UFCW Canada Local 401 Executive Board Elections

The nomination process for your UFCW Canada Local 401 Executive Board has closed. The nominations for President, Secretary-Treasurer and Recorder were conducted by petition and concluded on July 21, 2021 at 5:00 pm. The nomination meetings for the 18 Vice-President positions were held from July 7 to July 14, 2021 across the province.

As a result, the following names are eligible candidates who were either are acclaimed or whose names will appear on the ballot for the UFCW Canada Local 401 Executive Board elections from August 6 through August 18. Biographies have been added by candidates who submitted them.

President:

Hesse, Thomas – elected by acclamation

Secretary-Treasurer:

Stewart, Richelle – elected by acclamation

Recorder:

St. Germain, Charmaine – elected by acclamation

Vice President #1:

Alyward, Erin

Miller, Ben

My Name is Ben Miller. I have been a shop steward for over 10 years. As a shop steward, I had the opportunity to interact with many of you. It has been my privilege to provide guidance to members navigating challenging workplace issues and to represent our brothers and sisters in their dealings with management.

I am committed to creating opportunities to build relationships with members and other activists and to continue to learn about what you need and want from your union. I believe that these relationships are the foundation of our union. After years of experience, my knowledge has grown tremendously through hands-on experience with members, participation in many of our conventions. Recently I was part of the bargaining team during our successful negotiations with Sofina. I strive to help all members to the best of my ability and guide them through any difficulty they may have with the company. I strive to continue my work through education.

I believe that my education and practical experience give me a broad perspective on the challenges we face and make me an ideal choice to represent our members as VP of the Executive Board. I hope you will agree.

Vice President #2:

Goguen, Aaron – elected by acclamation

Vice President #3:

Eden, Catherine – elected by acclamation

Vice President #4:

Belliveau, Bob

Ewen, Colleen

Rivard, Linda

I have been with Safeway since 2000. I started out as a cashier in Hinton and am now a Floral Operator in Edmonton. I have been: A Shop Steward since 2004, A Labour Community Advocate on the provincial committee, And I have been on the Area Women’s Committee. I have also attended many conferences and volunteered at Light the Night. I have attended numerous courses to become a better steward.

I was also on the bargaining committee during the last rounds of Safeway Bargaining. I would be honored to represent the membership on the Executive Board if I’m voted in. Thank you!

Thomson, Sheena

I’ve been employed by Safeway since 1993 as a Cashier, I have been involved with the union as a Shop Steward since 2012. I’m active in the store volunteering as the Safeway Employee Association Contact.

I have also taken many courses thru the union such as: Note Taking, Women in Finance, Public Speaking, Duty to Accommodate, Facing Management, Organizing for Women Activists, Labour Community Advocate level 1 & 2, WBC – Representative Claims Seminar, representation and Leadership in Hard Times and plan on taking more. I was on the most recent Safeway Bargaining Committee, signed in 2020. I currently am a Co- Chair of the Edmonton UFCW 401 women’s committee and a Co- chair the Provincial UFCW 401 women’s committee I have attended numerous conference and conventions to expand my knowledge and make contacts with other UFCW members country and nationwide. I look forward meeting you at events and courses.

Vice President #5:

Bordeleau, Shane

Switzer, Myrna

Myrna Switzer is employed by Castledowns Superstore (1572) in North Edmonton has been a passionate UFCW 401 member for 33 years. Myrna has a deep history working for Superstore, developing her skills in multiple essential roles such as cashier, assistant front-end supervisor, System Applications and products (SAP), and an active shop steward for her store.

As a shop steward, Myrna gives undivided attention to members and works as their ally to help solve workplace issues. Myrna has developed a passion for spending her time helping win scheduling violations, ensuring the safety of members during Covid-19, and bargaining for fair workplace contracts.

Myrna is the incumbent for Vice President #5 of UFCW 401. She believes the best-run locals are those that successfully advance the interests of their membership within a culture of problem-solving. If elected, Myrna is a solid voice to help 401 members by providing adequate information, advice and deal effectively with workplace problems and concerns.

