New Executive Board sworn in at CUPE BC’s 50th Annual Convention
VICTORIA—Delegates to CUPE BC’s 50th Annual Convention today elected Mark Hancock as President, replacing the retiring Barry O’Neill. CUPE 15 President Paul Faoro was elected Secretary-Treasurer.
“I want to thank first and foremost the members of Local 498, Port Coquitlam Municipal Workers, my home local, for their support and endorsement,” said Hancock. “I also want to thank CUPE members throughout BC, and delegates to Convention for their support. I pledge to work tirelessly to continue the progress our union has made under Brother Barry O’Neill’s leadership over the past 16 years. Barry has left very big shoes to fill—and he can never be replaced—but I will do my best every day to support CUPE members and locals in every region of our province.
“I also want to congratulate Paul Faoro on his election as Secretary-Treasurer, and look forward to working with him over the coming term. And I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Sister Cindy McQueen for running a great campaign, and I know she will remain a strong and active advocate for working people, both in Local 389 in North Vancouver and throughout the province.”
Faoro said he was overwhelmed and humbled by the support he received from delegates, as well endorsements from his own Local and district councils.
“I will put every ounce of my energy into this job,” said Faoro. “I’m confident that working with Mark and the rest of the Executive Board that we can make our union even stronger, and by doing that continue to make communities all across BC even stronger as well.”
O’Neill was voted an honourary life membership in CUPE BC by delegates as he presided over his final convention after 16 years as President. He congratulated all the new Executive Board members and thanked all the candidates for standing for election.
“Serving as president of this great organization has been one of the great privileges and joys of my life,” said O’Neill. “I am confident that I am leaving the office of President in great hands. Mark Hancock is a great activist and leader, and I know that CUPE BC will continue to thrive and grow under the leadership of Mark and the entire new executive.”
Delegates also elected four general vice presidents, nine regional vice presidents and alternates, and two diversity vice presidents and alternates (see attachment).
