step forward, share your vision, and represent our collective values is truly inspiring. Each of you has contributed to a more vibrant and inclusive election, and your efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to making a difference for our members and the future of our organization.”

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PIPSC has more than 70,000 members, representing scientists and other professionals in the federal government, as well as professionals in some provincial and territorial governments across Canada.

The union’s former president, Jennifer Carr, was elected in January 2022. Since then, she’s been subject to four internal investigations and placed on administrative leave against her will. She was reinstated as union president in September after filing a lawsuit against more than a dozen PIPSC board members, including the interim president.

READ MORE: Jennifer Carr is PIPSC union president—again—after months of feuding, a lawsuit and having police called on her

Most recently, on Nov. 8, PIPSC sent an email to union members saying the most recent investigation concluded Carr “engaged in inappropriate behavior and misconduct by breaching the confidentiality of the investigatory process” in a social media post on April 11.

“The post was found to constitute retaliation, intimidation, and harassment against Mark Muench, who had filed a harassment complaint against her,” the email reads.

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The union’s board of directors issued Carr a formal written warning, and also said Carr is required to “sincerely apologize” to Muench, “who reportedly felt significant pressure from her actions to the extent that he nearly withdrew his original complaint.”

Additionally, the union has ordered Carr to “post a sincere apology on her personal Facebook page as well as in the Members for Accountability and Transparency Group, addressing her previous posts related to this report.”

The email said Carr has been informed of her right to appeal these disciplinary measures, and, should she appeal, the discipline will be on hold until the appeal process is concluded.

“It is now on record that any further similar incident, especially given the recent disciplinary action for harassment, could result in additional disciplinary measures, including suspension or revocation of membership,” the email reads.

With files from Catherine Morrison

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