“I am passionate about the role as an Executive Board member. I will work hard and fight hard with our Leadership team to ensure that all UFCW 401 members are represented”.

Vice President #6:

Smith, David – elected by acclamation

Vice President #7:

Isiah, Peter

Grew up in Chatham New Brunswick, a small town along the Miramichi River. Peter was raised from a poor working family, both parents worked, he and his sister were watched over by their grandmother. After High School he moved to Northern Saskatchewan and worked for The Hudson’s Bay Company. He bought furs of muskrat and beaver from the Locals for The Bay. Enrolled at Kelsey Institute of Applied Arts and Science in Saskatoon in the Meat Cutting Course. In 1981 Peter moved to Calgary to work for Canada Safeway, as a Meat Cutter.

Joined Local 373A his first Unionize job. Became an active Shop Steward during this time. In 1997 Safeway had a Strike duration 75 days. Walked picket lines in Calgary and Lethbridge. Placed lawn signs for the 401 local in Calgary. 373A merged with 401 Local he enrolled in Union courses: • Facing Management, Bullying, Health and Safety, Steward course and Facilitator • Other committees: Bargaining, Strike and Freshco. Shop Steward with the Union for nearly 40 years. Since October 2020 as a Walking Steward. Past involvements in Calgary: Executive in Ball Hockey, Hockey Leagues, Coached girls Ringette and Soccer. Organized men’s Ball Hockey, Ice Hockey and Softball.

Kog, Joseph

Vice President #8:

Iverson, Norman

My name is Norman Iverson, my grandpa was born in Quebec and I am a third generation Canadian. I have three daughters and six grandchildren. I worked at the Real Canadian Superstore for more than 14 years now. I’ve been a Shop Steward for 12 years.

I am a man with few words, but more action to prove my point. I believed, education is not a barrier to achieve a goal, you just have to learn along the way, pick up what is good for you and pass it on to others, so they can do the same. I can be tough and soft hearted for a good reason. I have to be honest, I am not a committee person, but I will always be there for the members. Literally, I deal with things, more with common sense.

Klassen, Ron

A Voice for Diversity Vice President Seat 8

Vice President #9:

Ekstrom, Karen

Hi, I am Karen, I am a member of UFCW 401 and Real Canadian Superstore 1578 in Calgary for 22 years, a shop steward for 11 years, Co Chair health and safety, Former member of Provincial Health and safety Co Chair Labour community advocate, Member of Leukemia and Lymphoma society on behalf of UFCW 401. I have attended many conventions Provincial, National. and International to represent my Union family! I am a member of the Superstore bargaining committee. I have volunteered in many events with UFCW 401 members across the province: Global fest, Pride parade, Labour Day and Stampede Barbecue, Kids Christmas party, Rachel Notley campaign 2019.

I am running so that I can give a voice to 401 members for the future direction of our local.

Figueroa Cordoba, Liliana

My name is Liliana Figueroa. I am from Colombia. I am married and I have a wonderful husband that I have raised my kids with.

I graduated from Santiago De Cali university in Colombia with a degree in Business Administration. For the past 11 years, I have worked at Superstore 1578. I am a member of UCFW401.

I am a person who believes in fairness and honesty. As a woman of colour, I am lucky to be able to speak another language. I can use it as a tool to break language barriers and assist any members of the community to learn to communicate.

Vice President #10:

Kinder, Jenny

My name is Jenny Kinder. I was born in Sweden. I came to Canada 27 years ago, I met my husband in Montreal. In 1998 we moved to Calgary. We have three children.

In 2007 I started working at Superstore. I am currently a Baker; I have been a shop steward for 7 years and Member co-chair on JHS committee for store 1543. And sitting UFCW National Council Workplace Rights Committee.

I have taken numerous of courses through UFCW and attending conferences. I have done volunteer work when I can.

Ludwig, Teresa

MY VISION: To proudly advocate for 401 members, a strong voice for the important issues and concerns. To bring meaningful and valuable awareness to our membership through training and education To continue the fight for higher standards of health and safety within our workplaces. To support mental health and well being in promoting available benefits and services.

