Elections: 2025 Annual Meeting

President - 1 to elect

I am beyond excited to accept this nomination and to run to be your next Saskatchewan Union of Nurses President. I believe every SUN member has the ability to create change and be a leader and that is what will be the basis for my work.

My leadership journey first began in nursing school with an organization called the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA) where at my very first AGM I was encouraged to run for a board seat and I did. I served as a regional director, representing nursing students of the prairies to the national board where I worked with other nursing organizations at the provincial and national level to address nursing student concerns. The following year, I was elected President of the CNSA, representing 30,000 nursing students from coast to coast to coast. In this role I regularly worked with leadership across many organizations like the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions to provide a nursing students perspective as we addressed nursing and healthcare concerns at the federal level, lobbying the government to utilize a nursing perspective in addressing concerns with our healthcare system. But more importantly, fostering leadership amongst nursing students who were to soon enter the workplace, so that they could be leaders and create change immediately in their career.

Upon entering the nursing workforce, I have been fortunate to experience many different work environments and work with so many amazing colleagues, whether it was in public health, primary care, homecare, mental health and addictions, policy, academia, and so on. The lessons learned and relationships built have continued to add to my knowledge and leadership ability.

My time working with these organizations has been instrumental in shaping my career, showing me that nursing is much more than what I had anticipated when entering nursing school. It ignited a flame in me, making me excited to belong to this profession. My engagement with SUN has fueled that fire even further. By getting to know so many amazing SUN members, the leadership within me is fully ignited and eager to collaborate and create change that benefits our patients and our profession.

SUN is due for a fresh perspective, where we prioritize membership engagement and fostering leadership within all members. When we engage and empower members, we create growth and opportunity for change on all fronts. Ensuring that at any point across our province and our health system, nurses have the ability to engage in advocacy for our patients, to improve our system, and to improve our working conditions.

Saskatchewan is consistently falling behind the rest of Canada in many measures related to healthcare and bargaining. I believe that through disruptive innovation, SUN can lead improvements and advocacy efforts to ensure a safe workplace, optimal care environments, and fair and updated compensation for our work.

But this cannot be done by one person, or one board, but instead by all 11,000 SUN members, leading together.

Together, we create change.

Bryce Boynton RN

Coming together is the beginning. Working together is progress. Solidarity is success.

My name is Nicole Neufeld, and I am putting my name forward for the position of SUN provincial President.

I have always wanted to be a Nurse, but to be honest, I didn’t envision myself being a Union activist, much less a leader. My career goal was to become an RN and work in the ER; I was content in thinking I would simply love my career, then retire.

With drive and determination (and being 5 months pregnant), I entered the BScN program, ready to fulfill my passion of being a Registered Nurse. I worked as a SCA in LTC and upon graduation, transitioned to a surgical unit at RUH. Over the next 4 years, I got involved with the Union and became a unit rep.

Throughout the next 8 years, I shifted over to the St. Paul’s Emergency department. I increased my involvement with SUN at the Local and provincial levels, by attending meetings and educational opportunities. I would be successfully elected to the 2012 Bargaining Committee and during this time gained an appreciation for the collective bargaining process but more valuably, a deeper knowledge of our SUN/SAHO CBA. My mentors during this time, helped to build and shape my foundation as a member advocate and a leader.

In 2013, Randa Schikosky stepped down as the Local President of SPH. As I am sure many of you can relate to, she voluntold me I would be her replacement! I admit the feat was daunting, but I was up for the challenge and opportunity to support fellow nurses. I had a desire to use my newfound knowledge but underestimated how much more I was going to learn. I quickly realized I would also need to further fine-tune my interpersonal communication skills, if I was going to succeed…ha-ha

12 years later… my journey as SPH Local President has been many things; at times it been challenging, but it has been far more rewarding than I could have predicted! I learned the value of transparency; not making decisions without the members perspective or providing them with disclosure. I learned the value of accountability and empowerment; I may be a wealth of knowledge, but that knowledge is rendered useless if the members are not able to decipher or utilize the information. I have learned the value of accountability; I may have led the successes at SPH Local 101, but it was only possible with the hard work, contribution, and support of the executive team and the membership. I am not the boss of the members; they are the bosses of me!

My vision as provincial president, if elected, would be to bring the knowledge and skills I have acquired along my journey, to the larger organization. I believe I still have more to learn, but as I have navigated the journey so far, I have faith I have what it takes to fulfill this role moving forward. It’s time for change!

