Our Leadership Team

Justin Priel grew up in Saskatoon and studied welding at Saskatchewan Polytechnic before beginning a long and active career in both his trade and the labour movement. His union journey began when his coworkers encouraged him to become a steward, and he quickly moved into leadership roles, including Vice-Chair and Chair of Local 1102, Provincial Council member, and member of the Grievance Review Committee. Justin was recognized by the Saskatoon & District Labour Council with the 2024 Labour Community Service Award. He was elected as Public Service 2nd Vice-President Alternate in 2022, elected as Public Service 1st Vice-President in 2024 and acclaimed as Chair of the PS/GE Bargaining Unit in 2025. Justin has since assumed the role of Vice-President of Public Service, with elections scheduled for spring 2026. Justin brings a passion for learning, fairness, and mentorship to his leadership roles. Outside of SGEU, he enjoys time with his family, has a background in karate, and represented Canada in Poland at the 2016 World Traditional Karate-Do Federation Championship. He encourages members to get involved, believing that taking on responsibility – whether in the union or in the community – creates a sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a real difference.

Steve LaVallee, originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, has had a diverse background. He graduated from Harvest City Christian Academy and completed a two-year Locksmithing diploma in just eight months. With 39 years of experience, Steve has held various roles within Land Titles, transitioning to the Information Services Corporation after it became a publicly traded company, where he now works as a Historical Researcher. His union involvement began early in his career, starting as a panel representative, and he has since held multiple leadership positions, including Vice Chair, Chair of the Crown Sector, and Vice President. Steve's extensive training includes certifications in Trust Management Standards, Mental Health First Aid, and Mediation. He has contributed significantly to projects like chairing the building committee for SGEU’s Regina Office and serving on numerous committees, including Long Term Disability and the Administration Committee. He encourages others to get involved in the union, believing it offers the opportunity to help others and improve the province for all workers.

Bio coming soon—stay tuned for more about Genny

Marney Robinson was born and raised in North Battleford and graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1995 with a degree in Social Services. Driven by a passion for helping people and advocating for fairness, Marney began her union involvement at North West College, where she served as  Local Secretary and later as Local Chair and Bargaining Chair. Marney was then elected Provincial Bargaining Chair for all Regional Colleges, a role she continues to enjoy for the opportunity to connect with members across the province. In 2016, she became Acting Vice President of the Education Sector and was later elected to the position, which she still holds today. Passionate about supporting members, Marney is committed to standing up for fairness and encouraging union involvement, with her family always by her side as her greatest supporters.

Bio coming soon—stay tuned for more about Darryl

Hali Topinka is a proud Métis member who has dedicated her life to advocating for Indigenous rights and supporting her community. Growing up in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Hali pursued a Diploma in Indian Social Work from the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College and a Social Work degree from the University of Regina. Her career spans various roles in child and family services, both within Saskatchewan and internationally, including positions in the United Kingdom and British Columbia. Hali’s union involvement began during a reclassification process in Advanced Education, where she was inspired to take an active role. She has since become an influential leader within SGEU, serving as the Indigenous Vice-President and a member of several key committees, including the Human Rights & Equity Committee and the NUPGE Indigenous Working Group. A devoted mother, grandmother, and advocate, Hali is committed to making her Métis culture more accessible and understood by all.

Bio coming soon - stay tuned for more about Whitney.

Sheena Yew, a proud member of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and SGEU’s Education Sector, serves as SGEU’s SFL Vice-President and chair of the Indigenous Committee. With over 20 years of union involvement, Sheena is a steward, chief steward, and bargaining chair. In her role as SFL Vice-President, she brings an Indigenous perspective to the union and the broader Saskatchewan labour movement, advocating for truth and reconciliation. Under her leadership, the Indigenous Committee successfully advocated for the creation of an Indigenous Vice-President position, a first for SGEU. Passionate about supporting Métis people through education and employment, Sheena continues to make a lasting impact within SGEU and beyond.