Safeway employee for 31 years

Frontend Customer Service

Crowfoot Safeway 8833

Shop Steward 2005 – present

Health & Safety Co-Chair 2005 – present

UFCW 401 Relief Rep 2016 – present

Safeway Walking Steward 2020 – present

Safeway Bargaining Committee 2019 – 2020

Freshco Bargaining Committee 2020

SEA Rep and SEA Social Planning Committee with Company (Safeway Employee Association)

Attended various Member’s Conferences,

AFL Spring Schools, AFL, CLC and NDP

Conventions, National Defense Fund, Jasper

School and Women’s Network Conventions

UFCW 401 Regional Women’s Committee Co-Chair

UFCW 401 Provincial Women’s Committee Co-Chair

UFCW Canada Women and Gender Equity Committee

International Women’s Day Planning Committee with Calgary Women’s Centre

Completed extensive and wide variety of online courses through webCampus and AASP for Health & Safety, many UFCW education course and workshops

Vice President #11:

Fortin, Nathan – elected by acclamation

Vice President #12:

Bramston, Dayna

WHY AM I RUNNING? I am running for seat #12 because I believe that change is good and that everyone deserves to have the chance to have their voice heard on our Executive Board. I have been thinking of running for years and have finally worked up the courage and I am taking the risk to run.

WHO AM I? I am a 48 year old married woman and cat mom with invisible disabilities who is passionate about life and making the world a better place. I am not afraid to stand up and speak out when necessary!

I have been a member of UFCW Local 401 working at Safeway since 2005 where I am now a senior shop steward. I believe in life long education and am working towards becoming the strongest activist that I can be.

WHAT AM I PASSIONATE ABOUT? Being A UFCW 401 Member, Helping Our Members, Family, Kindness, Being An Ally, Gender Equality, Wage Equality, Eliminating Racism, Indigenous Rights, LGBTQ2+ Rights, Disability, Rights, Women’s Rights, Politics, Public Speaking, Good Food, Craft Beer, Cats, Social Media.

Good luck to all my fellow candidates!

Maglalang, Monique

I have been at Superstore 1574 for 24yrs, a shop steward for over 10yrs and I am currently acting as a Relief Rep for the members of UFCW 401!

I sit on the following committees:

Provincial joint Health & Safety committee, co chair of my in store Health & Safety Committee Member of Superstore bargaining committee

Member on the LIGHT the Night on behalf of UFCW 401.

I have volunteered at

Labour day BBQ, Pride Parade, Children’s Christmas party, Stampede BBQ, Globalfest, Sleeping bags for the homeless.

Members Conference 2019 as an organizer and facilitator

Rachel Notley 2015 & 2019

Education

I have facilitated at the Members Conference

I have completed all classes at UFCW 401 and the Voter Contact Organizer course through the Calgary Labour Council

I want to be your voice, for the change we want to see in ONE UNITED and STRONG UFCW401!

I will lead with Integrity, Transparency, and Fairness.

Sarmiento, Maria

I am Maria Sarmiento, born and raised in the Philippines. I grew up with principles, words of wisdom, respect to humanity and every living thing on earth, attended both University of Manila, in the Philippines and Confederation College in Ontario, Canada.

I moved to Canada in the 80’s, resided in Ontario for 21 years, worked full time for the City and part time for the Superstore. In 2009, we moved west, Calgary Alberta; I was offered a full time position as a CAO Analyst by Loblaw.

I got involved in the Union and became Shop Steward in 2010. I was trained to do Relief work as Union Representative from 2012-2017. During this period, I became aware that most of the members don’t even know about their union and how they benefit from it. My ethnicity background makes it easy to communicate with members with diversity and language barrier. I never turn my back, from any member, no matter who they are; as a Shop Steward, it is the right thing to do and it’s ethical.

I don’t make promises to anybody, I do what I can and am willing to walk an extra mile for the members.

