Since 1899 Le Manoir Richelieu has welcomed an elite clientele from around the world to lavish in its storybook setting of spectacular vistas and enchanting beauty. The Five Star Québec Lodging is perched on Pointe-au-Pic cliff in the heart of Charlevoix, a region rich in cultural and natural heritage. In 1981 it hosted the Triennial UNDE Convention. The 209 delegates, two fraternal delegates, 10 observers and 13 guests represented approximately 28,000 members and Rand deductees.

PSAC Executive Vice-President Bill Doherty conducted the convention elections and joked with Joe Power reminding him that: “As soon as the election process begins on Friday, all UNDE executive positions are vacant. You have no idea how I like saying that.” Power, however, was returned as National president.

There were several notable decisions. Future sites would be set by the convention itself. The delegates gave Halifax-Dartmouth a Regional Vice-President (RVP), and adopted a recorded vote system for the Management Committee and National Executive Minutes. A budget and per capita were established that required a dues increase from $5.40 to $6.66, allowing for some funds to be allocated to Equal Opportunity.

A proposed weekend seminar system was nearly lost when its costing at 27 cents was rejected. Only on a motion for reconsideration was the topic reviewed – and that was after the finance debate was over. Joe Power compromised at 20 cents and promised four-day courses that would include two of the days on the weekend to reduce some of the loss-of-salary costs to the union. General control over content would be left in the hands of the RVPs and the Locals. It passed, and guidelines were later set by the Executive.