My name is Tracy Zambory and I am seeking re-election as your President. I am honoured to have served on your behalf since 2013. While the last few years have been difficult for registered nurses, I have also seen incredible growth in the strength and courage of SUN members.

In this position, I have connected with members from all over the province. I have the absolute privilege of hearing from members on some of their best days, but also on some of their worst. I know that every single day registered nurses are doing their best to protect their patients and when everything else seems uncertain, it is my firm commitment that your Union will be there to protect you.

Stability in Uncertain Times

Uncertainty and change have become familiar themes in our province, with health system transformation, short staffing, persistent vacancy rates, far too few resources and system supports, and the introduction of AIMS. Saskatchewan is in one of the worst nursing crises we have seen in over decade and registered nurses are facing incredible pressure to take on more, work longer hours, and care for increasingly acute patients in a system that is well beyond capacity. But despite these levels of strain and instability, SUN will continue to strive for a secure path for members. This has been demonstrated recently in all we have accomplished, and all we have begun to accomplish.

Strength to Lead

Over the past year, I have been so incredibly proud to see registered nurses leading the public conversation on healthcare in Saskatchewan. Together, we have stood up and spoken out about the desperate need for health system improvements. We have used our voice in the media, run large-scale safe staffing campaigns, rallied, forged partnerships with traditional and non-traditional stakeholders, shared data and evidence, asked the difficult questions of provincial and federal decision makers, and advocated for the patients, residents, communities, and vulnerable populations of this province. After two years of dedicated advocacy, we have achieved a Nursing Task Force, and a commitment from government to include the ideas and solutions from those providing direct care.

Above all, we have supported SUN members-through labour relations, education, communication, and professional practice - to build a strong, informed, and engaged membership, and a Union that will endure.

If re-elected, I commit to continue building on the strong foundation we have put in place together. I know that our work is not done. I will continue to focus our collective efforts on protecting members, their ability to care for patients, advancing our profession and bargaining a strong collective agreement. I will help you speak up, and whenever needed, speak on your behalf.

I will always be ready to listen, work with you, and provide support in the ways that matter most. Together, we will take on the challenges before us and continue to shape a better future for healthcare in Saskatchewan.

I thank you, and I ask for your support.

In solidarity,

Tracy Zambory

Second Vice-President - 1 to elect

I would like to finish what you elected me to do 2 years ago. Negotiate a strong Collective Agreement. As the 2nd VP my role is to Chair the SUN/SAHO Bargaining table. Your committee has taken the Board Priorities and created the Principals that were presented at the Bargaining Conference in Jan. 2024. The Principals that SUN members endorsed have been moved forward by your committee as proposals to the SUN/SAHO negotiations table. Your committee is actively negotiating on your behalf currently.

There has NEVER been a more urgent time to negotiate a collective agreement that secures the future of nurses. As nurses, we need to be valued and respected in the workplace. Our collective agreement must set the stage for a workplace that allows us to be dedicated and committed to our patients without being coerced to continually work short staffed and excessive overtime hours. A strong Collective Agreement is our Most important priority as a Union.

Wages and monetary provisions – I’m committed to negotiating competitive wages and other monetary provisions to RETAIN the nurses we have and to provide an incentive to recruit other nurses to come to Saskatchewan and call our Province their home. Competitive wages along with other monetary provisions will provide for safer staffing, quality of work/life balance, better workplace support and in the end better care for the patients and clients we serve.

Over-crowded emergency rooms that are understaffed, Regional Hospitals having lengthy intensive care bed closures, Rural and Urban Health Care Centers on bypass are symptoms of a system in crisis. Facilities and units currently staffed by contract nurses because members are leaving or forgoing positions as a way to have a work / life / balance. Employers need to value and respect us as Nurses. We are not replaceable, and we are not pawns on a chess board to be moved wherever and whenever the employer pleases. The Employers need to provide support with proper staffing levels based on patient needs – Nurse Patient Ratio’s. Improved staffing levels support nurses to have more engagement and safer workplaces.

Vacation time is an entitlement. Why? So as nurses we can balance our work with family and personal obligations. Currently members have trouble accessing vacation time as it is contingent on “staffing levels”. Improved staffing provides for access to entitled vacation time, as well as other leaves provided for in the CBA.

