Congratulations to Concordia’s Department of Human Resources and Employee Relations, which has been given an award by the Conseil du statut de la femme Québec.

It is the 2002-2003 Prix ISO familles pour la conciliation travail-famille.

The award is being given in recognition of the university’s improvements to paid parental leave.
HR&ER director Gilles Bourgeois explained:

“The innovation is with respect to parental leave. As we know, paid maternity leave has been a workplace feature for a number of years. About two and a half years ago, the federal government, through Employment Insurance, started providing partial paid parental leave.

“The University has gone the extra step of topping up the parental leave similar to what it does for maternity leave. This places the University at the forefront of employers in the province and led to the award.”

The award will be presented on March 13, and will be featured in an upcoming issue of Actualité magazine. Bourgeois added, “It should be noted that the university was nominated for the award by CUPEU, the Concordia professionals’ union.”

Library auction benefits needy

Concordia University Libraries Christmas Auction, held just before the break, raised a record-breaking $3,700 and change.

Boi May Ang wrote, on behalf of the Christmas Auction Committee: “Whether you purchased an auction treasure, prepared a culinary delight, donated a gift, participated as a volunteer or were a generous sponsor, we thank you for your support. The Concordia University Libraries Christmas Auction Committee members were overwhelmed by your generosity.”

Proceeds from the auction and potluck lunch went to Auberge Madeleine, Can Serve Foundation, Chez Doris, CODE, the University Multi-Faith Chaplaincy, Financial Aid and Awards, Dans la Rue, Gazette Christmas Fund, Operation Eyesight Universal, OXFAM Canada, Sun Youth, and the Women’s Centre of Montreal.