Brothers and Sisters,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the membership for their support in my bid for election to the EFAP Standing Committee at Ontario Regional Council. On Friday December 5th, I was nominated by President Mark Sciberras and seconded by Brother Paul Ivey. Following the nomination period, I was acclaimed to the EFAP Standing Committee, along side Yolanda Cornwall Local 2002 and Paulo Duarte Local 26 for a 3 year term.
I have had a few members ask me if this will take me away from the position of Local 707 EFAP and I want to ensure the membership that this is not the case. It will however allow me to work closely with the committee and use my passion and knowledge to advocate for more accessible mental health and addiction resources, assisting members of our union to navigate the barriers and complexities impacting those effected.
The other initiative the EFAP Standing Committee is concentrating on for 2026 is an event entitled ‘Never Alone’ which is an educational session concentrating on Men’s Mental Health. The pilot session was conducted during November at Local 200/444 Union Hall in Windsor. We discussed how men account for 3 out of 4 suicides in Canada, how to recognize signs and symptoms as well as finding resources. As the year progresses, we hope to present the initiative at Locals across the province.
In closing, I would like to wish every member and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please remember that the EFAP office is available for confidential support throughout the year.
In Solidarity,
Trevor Mason
Unifor Local 707 -EFAP Representative
