In my many years as president for SEIU Healthcare, I have always committed to putting our members at the forefront of every decision I make, and today is no exception.
After a lengthy and exhaustive thought process and deep evaluation of the future of our union and the labour movement, and keeping in mind the values of justice, equity and inclusion; I have decided to appoint Tyler Downey as the Secretary Treasurer for SEIU Healthcare effective immediately.
In addition to being the first Officer of Colour, Tyler is an active SEIU member who represents and resembles the workers that we fight for on a daily basis.
With deeply rooted labour affiliations and a tireless community organizing experience under his belt; Tyler started his activism in his own neighbourhood as a child living at Jane and Finch where he helped form a youth organization that voiced the need to advocate improvements to the learning and development of youth. His community advocacy evolved as he became a young adult and he got more involved in his community politics, working on election campaigns bringing the voice of people of colour to the decision-making tables. Tyler is currently an active leader and executive board member within the Toronto York Region Labour Council.
His career with SEIU stemmed from the passion he carried to better the lives of the working people; where he started in the Organizing Department in 2006, successfully organizing members in many sectors and regions.
In the many years to follow, his role evolved to focus on his commitment for educating and empowering the members to give them the foundation to grow and develop themselves which will in return cultivate a strong and impactful union. His efforts along his five years of creating and heading the Member Leadership and Development program were the catalyst to realizing my vision as president to have member development structures and educational programs that will sustain us for years to come.
Tyler, in his most recent role as a Deputy Chief of Staff, has worked tirelessly to bring in a culture of accountability within our organization.
Please join me in wishing Tyler utmost success as he supports me in leading SEIU Healthcare to achieve more successes, aim high, and impact the healthcare sector to dream and evolve beyond boundaries.