I have had the privilege of almost 15 years holding the Employer accountable to the CBA as Local 75 President. I understand the strengths and weaknesses of the current CBA language and where there is room for improvement. The journey of amalgamating 12 Health Regions into a single Provincial Health authority is going to lead to challenges around geography. This is the time to fix geographic language.

I’m asking for your continued support in the upcoming 2025 SUN Provincial Elections. I would like to remain Your Voice, Your Bargaining Chair and keep Nurses SUN Strong!

In Solidarity,

Mark Henderson, RN

Dear Members,

I am honored to announce my nomination for the position of Second Vice President of the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN). With over 20 years of experience as a frontline Registered Nurse, primarily in emergency care, I continue to work alongside you, experiencing firsthand the challenges and triumphs we face together. As the current President of Local 107, I bring a strong commitment to advocacy, leadership, and collaboration—values that align with SUN’s mission to advance the nursing profession and ensure a sustainable healthcare system for all.

Throughout my career, I have developed a profound understanding of the evolving demands on nurses in Saskatchewan. From addressing staffing shortages to enhancing workplace safety, I have seen how these challenges affect not only nurses but the quality of care we provide. As Second Vice President, I am eager to amplify your voices and advocate for meaningful changes to help us thrive in our roles and deliver exceptional care to our patients.

The responsibilities of Second Vice President are critical to SUN’s mission and include:

Strengthening member engagement and fostering unity within our union.
Advocating for the health, safety, and well-being of nurses across Saskatchewan.
Influencing public policy to improve working conditions and healthcare outcomes.
Supporting collective bargaining efforts to ensure fair agreements that prioritize safe staffing levels, equitable working conditions, and effective recruitment and retention strategies.

These responsibilities resonate deeply with me. Bargaining, in particular, is an area where I am determined to make a meaningful impact. Listening to members, ensuring every concern is heard, and bringing collective priorities to the table are central to my vision. My goal is to secure agreements that reflect the realities of our workplaces and uphold a healthcare system that values and protects its nurses.

As Local 107 President, I have worked to address member concerns, build consensus, and lead with integrity. My efforts to advocate for systemic changes—such as improving workplace safety, addressing violence against nurses, and ensuring manageable workloads—have reinforced my belief in the power of collective action and the importance of empowering nurses to lead change.

If elected, I am committed to:

Promoting Workplace Safety: Advocating for systemic reforms to protect nurses from violence and burnout while ensuring safe and supportive work environments.
Enhancing Member Engagement: Strengthening communication and fostering a shared purpose among members to build a unified, empowered union.
Advocating for Policy Change: Collaborating with stakeholders to influence healthcare policies that improve patient care and support the nursing profession.

As a frontline nurse and union leader, I understand the pressures you face because I face them too. This shared experience drives my passion for advocacy and fuels my determination to fight for the changes we need.

Thank you for your vote and support moving forward. It would be an honor to represent you as Second Vice President, working together to strengthen our union and profession.

