The SGEU has its first new president in a long-time.

Tracey Sauer was elected as leader at the organization’s first-ever virtual convention as she takes over from Bob Bymoen (Beamon) who retired after nearly 20 years in the position.

Sauer has been a union activist and outspoken advocate for healthcare workers for over 35 years. She was also the first woman elected as the mayor of Kelvington.

In a release, Sauer says the union has always been a politically active one and she is letting the government know they are ready to stand up for our rights and fight the longstand injustices to workers that have been highlighted throughout the pandemic.

Sauer joins Barb Byers as women who have held the position of president with the SGEU that represents 20,000 people across Saskatchewan.