The 2025 CATCA Convention in St. John’s was a tremendous success and served not only as a forum to advance union business, but also as a chance to hear from experts, special guests, and exchange concerns and ideas with members. Key highlights include:
Convention Business As customary, the biggest portion of the agenda was dedicated to union governance, including financial reporting, elections, and a series of bylaw and policy amendments and resolutions. These sessions were marked by active debate and thoughtful discussion – clear signs that our membership is deeply invested in shaping the future of our profession.
Key business outcomes included:
• Informed discussion and approval of financials.
• By-Law amendments addressing the structure of the union and the election and roles of the Executive Board were debated.
• Policy resolutions covering the administration of the union, controller training, compensation, the work of the bargaining unit, and the creation of new committees were debated and voted on by the membership.
• Board of Trustee nominations, voting, and elections.
• Identification of priorities that will inform CATCA’s action plan for the coming term.
Key Sessions & Speakers Our annual CATCA Annual General Meeting was held on our first day, a day which also featured several expert-led sessions that offered members insight into trends, best practices, and sector-specific issues:
• JF Lepage provided an update from IFATCA, highlighting CATCA’s ongoing engagement in global air navigation matters through our members’ direct participation and leadership in the organization.
• Fred Cosgrove delivered a forward-looking presentation on emerging technologies and their potential impact on our union and our industry.
• Jan Goddard led a valuable session on wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning—underscoring the importance of personal and professional preparedness.
• Claude Elliott and Fred Hutton shared thoughtful reflections on leadership, resilience, and regional identity.
• Captain Robert Pearson (Gimli Glider) offered an insightful keynote on the importance of training, safety, and decisive action under pressure.
• Lana Payne, President of Unifor, delivered a powerful and motivating address that reaffirmed the value of solidarity, the dignity of work, and our shared purpose across sectors and nationally.
Board of Trustees Elections
The new process of voting for the Board of Trustees was conducted electronically, with strong member participation.
Results were announced on June 4 as follows:
Chris Chapieski VR ACC (Pacific Region),
Liam McNish EG ACC (Prairie Region),
Devan Jones YZ ACC (Central Region),
Keith Clarke QX ACC (Atlantic Region),
Xavier-Aubry Pigeon UL ACC (St. Laurent Region).
The newly elected representatives will begin their mandates immediately. Their leadership will be integral to carrying forward the action plan shaped during the convention and ensuring financial transparency and accountability.
Regional Dinners & Networking Regional dinners were once again a huge highlight and an opportunity for Regional Vice Presidents to demonstrate gratitude to their regional representatives and members and thank them for their invaluable input to the service of our union. Offsite hospitality events were also great opportunities for members to connect and socialize outside the formal program and strengthen the sense of union solidarity across the country.
Debates
Candidate debates by the Presidential candidates, incumbent Nick von Schoenberg, and Mike Loftus and Executive Vice-Presidential candidates, incumbent Scott Loder, and RVP St. Laurent, Benoit Vachon, were entertaining and gave the delegation excellent insights on the plans and ideas of the candidates.
Awards
CATCA Awards were presented at the closing banquet to recognize some of our most outstanding members.
Regional Volunteer Service Awards:
This award is presented to a member in each CATCA region who has dedicated remarkable time, energy, and effort to protect and advance the rights and interests of CATCA members in their region.
The 2024 winners are:
Atlantic Region: Peter Bryant
St-Laurent Region: Jérémie Yelle
Central Region: George Avola
Prairie Region: Mike Loftus
Pacific Region: Chris Chapieski
CATCA Award of Honour:
This award recognizes members who have displayed exemplary professionalism under duress and taken meritorious actions which enabled the preservation of the safety of passengers, aircrew, and aircraft.
2020 – Mathieu Sergerie – St-Honore Tower (CYRC)
2022 – Leslie Boutilier – Halifax Tower (CYHZ)
2023 – Alex March – Oshawa Tower (CYOO) and Glen van Heerden – Oshawa Tower (CYOO)
CATCA Award of Merit: Awarded for personal contribution to individuals who have displayed an unselfish dedication to the Association, its goals, and their fellow members.
Gordon Howe: Central Region
In Memoriam We were greatly saddened by the news of Marc Garneau’s sudden passing. Marc had been scheduled to deliver a keynote address to us at the convention. His contributions to aviation, science, and public service were widely respected, and his loss is deeply felt.
Next Steps
The priorities and outcomes of this year’s convention will directly inform CATCA’s operational and advocacy strategies for the coming year. In the coming weeks, members can expect follow-up communications detailing specific action items related to the amendments and resolutions that were carried.
Sincere thanks to all members, delegates, speakers, sponsors, and organizers for their contributions to a productive and memorable convention. Extra special gratitude is extended the tireless Organizing Committee and appreciation to the city of St. John’s, whose hospitality—and favourable weather—added to the success of the event. We invite all members to enjoy a photo slide show of the event thanking our sponsors: (CONVENTION Photo Reel)
On behalf of the Executive Board,
Nick von Schoenberg Scott Loder
President Executive Vice President