For Immediate Release   
October 21, 2009 

University chair honours unionist 

Ottawa—The Université du Québec à Montréal will soon be inaugurating the Nycole Turmel Chair in Public Spaces and Political Innovations to promote and stimulate research on the transformation of public spaces.  

With funding from the Public Service Alliance of Canada, the chair was created in part to recognize the Ms. Turmel’s tireless work in the areas of labour relations and social justice. Ms. Turmel was the national president of the PSAC for about 10 years. 

According to John Gordon, the current national president of PSAC, Ms. Turmel’s union actions were always mindful of the broader picture of social realities in which union members live and work. 

“Nycole Turmel always knew that the union fight was not limited to improving members’ wages and working conditions,” said Mr. Gordon. “As far as she was concerned, every action by an activist took place against a socioeconomic backdrop and thus contributed to the advancement of society in general.”  

Ms. Turmel said it is with great humility that she accepts a university research chair to bear her name.  She saw it as an excellent opportunity for the social struggle she waged during her entire working life to gain traction in the field of intellectual research. 

“I am very honoured that this chair bears my name,” she stated. “But I will be even happier when I see the activism of thousands of unionists become the subject of sustained and intensive research.” 

The first holder the Nycole Turmel chair is Nancy Thède, an anthropologist by training and professor of international development and international relations at the Political Science Department of UQAM. 

The official unveiling of the Nycole Turmel Chair will take place on Monday, November 9, 2009, in the foyer of the Studio-Théâtre Alfred-Laliberté, Pavillon Judith-Jasmin, 405 Ste-Catherine Street East, Room J-M400 (Metro level), Metro Berri-UQAM. 

For information:
Alain Cossette, PSAC Communication, 613-293-9210

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2009 municipal Election
City of Gatineau

Nycole Turmel
YOUR City Councillor in Plateau - Manoir des Trembles

I announced, last June 26th, that I would be officially running as a candidate for the position of city councillor representing the district of Plateau - Manoir des Trembles during the upcoming municipal election on November 1st this year. What motivated me in this choice, among other things, was a sense of attachment towards my neighbourhood, Manoir des Trembles, where I’ve been living for the past twenty years. I am also very concerned about the challenges facing Le Plateau neighbourhood at this time. I have a number of ideas for the district.

I also harbour a vision for the City of Gatineau. As a member of City Council, I will have an opportunity to promote ideas to encourage urban and social development that truly reflect the ambitions of one of the five largest cities in the Province of Quebec.

"I have a vision for the district, but I also have a vision for the entire City of Gatineau. Gatineau is a city that is in the process of being built. Some of the tensions and divisions present before the merger still fester and must be addressed. Encouraging citizen participation is fundamental if we are to have a city that is both accessible and that reflects its community."
(Excerpt from the June 26th press briefing.)

I am soliciting your support in our district in favour of:
An environment that is healthy, safe, welcoming and ONE city that is engaged in a process and responsive to its citizens.

For further information on my election program and campaign:
nycoleturmel@live.com
819-778-1167