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Annual General Meeting 2009 October 27-29 AGM DAY 1 October 27 2009 UNA Annual general meeting hears inspiring speeches Over 700 nurses opened the United Nurses of Alberta 32nd Annual General Meeting in Edmonton on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Besides hearing from journalist Avi Lewis, who showed clips from his television show, on the first day, the nurses heard reports from the directors and from President Heather Smith. Heather Smith spoke under the giant banner "Forward together" the theme for the meeting. "We are going into negotiations in perhaps the most hostile environment we have faced since 1994.  We must have determination and courage. We, the Executive Officers chose the motto 'Forward Together' with a purpose.  It is not only for negotiations, it's about our profession.  Forward Together.  Now, more than ever before, we need to have members informed.  We need to support each other as we seek the support of the public," President Heather Smith said in her address to the delegates. The meeting continues on Wednesday and Thursday Oct. 28th and 29th with more speakers and elections to the provincial executive board, but only for representatives from the South Central District, Calgary, area. Photos from AGM Day 2 October 28 2009 Photos from AGM Day 3 October 29 2009 UNA President Heather Smith gives her report to delegates. Delegates on the floor. Prominent broadcaster Avi Lewis talked about the American health care debates and how they mirror Alberta debates as a guest speaker at the AGM. AGM DAY 2 October 28 2009 Nurses were thrilled to hear the stories from new nurse Angie Gagnier who talked about finding support from senior nurses during her training and work as a young nurse. Gil McGowan, President of the Alberta Federation of Labour challenged the Alberta government to protect all workers who protect everyone by staying home from work when they are sick. "The employment standards codes in six other Canadian jurisdictions give workers the protections they need," he said. Delegates responded with a cheer and raised their banners high when Friends of Medicare's David Eggen called "More Health Cuts?"  "Wrong way" came the loud cry back from the nurses. Friends of Medicare's David Eggen thanked nurses for their widespread action and support in the Wrong Way campaign. AGM DAY 3 October 29 2009 New nurses, Sunita Weatherby and Michelle Sargent attended their first AGM. They say they were lucky, most of their classmates don't have jobs. Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions President Linda Silas gave a rousing speech about the on-going nursing shortage in Canada. "Disco Queen Linda" also got delegates up dancing to the beat." President Heather Smith chaired almost the entire three day meeting. Delegates cheered NO to the Wrong Way! Nurse took time to write letters to politicians objecting to Alberta Hospital Edmonton cuts and about Ron Liepert's lack of transparency about government health plans. Over 700 nurses attended.