BURNABY – CUPE BC is applauding all British Columbians who put their names forward in elections for mayors, councillors, school board trustees and regional district representatives across the province on November 15th.
“On behalf of the 85,000 members of CUPE BC I want to extend our Union’s gratitude to each candidate in this election,” said Mark Hancock, CUPE BC President. “Win or lose, the participation of every candidate benefitted important debates regarding the future of our cities, towns, villages, districts and boards – a vital contribution that helps all of us continue to build strong communities in every corner of BC.”
In an election that saw voter turnout increase in every region, CUPE Locals in BC are celebrating their efforts to mobilize members to vote. Efforts to inform and motivate CUPE members included outreach by mail, email, phone, and face-to-face on the doorstep and in the workplace.
“CUPE Locals’ ongoing contribution to democracy is remarkable” said Paul Faoro, CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer. “We were able to reach out to more members than ever before, and made sure as many members as possible were aware of the choices before them on Election Day.”
Prior to the election, many CUPE Locals with members working for municipalities and school districts questioned, interviewed, vetted and ultimately recommended and actively supported hundreds of candidates running for election on Saturday.
“To all CUPE Locals in BC who stepped up and took an active role in this election: good work – job well done,” said Hancock. “On Election Day we saw positive outcomes including the re-election of forward thinking councils and boards, as well as new progressive voices winning office everywhere from Prince George to Powell River, Castlegar to Courtenay, Prince Rupert to Maple Ridge – and many more.”
“While there are so many newly elected candidates to recognize, CUPE BC would like send special thanks to all CUPE members who ran in this election,” added Faoro. “Members like CUPE BC Executive Board members Paul Albrecht, now a city councillor in the City of Langley, and Lee Mossman, who will be a great addition to the Central Okanagan School Board in Kelowna. It was also great to see CUPE Representative Kirk Oates elected to Parksville Council.”
CUPE BC will now be looking forward beyond this election to continue working to protect and enhance public services, defend public education, support a sustainable environment and promote a strong diverse local economy.
