Below is a list of all events taking place during Convention week, with registration forms linked for events requiring sign-up prior to attending.
Should you have any event-related questions, please email the CUPE BC Division Office (events@cupe.bc.ca) for further information.
Please note that all starred events (*) require pre-registration prior to the March 23rd deadline.
DELEGATE ORIENTATION
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: Lecture Theatre (Level 1)
If you are a delegate to the upcoming CUPE BC convention and want a better understanding of convention structures and rules, please consider attending the Delegate Orientation Session.
This session is for new and returning delegates seeking a better understanding of meeting rules, voting procedures, elections, and other convention structures. Importantly, the orientation will also provide an overview of this year’s convention agenda.
INDIGENOUS CLEANSING CEREMONIES
Date: Daily from April 30, 2026
Time: 7:30am to 8:30am
Location: Walkway outside Upper Pavilion
From April 30th to May 2nd, Elder Sam George (Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw) will lead daily cleansing ceremonies to prepare for each day of Convention. All are welcome to join at any point between 7:30am and 8:30am, and no prior knowledge nor experience are needed.
Smudging is an Indigenous tradition which involves the burning of sweetgrass, sage and/or cedar. Sage and cedar smudges produce a very strong and distinct aroma but the smoke associated with it is minimal and lasts a very short time. Sweetgrass has a very mild aroma and produces less smoke. A smudge is burned primarily for purification and to help to create a positive mind set.
WELCOME RECEPTION
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Time: 9:00pm – 12:00am (midnight)
Location: Crystal Garden
CUPE BC cordially invites all convention delegates to its annual welcome reception at the Crystal Garden, which is located across the street from the main Victoria Conference Centre. Come celebrate the start of the 2026 Convention with fellow members over light appetizers, beverages, and live entertainment!
Please remember to wear your delegate badge to gain entry into the event.
CUPE NATIONAL OFFICERS LUNCH*
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Location: Upper Pavilion
Registration: Click here
CUPE president Mark Hancock and secretary-treasurer Candace Rennick will address delegates followed by an open Q&A period. Delegates must register online by March 23 to attend this event.
*Pre-registration is required, as this event can only accommodate up to 120 attendees.
CUPE BC PER CAPITA PROGRAM TRAINING & TRIAGE*
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 30 participants maximum
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: Esquimalt (Level 1)
CUPE BC Accounting will host an information session on the digital per capita platform, with light refreshments and a Q&A segment. Please note that due to space constraints there will be a maximum of 30 attendees, with another session available on Friday as well. Delegates must register online by March 23 to attend this event.
*Pre-registration is required, as this event can only accommodate up to 30 participants.
ELECTION FORUM
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time: 4:15pm – 4:45pm
Location: Carson Hall (Level 2)
During the upcoming Convention, elections will be held for one 3-year Trustee Position. An Elections Forum, chaired by Kent Peterson (CUPE National Executive Board) will be held per above on Thursday, April 30.
Elections will be held on Saturday, May 2 from 9:45-10:05 am in Carson Hall.
FORUM: MENTAL HEALTH
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: Carson Hall (Level 2)
Judy Darcy (Former Minister of Mental Health and Addictions) and Nicki Ropp (Director for Mental Health, Ambulance Paramedics of BC, CUPE Local 873) will lead a panel presentation on the topic of Mental Health followed by a live Q&A session. Closed captioning and ASL interpretation will be provided.
CUPE BC PER CAPITA PROGRAM TRAINING & TRIAGE*
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 30 participants maximum
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: Esquimalt (Level 1)
CUPE BC Accounting will host an information session on the digital per capita platform, with light refreshments and a Q&A segment. Please note that due to space constraints there will be a maximum of 30 attendees, with another session available on Friday as well. Delegates must register online by March 23 to attend this event.
*Pre-registration is required, as this event can only accommodate up to 30 participants.
INTRO TO HARM REDUCTION & OVERDOSE RESPONSE USING NALOXONE*
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 30 participants maximum
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Location: Oak Bay (Level 1)
This workshop will train participants on the use of Naloxone, available widely as a response to the growing opioid crisis in our province. Please note that due to space constraints there will be a maximum of 30 attendees, with an additional session also held on Saturday. Light refreshments will be served. Delegates must register online by March 23 to attend this event.
*Pre-registration is required, as this event can only accommodate up to 30 attendees.
ALL TREASURERS NETWORKING*
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 5:30 – 6:30pm
Location: Oak Bay (Level 2)
The All Treasurers Networking event is back for 2026, giving treasurers from across the province an opportunity to meet and greet over light refreshments. Attendees must register online by March 23 to attend this event.
*Pre-registration is required, as this event can only accommodate up to 70 attendees.
YOUNG WORKER EVENT*
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 6:45pm – 8:45pm
Location: Pinhalla Pinball Pizzeria at 516 Fisgard St, Victoria
Registration: Click here
The CUPE BC Young Workers Committee invites all Young Workers to participate in an evening social at Pinhalla Pinball Pizzeria with games, food, drinks, and giveaways. Young Workers wishing to join in on the fun should gather at the convention registration table (Pre-Function B, Level 1) at 6:20 pm for a group photo before heading to the event. After the social, attendees are invited to continue festivities at the CUPE BC & District Council Hospitality Night at the Fairmont Empress Crystal Ballroom & Palm Court. Delegates must register online by March 23 to attend this event.
*Pre-registration is required. This event is open to all CUPE Young Workers, regardless of whether they are a Convention Delegate.
CUPE BC & DISTRICT COUNCIL HOSPITALITY NIGHT RECEPTION
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 8:00pm – 11:00pm
Location: Crystal Ballroom & Palm Court (Fairmont Empress)
CUPE BC and all six District Councils will once again host a Joint Hospitality Night this year at Convention. Come meet delegates from other districts over beverages and light appetizers.
Please remember to wear your delegate badge to gain entry into the event.
INTRO TO HARM REDUCTION & OVERDOSE RESPONSE USING NALOXONE*
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 30 participants maximum
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Location: Oak Bay (Level 1)
This workshop will train participants on the use of Naloxone, available widely as a response to the growing opioid crisis in our province. Please note that due to space constraints there will be a maximum of 30 attendees, with an additional session also held on Saturday. Light refreshments will be served. Delegates must register online by March 23 to attend this event.
*Pre-registration is required, as this event can only accommodate up to 30 attendees.