The 66th Quadrennial Convention is now behind us and I want to
express my appreciation to all the Host Locals, and to all the Delegates
who made the convention such a great success. I believe the
actions of the Convention demonstrated an unprecedented sense of
solidarity upon which we can build and move forward.
We must maintain that same solidarity and stand united as we face the
difficult and challenging times ahead and demonstrate that in unity there is
strength. This has proved to be true in some of our recent efforts, whether
with the George Fern Company in the world of trade shows, with NETworks
in stagecraft, and with Larry Levinson in television production. We came
together to protect ourselves and each other, and we must continue to do so.
The 2009 Convention also adopted a number of resolutions, several of
which were regarding Health Care Reform and Anti-Piracy. These are both
major issues that we must continue to address and we must step up our
efforts to keep on top of our legislators to be sure they understand the
impact of these issues on our industry, on our membership and on working
men and women across our two countries.
Health care is a critical issue to all working families and the current
stalemate in Congress regarding health care reform has caused us more than
a little concern. The bright promise of the new administration is still only
potential unless and until we can see real results that will provide coverage
for everyone.
We must also take an integral role in the effort to protect against theft of
intellectual property, so-called piracy that is costing our own health plans millions
of dollars every year and drains the flow of revenue to our employers,
denying us jobs. At the convention, we encouraged every delegate to contact
his or her representatives in the United States Congress on these issues. It is
now up to each local, and each member, to see that their voices are heard,
their needs are met, and their futures secured. In Canada, we have seen the
positive effects of amendments to the criminal code, however, we must not be
complacent. Instead, we must continue to lobby and support political allies
who are supportive of tightening up copyright protections.
We take pride in the fact that we are a family, we have strength in numbers,
and skills that are unique in the workforce. Our unity is the strongest
statement we can make at a time of continuing challenge. We must continue
to strive to make progress toward our goals. Our involvement in the political
process gave us a victory in 2008. It is my great hope that we can continue
to keep up that level of involvement and see our goals realized in the not
too distant future.
