Text Size: A A A

Education program

The PSAC is proud to offer its members a union education program that ranks among the best and most comprehensive within the Canadian labour movement. Our various courses provide members with learning opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and personal confidence. Union education encourages participation and promotes mutual respect and understanding between members and the union leadership. A trained membership is an active membership and active members build a strong union.

Here is a list of upcoming courses in BC.

Any PSAC member in good standing can apply for an education course being offered in BC. In order to maximize participation and minimize travel costs, basic education courses are offered within "catchment areas". Currently the catchment areas are: North BC, Southern Interior, East Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, and Metro. These catchments are defined by combining the geographic regions that are contained in the BC Region by-laws, S.18(2) and (3).

Fill out an application online or download a course application form (pdf) and mail or fax it back to us if you would like to take a PSAC weekend course.

For more information about our education program, check the frequently asked questions or contact Deanna Kimball, Regional Education Officer (REO), at KimballD@psac-afpc.com

In Residence courses require a more detailed application form which are generally available well in advance of the dates of the course.

Note that all PSAC courses and events are scent free. Weekend courses start at 9AM and end at 4:30PM, unless otherwise noted.

See below for a news and information related to the PSAC Education Program in BC. Visit the national website for more information about the PSAC National Education program.

Summer 2020 non-PSAC education course subsidies

June 1, 2020 - 9:04am •

The COVID-19 pandemic has halted our face to face education for the time being. The PSAC B.C. Education Program wanted to ensure that members who are seeking non-PSAC educational opportunities have access to some support in the coming months. One way to do this is by expanding our non-PSAC education course subsidies. PSAC B.C. Education program has decided to offer an additional four (4) x $250.00 subsidies.

COVID-19: Webinars - Maintaining Your Mental Health During the Pandemic

May 4, 2020 - 9:51am •

The coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19) is causing stress and anxiety for many of us. As a result of this virus, our habits and ways of doing things have changed drastically and suddenly. COVID-19 has also plunged us into a period of uncertainty. In this context, it is normal to try to understand what is happening to us and to want to find ways to manage the situation.PSAC in the NCR, Quebec and the Atlantic are teaming up to offer a webinar presentation on this topic and members in BC are invited to join in.

Strike Mobilization and Preparedness Training half day

March 4, 2020 - 4:24pm •

*** The half day training sessions have been postponed, watch for new dates *** Please use this form to apply for Strike Mobilization and Prepararedness Training half day training for all PSAC members in the PA, TC, SV, EB, FB, CRA, CFIA, and Parks Canada bargaining units. Note we will also be scheduling webinars designed for members in areas outside the designated locations or in remote worksites.

Strike Mobilization and Preparedness Training full day

March 4, 2020 - 9:42am •

*** The full day training sessions have been postponed, watch for new dates *** Please use this form to apply for Mobilization and Prepararedness Training full day sessions for Local Executive members and Component leadership in the PA, TC, SV, EB, FB, CRA, CFIA, and Parks Canada units. Note we will also be scheduling webinars designed for members in areas outside the designated locations or in remote worksites.

March 21, 22 2020: Domestic Violence at Work: PSAC Training for Representatives

January 7, 2020 - 2:27pm •

The PSAC is pleased to offer a new advanced course for Union representatives Domestic Violence at Work: PSAC Training for Representatives Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, 2020 Vancouver, BC Course hours (approximately): 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (both days) Application Deadline: 9:00 a.m. PST, Monday, February 10, 2020.

Winter 2020 Weekend Course Schedule Available

November 21, 2019 - 2:38pm •

The Winter 2020 weekend course schedule, consisting of Convention Procedures courses to be held in Abbotsford, Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George and Kelowna as well as Steward training to be held in Victoria and Kelowna has been posted. For more information and online registration, visit the course listings section of the regional calendar.

Community Savings Scholarships to the CLC Winter School

November 19, 2019 - 11:24am •

Community Savings Credit Union is offering scholarships to assist union members in attending the 2020 Canadian Labour Congress Harrison Winter School. CSCU are pleased to solicit applications from BC CLC Affiliates for two deserving members in the following fields of study: Human Rights: An Introduction Week 2: January 19 – 24, 2020 Young Workers in Action Week 5: February 9 – 14, 2020 The scholarship will cover the costs of tuition, single accommodation and meals for each course. To apply for one of these scholarships applicants must:

A message from Deb Seaboyer

October 10, 2019 - 11:42am •

Deb Seaboyer, PSAC's longtime Regional Education Officer in the BC Region is retiring this week and she asked us to share this message to PSAC members.

Donna Sheaves memorial scholarship

October 7, 2019 - 12:19pm •

The Canadian Union of Public Employees Union, Local 402, has established, through the B.C. Federation of Labour, a Memorial Scholarship for a union woman to attend the "Women in Leadership" course at the Canadian Labour Congress Harrison Winter School. The Scholarship will cover the costs of tuition, shared accommodation and meals for this event. The Scholarship does not include wage loss.

New Regional Education Officer

September 4, 2019 - 10:44am •

PSAC BC is very pleased to announce that Deanna Kimball is the successful candidate in the recent Regional Education Officer (REO) BC competition. Deanna has been a PSAC Regional Representative since 2009 and has extensive experience in facilitation and knowledge of the PSAC Education programs. Prior to working for the PSAC, Deanna was a member of the Union of National Defense Employees and was active in her Local in Winnipeg. Deanna’s start date in the REO position will be September 16, 2019. Congratulations Deanna!