I’m Cynthia McDougall. I’ve worked at the health unit for over 11 years, currently as a Program Assistant, and serve as a CUPE 4700 Unit Chair.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked on teams across the health unit, collaborating with inspectors, health promoters, planners, dental staff, administrative staff, IT, facilities, nurses, and others. These experiences have helped me understand different roles and challenges, which will help put myself in others’ shoes, and bring an informed perspective to bargaining.

Through my union involvement, I’ve advocated for members and navigated collective agreement issues. I’m not afraid to step up, speak out, and be a voice for those uncomfortable speaking up themselves. I’ve been documenting members’ concerns since our last negotiations and will continue seeking input through surveys and conversations. Every voice matters.

Having worked alongside colleagues through increasing workloads and shifting resources, I recognize the importance of safe staffing, mental health supports, and competitive wages.

Our first GEPH collective agreement is an opportunity to build a strong foundation. I believe in transparency, accountability, asking tough questions, and challenging “that’s how it’s always been done” when there’s a better way forward.

I can’t promise every battle will be won, but I promise to listen, speak up, do the work, and advocate for ALL members.

I’d be privileged to serve as your fierce, accountable advocate in securing the agreement we deserve.

I’d be honoured to earn your vote for the GEPH CUPE 4700 Bargaining Committee. Vote Cynthia McDougall!

  

My name is Jenn Dahl, and I’m running for a seat on our bargaining committee.

I’m a Health Promoter on the PE&Q team and have been a proud member of CUPE 4700 for 20 years. Throughout that time, I’ve had the opportunity to work with and support many teams across the health unit.

Over the past few years, I’ve become more involved in union work. In 2023, I attended the CUPE Municipal Workers Conference, where the importance of establishing a sub-jurisdictional group for public health workers was recognized and supported through a vote. Most recently, I supported GEPH’s internal representation campaign as a CUPE member.

Outside of work, I’m a mom of three, wife, and an active community volunteer. I believe in the power of people coming together to make a difference.

My priority is to make sure our collective voice is heard. That means advocating for:

Fair compensation through meaningful wage increases that keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living.

Protected benefits that safeguard our healthcare coverage, retirement security, and paid time off.

A strong foundation for the future by helping secure a collective agreement that reflects our shared priorities and protects our members for years to come.

This first collective agreement is an important opportunity to set the tone for the future. I’m committed to listening, representing our members’ interests, and working together to achieve the best possible outcome for everyone.

I’ve been with the Health Unit since 2021, working as a Public Health Inspector in contract, part-time, and full-time roles before becoming a permanent employee in October 2025. Having worked out of both the Simcoe and Dunnville offices, I have gained valuable experience across different work arrangements and understand the importance of fair and equitable working conditions for all members.

I hold degrees from both Western University and Toronto Metropolitan University and completed my practicum with the HNHU before becoming a Certified Public Health Inspector. During my employment, I have served on the Job Evaluation Committee and Joint Health and Safety Committee, and have completed CUPE Bargaining Training to strengthen my understanding of the bargaining process and the importance of accurate note-taking.
I’m running for the Bargaining Committee because I want to make a difference and become more involved in our union to ensure our members’ voices are heard. My current job has helped me to develop strong communication, organization, and listening skills to take on the role of this position. Along with my current committee experience I intend to contribute meaningful insight towards future negotiations.

As we negotiate our new collective agreement, I believe it is important to recognize the strengths of both existing agreements and carry forward the best provisions from each. If elected, I would be committed to listening to members’ concerns, representing their priorities, and working collaboratively to advocate for fair wages, strong benefits, and workplace balance. My goal is to represent all members and achieve the best collective agreement for all.

• Meaningful wage increases that recognize our increased workloads and responsibilities.
• Protections for remote work, hours of work, and manageable workloads, rather than leaving these decisions entirely to the employer.
• Strong overtime protections, particularly as other health units move toward seven-day work schedules.
• More permanent, full-time positions instead of continued reliance on temporary contracts.