Yours in solidarity,
Chantell Mollenhauer
Local 107
Registered Nurse

Constitution, Bylaws & Resolutions (CB&R) Committee - 4 to elect

Angie Achter Local 69 - South West 5	Hello fellow Sisters and Brothers! My Union journey began early into my nursing career as the Local Secretary, and evolved through other roles; as a NAC member, SUN District Council Chair, and currently as Local Vice President. To me, the words we use and are governed by need to be very intentional, as they influence and affect our control and authority. Through my involvement in the Union, I have seen the power words can have for good and for bad. As a frontline nurse I have felt this. In my local, people often come to me for CBA advice or interpretation. I would love nothing more than to use my passion for contractual language to support our Union. I believe that developing clear policy protects us, can enhance transparency, and ensures consistency and accountability. I humbly ask for your support as I put my name forward to the CB&R committee.
Trudy Derkach Local 243 - South East 4	My name is Trudy Derkach and I am a member of SE 4 Local 243 with a full time positio on the Yorkton Mental Health inpatient unit, Pine Unit. I have been a nurse for 8 years and hav been involved in my local's executive for over 4 years. I was elected as our local executive position of Vice President as well as been involved within NAC, holding the chair position in previous years. I am seeking re-election to the CB&R Committee. The past two years have been a great experience learning the ins and outs of what the committee does and I want to continu to expand my knowledge to better help our members. I enjoy attending all SUN Provincial events I am able and eagerly encourage the members of my local to attend with me. Thank you for voting Trudy Derkach for CB&R Committee.
Candace Lahoda Local 75 - Royal University Hospital	I’ve had the privilege to serve on the Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions Committee for over a decade now, and recently had the honor of accepting the position of Committee Chair. During my time on the Committee I’ve learnt a lot; we’ve worked hard as a Committee to grow the foundation for consistency and clarity in regards to the committee process. I love to see the member engagement each year as we vet the resolutions submissions, and value the voices of our memberships and the strength they bring to our Union. If re-elected I will continue to advocate to ensure your voices are heard through the CB&R Committee work. I would greatly appreciate your continued support. Thank you for your consideration.
Melanie Martin Local 100 - Regina, Other Tan Base Hospitals	I have been an RN since 2006. The majority of my career was spent in Emergency. I also worked on a surgical unit and more recently with healthine. I love frontline work, but I have always had a keen interest in union matters, currently sitting on the NAC committee and work with OH&S. There is great value in having a strong union and strong voices that represent us as a collective. I believe my passion for union matters will be beneficial if I am lucky to earn your vote. I grew up a twin in a family of 5 children on a farm. While I value strong work ethic, my motto is “work to live, don’t live to work.” Family and work life balance is very important to me. I am a hockey mom to two young boys. I enjoy camping, playing piano, and Friday night pizza, popcorn and movie.
Amanda (Mandi) Senger Local 75 - Royal University Hospital	Previously, I worked at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Pediatric Intensive care and Children’s Emergency services. As of November 2023, I hold a permanent FT position as a Clinical Coordinator on Medicine 5100/5200 at RUH in Saskatoon. I am currently on a Union Leave and working full time in the Local 75 office as the First Vice President. I have actively been involved in SUN since 2016 when I started attending local 75 general meetings and SUN events. I have held an elected position on the Constitution Bylaws and Resolutions committee since 2019. Being on this committee has been a valuable experience and has taught me a lot. I am seeking re-election to continue to learn, grow and enhance my understanding of the overall structure of SUN. I believe I have the experience and skills to best represent the membership on this committee and I thank-you for your consideration.
Rikki Skiffington Local 62 - North East 4	My name is Rikki Skiffington, and I am running for a position on the CB&R Committee. I would like to be a part of this committee to learn more about our Constitution and Bylaws, and the process of Resolutions. I've been a SUN member since 2001, working at Public Health in Prince Albert since 2007. I have been actively involved at the local level since 2011 in many capacities: President, OH&S Representative, and SDC Representative/Chair. I’m currently my local’s Secretary/Treasurer. In 2023 I was elected as the Network Lead – North and for the last two years I have supported members throughout the NE, NW, and Saskatoon Networks in this role. It’s been a wonderful experience; I've learned so much and developed some fantastic relationships. I’m a passionate and committed union member who greatly cares about our members and our communities. I would greatly appreciate your vote. In solidarity, Rikki.
Crystal Tholl Local 100 - Regina, Other Than Base Hospitals	I am Crystal Thall, and have been a RN for 14 years. I have had the privilege to work in many different areas but found that mental health is my love. I have worked on inpatient psychiatry for 10 years, casually for 3 years as I am now one of the nurses working with the RCMP, offering mental health services to those in need throughout Saskatchewan. I recently found my love of the union. I have been involved with my local for a year, appointed as secretary and continuing with this since merging into Local 100. I have also been involved with the NAC committee and currently sit as NAC chair with my local. I also am on the on the SFL committee for 4 years. I am letting my name stand for the CB&R Committee as I enjoy being involved and working alongside SUN members.

Network Representative - NE	Barb Fisher Local 62 - North East 4
Network Representative - SE	Sheila Bear Local 3 - South East 3
Network Representative - Regina	Jennifer Eliason Local 100 - Regina, Other Than Base Hospitals
Community Connections Committee	Tracy Bergen, Local 75 Royal University Hospital Naticia Erhardt, Local 106 - Regina General Hospital Lillian Fehr, Local 75 Royal University Hospital Yvonne Sawatzky, Local 86, North West 5
Finance Committee	Maureen Arseneau, Local 68 - South West 3 Angela Felskie, Local 9 - South East 6
Nominations Committee	Catherine Costa Araos, Local 106 - Regina General Hospital Gloria Dureault, Local 106 - Regina General Hospital Gail Kizlyk, Local 75 Royal University Hospital