Christine Collins: 2008-2017

Between 1976 to 1981, Christine was an active member of the Ontario Public Services Employees Union (OPSEU) while working at Algonquin College in Ottawa. She was a leader during the 1980 province-wide strike of Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology. In 1981, Christine began working at Transport Canada HQ and became active in the UCTE. She attended her first meeting of Local 70703 and left as a member of the executive. That was her first position within the union and the start of a lifetime of activism and commitment that continued until her retirement. She was President of Local 70703 for nine years. Between 1990-1999 Sister Collins held the National Human Rights Officer position. In 1999 she was elected to the National Executive as the Ontario Regional Vice-President, becoming the first full-time female officer in the component. At the 13^th Triennial convention in 2005, Christine was elected National Vice-President, and in 2008 became UCTE’s 10^th National President. During her time with the component, Christine served ten years as PSAC Vice-President on the Executive Board of the Ontario Federation of Labour. Christine was a tireless advocate of women” rights throughout her years in the union and a champion for Pay Equity for Treasury Board members. Christine passed away in 2022.