About us

Executive

President: Debbie LaPointe

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Debbie LaPointe and I am the College Scheduler.

I joined Marianopolis in 2001, on a one-year replacement contract, working in the Records Office. During that time, what I found most impressive about the College, was how every member was proud to be part of an environment that fostered a true sense of community and always put the students at its centre.  Everyone had a voice and an opportunity to be heard. It’s no wonder I jumped at the chance to become permanent when a full-time position presented itself later that year.

Now, anyone who knows me quickly realizes I take great pride in my work. I have a strong sense of fairness and am not one who takes a backseat. I also bring experience from sitting on many committees (over the past 20+ years), which has given me invaluable insight into college practices, policies, and protocols.

I am honoured to serve as president and am motivated by a strong desire to support our collective efforts to improve working conditions for all staff and to strive for transparency in handling our day-to-day operations.

Vice-President: Adrian Crawley-Da Costa

In 2023 I was hired as Chemistry Technician. I share an office with Patrizia Cannucci and Simona Tanasescu in G-322, right across from the elevator.

Prior to Marianopolis I was working at Concordia University as a Research Assistant in a fungal genomics research lab under Dr. Adrian Tsang. While at Concordia I was also active in the Concordia Association of Research Employees (CARE), both as a member and as an executive. As an executive at CARE, I was Vice-President and grievance officer for two years, and present at the negotiation table as part of the bargaining committee.

I believe that we have a good foundation in our membership and collective agreement (CA), to work with and improve. Our CA expires on July 1st, 2025; now is the time to increase member engagement and to better understand how the CA can be improved to better meet your needs. Our ability to negotiate and achieve better working conditions is directly tied to your engagement.

The Secretary-Treasurer: Aret Caglisivaci

Vice-President for Professional Staff: Adrian Gabriel

Recording Secretary: Vacant

Committees

Health and Safety Committee

One of the mandates for the MCSU Health and Safety Committee is to serve union members by raising your issues to the College Health, Safety and Wellness Committee. As a committee, we also represent a body that can speak up for our rightful requirements when it comes to our health and safety in our work environment. Please bring forward any concerns. The best way to reach us is by email at: MCSUhealthandsafety@gmail.com 

Current Members of the Health and Safety Committee:

  • Chair: Vacant
  • Member: Vlad Refugia
  • Member: Alexandra Adam

Grievance Committee

Current Members of the Grievance Committee:

  • Chair: Debbie LaPointe
  • Member: Adrian Gabriel
  • Member: Patrizia Cannucci

Social Committee

Current Members of the Social Committee:

  • Chair: Adrian Crawley De-Costa
  • Member: Alexandra Adam
  • Member: Lina Rubertucci
  • Email: MCSUsocial@gmail.com

Union Trustees

Current Members of the Trustees:

  • 3 Year Position: Lina Rubertucci
  • 2 Year Position: Claudia Grande
  • 1 Year Position: Laura Paris

Bylaw Committee

Current Members of the Bylaw Committee:

  • Chair: Matthew Flanagan
  • Member: Adrian Crawley De-Costa
  • Member: Vacant

Sexual Violence Prevention Committee

Current Members of the Sexual Violence Prevention Committee:

  • Member: Elaine Greer
  • Member: Matthew Flanagan

Committee for Equity and Inclusion and against Discrimination (CEIAD)

Current Members of CEIAD:

  • Chair: Robin Ramasamy
  • Member: Benoit Royer
  • Member: Vacant

Shop Stewards

Currently trained Shop Stewards are:

  • Phil Godley
  • Debbie LaPointe
  • Renu Chitra
  • Patrizia Cannucci

 

Equality statement

Union solidarity is based on the principle that union members are equal and deserve mutual respect at all levels. Any behaviour that creates conflict prevents us from working together to strengthen our union.

As unionists, mutual respect, cooperation and understanding are our goals. We should neither condone nor tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Discriminatory speech or conduct which is racist, sexist, transphobic or homophobic hurts and thereby divides us. So too, does discrimination on the basis of ability, age, class, religion, language and ethnic origin.

Sometimes discrimination takes the form of harassment. Harassment means using real or perceived power to abuse, devalue or humiliate. Harassment should not be treated as a joke. The uneasiness and resentment that it creates are not feelings that help us grow as a union.

Discrimination and harassment focus on characteristics that make us different; and they reduce our capacity to work together on shared concerns such as decent wages, safe working conditions, and justice in the workplace, society and in our union.

CUPE’s policies and practices must reflect our commitment to equality. Members, staff and elected officers must be mindful that all persons deserve dignity, equality and respect.