“I wish to thank you, the Canadian Media Guild and CWA/SCA Canada for the wonderful opportunity I was given to take part in the video editing course for Apple’s Final Cut Pro in Toronto in November, 2012.

In my 24 years of employment at the Ottawa Citizen, through many company owners, I have never once been given a formal training opportunity such as the educational course I attended in Toronto on behalf of this union.

That it was my union that stepped in to fill this breach is in many ways not surprising to me. In my working career, I have always been fully conscious that my employment conditions are very much the result of a long history of union bargaining and activism.

What I have found surprising, and humbling, is the deep generosity of the Canadian Media Guild and CWA/SCA Canada in providing such a high level of quality in the course instruction and accommodation. Instructor James Talluto from BURST was extremely professional and a top-notch educator. The Residence Inn Marriott was true luxury and exceeded itself at all turns in providing for its guests.

This is an experience I will always remember with gratitude and appreciation. And I will always remember who provided it.

If there is ever anything I can do to be of service in the future, please keep my name on file and know that I would step up for this union at any time.”

Letter sent November 23 by Rosemary Knes, a participant in the union-sponsored editing course that ran the week of November 12 in Toronto.