OSBCU Executive
President: Laura Walton
phone: 613-813-9951
Laura was elected president of OSBCU in 2019, having first served as its vice-president. Formerly, she was president of CUPE 1022, which represents education workers at Hastings and Prince Edward County District School Board.
A native of Belleville, Ontario, Laura is proud of her rural roots. She’s worked in radio and marketing and as an educational assistant to children with special needs. A lifelong activist, Laura brings to the role of President her commitment, creativity and unshakeable belief in the power of public education.
First Vice-President: Rod McGee
Phone: 807-629-4632
Rod was elect 1st Vice President of the OSBCU in 2019. Previously he held Area 1 VP in the former OSBCC from 2007-2018. He is also President of CUPE Local 2486 in Thunder Bay since 2000 and held various roles in his local since 1990. Rod works as a Head Custodian at Lakehead DSB starting his career in 1988.
Francophone Vice-President: Christine Couture
Phone: 613-808-4730
Christine is the president of CUPE 5335 and a CUPE representative on the OMERS Reference Group. She works as a library technician with Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario in Ottawa.
Secretary-Treasurer: Tammy Graham
Phone: 705-238-9259
Tammy is Secretary-Treasurer for CUPE 2486 and a Custodian with the Lakehead District School Board. She was a member of CUPE 3987 until family reasons took her to Thunder Bay. She is passionate about her Union and its members.
Area 1 Vice-President: Joe Tigani
Joe is the Area 1 VP and president of CUPE Local 3615. Joe Tigani is also an educational assistant at a local high school with the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board. Joe sits on the JHSC, Bargaining Committee, PD planning, CET, DDCP, System Calendar Committee. Joe is thrilled to serve the members of 3615, Area 1 and the OSBCU.
Area 1 Mobilization Officer: Jennifer Eckert
An educational assistant for over 20 years, Jennifer Eckert is also Chief Steward for CUPE 7575. The Local represents educational assistants and instructional assistants with the Thames Valley District School board in London, Ontario.
Area 2 Vice-President: Keith Levere
Keith Levere is an Educational Assistant working in a K-12 school with the District School Board of Niagara. He is a Chief Steward for CUPE 4156, President of the Niagara District CUPE Council, and VP of the Niagara Reginal Labour Council. Keith was also the recipient of the Welland NDP’s Labour Activist Award for 2016.
In his spare time, Keith is a sports trainer for junior-level hockey and lacrosse.
Area 2 Mobilization Officer: Melissa Martin
My name is Melissa Martin, I am currently Head Steward of CUPE Local 3447 with the Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board. I have been an active member of our Local since I started working as an Office Administrator way back in 2010. I am both excited and looking forward to working for Area 2 as the new Mobilization Officer, and the whole of the OSBCU Executive.
Area 3 Vice-President: Todd Canning
vTodd has worked as an IT worker and has been a member for over two decades serving his local 1734 in many capacities such us Joint Job Evaluation Committee member, member at large, 2ndVP, VP, and currently as President. Over the course of many years, he has garnered much experience within all facets of union activism and is honoured to serve the OSBCU’s 55,000 members across the province as an Area 3 VP.
Area 3 Mobilization Officer: Chris Demelo
Chris has been a custodian and maintenance worker with the Peel district School Board for 13 years. He is the past trustee, steward, and current Member at Large of Local 2544 where he represents members of the Peel District School Board. Which include maintenance, custodial, food services, and AV. Chris is looking forward to working with the Locals in Area 3, with his good nature and dad jokes.
Area 4 Vice-President: Laurie Lucciola
Laurie has been a Head Custodian for Kawartha Pine Ridge District School board for over 15 years. Laurie started her career with the board as an Educational Assistant as well as having a previous career as a DECE. She has had many roles within her Local Union such as Health and Safety, Education Officer, Job Evaluation, and currently sits as the Recording Secretary. She is very excited to be representing Area 4 and the OSBCU as a whole.
Area 4 Mobilization Officer: Lori-Ann Richards
I have been an Educational Assistant with the Durham District School Board for 28 years and have been a Bargaining Rep for 20 years. I am the EA Chairperson for the Educational Assistants and a Disability Management Rep for CUPE Local 218. I enjoy helping all members and being active in both my role with Local 218 and as the Durham/Northumberland CUPE Council Vice- President.
Area 5 Vice-President: Erin Provost
I am an ECE with the Limestone Disctrict School Board in Kingston, and have been with the board since 2011. I got involved with my local in 2014 when I felt that ECE’s didn’t have a voice at the table. I have held various roles over the years and am currently the President of local 1480. I am passionate about helping members and making their working conditions better. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the team of people within the OSBCU and to represent the members of Area 5.
Area 5 Mobilization Officer: Jessica Sheahan
I have been ECE with the Ottawa Catholic School Board for 12 years. I have been a steward with local 2357 for 9 years, and most redently was the Ottawa Regional Central strike committee lead during our historic movement. I have developed and true passion for advocating and organizing our power. I am excited to be the new Area 5 mobilizer and look forward to working with all our members.
Area 6 Vice-President: Mike Galipeau
Mike works at the Algoma District School Board as a Custodian and he is also the President of CUPE 16.
Area 6 Mobilization Officer: Catherine Taggert
Catherine has been an elementary school secretary with the Near North District School Board for 15 years. She is the past president and current secretary-treasurer of Local 1165 where she represents members of the Near North District School Board, Conseil scolaire catholique Franco Nord, Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation and Canadore College Food Services. Catherine is looking forward to working with the Locals in Area 6.
Area 7 VP: Devin Klassen
Devin Klassen I’ve been a custodian for 8 years for Lakehead District School Board. I am CUPE Local 2486 Head Shop Steward and Area 7 VP for the OSBCU/CSCSO. I am a Broadcasting graduate with a background working in radio.
Area 7 Mobilization Officer: Alyssa McGee
Alyssa has been a Custodian with the Lakehead District School Board for 4 years. She has been working with her local 2486, in its mobilization efforts and is looking forward to working with the OSCBU/CSCSO as the new Area 7 Mobilizer. She is a Business Human Resource graduate and is passionate about human rights and advocacy for all members.
Francophone mobilization officer: Mitch Gagnon
Hello,
My name is Michel Gagnon, originally from the French-speaking region of Kapuskasing. Passionate about nature, I studied as a technician in forestry and fisheries and wildlife management. I worked 10 years as a heavy truck driver in the forestry industry. During the summer months, I spend my free time camping and fishing. In 2004 I came to North bay to start a new job at a secondary school. I was elected as vice-president for 9 months before becoming president of local 4865 for 3 years which covers an area from Parry Sound to Hearst. After attending a few CSCSO conferences, I decided to introduce myself as the French-speaking mobilizer executive of the CSCSO. I am dedicated to representing the rights of Francophone members in Ontario.
Health & Safety Rep: Vacant
Injured Worker Rep: Carrie Boisvert
My name is Carrie Boisvert I have been an Educational Assistant with the Durham Catholic District School Board for over 20 years. I am currently on a leave taking the role as the Disability Coordinator for Local 218. I have been a Health and Safety rep for the last 7 years with a passion to ensure workers are safe in the workplace and return home to their families the way they left. I look forward in working with the OSBCU as the injured worker rep.
Equality Representative: Jacqueline Ouellette
I am a steward and member of CUPE 1348 and work for the Greater Essex County District School Board as a Secretary. I have been working for the school board for 5 years. I am currently on the CUPE Ontario and CUPE National Young Worker Committees and was recently elected to be OSBCU Equity Representative.