Vice President #13:

Heyboer, Jeremy

Current Position: Shop Steward, Co-chair of Joint Health and Safety Committee, Member of collective bargaining committee negotiating team

Education and Experience: Journeyman Millwright, 5th Class Power Engineer, 3rd Year Electrical Apprentice, Canadian Securities Course, Business Administration Diploma

Candidate Statement: I am a hard working family man. I started in my current position at P&H Milling Group in the maintenance department in Lethbridge, after starting and running my own company. Between business school and running my own company I have gained strong leadership skills. I was born and raised in Lethbridge, and I love the community here. I’ve enjoyed the position of Shop Steward as it has given me the opportunity to listen and help people. I am passionate about serving others and I greatly value honesty and integrity. I look forward to having a greater role with UFCW 401.

Taylor de Jesus, Felipe

Vice President #14:

Matheson, Tracy – elected by acclamation

Vice President #15:

Kinouani, Roger Parfait – elected by acclamation

Vice President #16:

Sandau, Kyle

Wilonja, Biefe

Vice President #17:

Barrios, Yesi – elected by acclamation

Vice President #18:

Gilks, Matthew

Proud UFCW 401 member since 2007

Over 10 years experience as a Shop Steward

Currently Walking Steward for Buffalo Catering Camps

Executive Board member since 2016

Co-chair of UFCW’s own Positive Community Action Committee

Member of Alberta’s Federation of Labour Political Action Committee

Co-Leader on Member to Member Engagement in 2019

UFCW Canada’s Political and Legislative Action Committee Delegate for UFCW 401

Committed, Experienced and Compassionate

Travers, Linda

My name is Linda Travers, and I have been a Shop Steward, at my Local Safeway in Hinton AB, for just over 7 years. I am currently responsible for introducing each new employee to the union and explaining important details regarding their contract and answering any questions they may have.

I am currently the President of The Yellowhead Labour Council. I am actively involved with several different unions and give support when needed. I previously served on the Executive Board under Retail Wholesale in Ontario for 15 years holding a similar position. I was chosen to attend the International Convention in Las Vegas for UFCW for all locals in Canada and the United States.

Voting for the above positions will be done by secret ballot at the following meeting locations.

Members can vote at any meeting/location they choose. Please be prepared to show a piece of ID upon arrival in order to vote.

