The last Alberta Federation of Labour of the twentieth century combined solid debate, interesting speakers and picket line action. After two days of listening to keynote speakers like outgoing CLC President Bob White, Harvard University Professor Elaine Bernard and PSAC Vice-President Nycole Turmel, delegates seized the agenda – adjourning early to attend a mass picket at the strike-bound Dynamic Furniture factory in Calgary.

"I think it was a strong and principled demonstration of union solidarity," said AFL President Audrey Cormack. "We shut down the plant and demonstrated to both our sisters and brothers on strike and to the management at Dynamic Furniture just how strong the labour movement can be."

Cormack, who was re-elected unopposed with Secretary Treasurer Les Steel, thought the entire convention went very well. "The debate was positive and lively, the speakers were wonderful, and we dealt with critical issues like the environment, workers rights and health care," said Cormack.

The potential for labour to seize the day and create a new and better future was the underlying message to Professor Elaine Bernard’s address. "I love times when stable forces are being shaken up," she said. "Those are the times when we can really bring about gains." She believes that the labour movement must lead the fight because "no other group in society is so well organized…no other group has these strengths."

President Cormack summed up the mood of the convention and the feeling of the labour movement as it stands poised for a new century during her address to convention. "That we will change is not in doubt. What I want to ensure is that we are informed, prepared, unified, and proactive in making change."