(NUPGE) - Every year, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) offers four scholarships which reflect the Union's pursuit of equal opportunity for all workers. The awards are offered to the children of the National Union’s 340,000 members who are starting a post-secondary education. In order to qualify for the scholarship, entrants must write a 750 - 1000 word essay on a specific topic.

The National Union is pleased to announce the following winners:

Tommy Douglas Scholarship - Michelle Erin Tremblay

Michelle Erin Tremblay is the daughter of Joan Tremblay, a member of the MGEU (Area 6). In her essay, Michelle capitalized on Canada’s greatest turn of events as a result of Tommy Douglas’s work – equality for all Canadians. As Michelle wrote, “If there is one thing that Tommy Douglas cared about, it was equality for all. He showed this by being the founder of many programs we know today. Modern social programs reflect those implicated by Douglas during his years as an influential leader.”

Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship - Rebecca MacFarlane

Rebecca’s father is Malcolm MacFarlane, a member of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE). It’s hard to dispute Rebecca’s logic when reading her essay: “Terry Fox brought to his Marathon of Hope the courage and determination to create change. A part of his legacy is the message that we need to focus on abilities instead of disabilities. Quality public services help the disabled achieve to the best of their ability, and in so doing enhance the quality of their lives and of society as a whole.”

Scholarship for Aboriginal Canadians - Stephan Warrener

Stephan is the son of Judy Saquet-Warrener, a member of the MGEU (Area 2). In his essay, Stephan argues for the importance of the public service sector to promote self-determination for Aboriginal people. He wrote, “Another factor in enhancing the quality of life for Aboriginal Canadians is how well the public sector promotes self determination. As individuals, groups or communities, we all need to have an opportunity to say and implement programs that we believe are in our best interest.”

Scholarship for Visible Minorities - Vrindy Spencer

Vrindy is the daughter of the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) member Bimala Spencer. Vrindy wrote about the importance of quality public services in enhancing the quality of life of visible minorities. In her essay she wrote, “The number of visible minorities continues to grow because of immigration and it is necessary that the job market provides room for them. The PSC of Canada created a task force to address the issues surrounding participation of visible minorities in a context of changing the federal public service to improve it for all Canadians.”

The 2012 Scholarship application forms are already posted on the NUPGE website.