Voting Dates, Times, and Locations

Location	Vote Date	Vote Times	Where	Address	Meeting Room
Civeo Beaver River Executive Lodge*	Friday, August 6, 2021	11:00 AM to 6:00 PM	Lodge will be closed	N/A	N/A
Civeo Anzac Lodge	Saturday, August 7, 2021	11:00 AM to 3:00 PM	Anzac Lodge	Located southeast of Fort McMurray on Hwy 881, 25 km south of Anzac.	Board Room
Civeo Wapasu Creek Lodge- Main, East & West	Sunday, August 8, 2021	11:00 AM to 7:00 PM	Wapasu Main Lodge	Located 47 km east of Hwy 63, Km 42 on Canterra Road.	Wapasu Main Boardroom
Civeo Conklin Lodge*	Sunday, August 8, 2021	11:00 AM to 3:00 PM	Lodge is closed	N/A	N/A
Edmonton South	Sunday, August 8, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Holiday Inn Express & Conference Centre Edmonton South	4485 Gateway Blvd Edmonton, AB T6H 5C3	Evergreen A & B
Calgary South	Sunday, August 8, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Glenmore Inn	1000 Glenmore Court SE, Calgary, Alberta. T2C 2E6	Glenmore West
Civeo Athabasca	Monday, August 9, 2021	11:00 AM to 6:00 PM	Athabasca Lodge	Located East of Highway 63, North of Fort McMurray	Games Room
Edmonton North	Monday, August 9, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	NOVA Yellowhead	13920 Yellowhead Trail Edmonton, AB T5L 3C2	Grizzly Room
Lethbridge	Monday, August 9, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Holiday Inn Lethbridge	2375 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Lethbridge, AB T1K 7M1	Crossroads Meeting Room
Calgary North	Monday, August 9, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Sheraton Cavalier	2620 32 Avenue NE Calgary, AB T1Y 6B8	McKnight Ballroom
Taber	Tuesday, August 10, 2021	11:00 AM to 6:00 PM	Heritage Inn Taber	4830 46th Ave HWY 3, Taber, AB T1G 2A4	Salon B
Olds	Tuesday, August 10, 2021	11:00 AM to 6:00 PM	Ramada Olds	500 – 6700 46 Street Olds, AB T4H 0A2	Mountain View Room
Civeo Kaybob	Tuesday, August 10, 2021	10:00 AM to 4:00 PM	Kaybob Lodge	3-30-62-22-W5M Greenview MD AB	Lounge Area
Civeo Athabasca	Wednesday, August 11, 2021	12:00 PM to 4:00 PM	Athabasca Lodge	Located East of Highway 63, North of Fort McMurray	Games Room
Athabasca	Wednesday, August 11, 2021	2:00 PM to 7:00 PM	Athabasca Regional Multiplex	2 University Drive Athabasca, AB T9S 0A3	Meeting Room Combined
Grande Prairie	Wednesday, August 11, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Holiday Inn Conference Centre	9816 107 St Grande Prairie, AB T8V 8E7	Barcelona A + B
Medicine Hat	Thursday, August 12, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Holiday Inn Express	9 Strachan Bay Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4Y2	TBD
High River	Thursday, August 12, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Heritage Inn	1104 11 Avenue S.E. High River, AB. T1V 1M4	Jubilee A
Civeo Anzac Lodge	Thursday, August 12, 2021	12:00 PM to 4:00 PM	Anzac Lodge	Located southeast of Fort McMurray on Hwy 881, 25 km south of Anzac.	Board Room
Hinton	Friday, August 13, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Holiday Inn Hinton	393 Gregg Avenue Hinton, AB T7V 1N1	Baraka Room
Civeo Conklin Lodge	Friday, August 13, 2021	12:00 PM to 4:00 PM	Lodge is closed	N/A	N/A
Civeo Wapasu Creek Lodge- Main, East & West	Saturday, August 14, 2021	12:00 PM to 4:00 PM	Wapasu Main Lodge	Located 47 km east of Hwy 63, Km 42 on Canterra Road.	Wapasu Main Boardroom
Civeo Beaver River Executive Lodge	Sunday, August 15, 2021	12:00 PM to 4:00 PM	Lodge will be closed	N/A	N/A
Fort McMurray	Monday, August 16, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Radisson Hotel & Suites	435 Gregoire Dr Fort McMurray, AB T9H 4K7	Charlesgate Room
Lloydminster	Tuesday, August 17, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Holiday Inn & Suites	5612 44 Street Lloydminster, AB T9V 0B6	Border City
Red Deer	Tuesday, August 17, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Holiday Inn Express Red Deer North	6433 Orr Dr, Red Deer, AB T4P 1A6	Meeting room 1 & 2
Brooks	Tuesday, August 17, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Heritage Inn Brooks	1217 – 2 Street W Brooks, AB T1R 1P7	Meeting Room A & B
Banff	Tuesday, August 17, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Banff Ptarmigan Inn	337 Banff Ave	Sundance Room
Camrose	Wednesday, August 18, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Ramada Camrose	4702 73 Street. Camrose, AB. T4V 0E5	Meeting Room
Trochu	Wednesday, August 18, 2021	12:00 PM to 5:00 PM	Trochu Community Hall	215 Northfield Rd. Trochu, AB T0M 2C0	Sunterra Room
Canmore	Wednesday, August 18, 2021	11:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Holiday Inn Canmore	1 Silvertip Trail Canmore AB, T1W 2Z7	Nakiska

*Voting will be facilitated at this location should the camp re-open at the time of the election.

NOTE: Should public health restrictions prevent holding nominations or elections, the Local Union will inform you of required accommodations as per this notice.

Ballots will be counted by the Election Chairperson and assigned Election Judges on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at the UFCW Canada Local 401 office located at 45 Hopewell Way NE, Calgary, commencing at 11:00 a.m.

Should you have any questions concerning these procedures, please contact me at: pablo.godoy@ufcw.ca

In solidarity,

Pablo Godoy

Posted on: July 22,2021

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