Labour Appreciation Night

Jeannie Kilby 

CUPE 402

Born and raised in rural South Surrey, Jeannie spent her entire working life in the city she called home. In 1985, she made history as the first woman hired as an outside worker at the City of Surrey, joining CUPE Local 402. From the beginning, she embraced leadership—becoming a shop steward and joining the union’s women’s committee. Inspired by her father’s strong union values and encouraged by CUPE 402 brother Gord Savard, she was elected to the executive board in 1989. That election marked the start of a 30+ year journey of dedicated union service, culminating in her retirement in 2022. 

In 2012, she was elected to serve as the full-time Union President, drawing on her groundbreaking experience as the first woman to work as a labourer, chargehand, and then foreman at the City of Surrey. Her leadership was defined by inclusivity, compassion, and integrity. Her involvement with  United Way BC deepened her commitment to community partnerships, where she co-chaired committees and served on the board of directors representing labour. She is especially proud of CUPE 402 receiving the Labour United Award in 2014 and being personally honoured with the New Westminster & District Labour Coucil’s Labour Community Service Award in 2019. 

Her community volunteer journey began in 2012 with the Labour & United Way Partnership, where she helped lead initiatives such as Period Promise, Hi Neighbour, and the Clayton Local Love Library. Now living on a horse ranch in Kaleden, BC with her partner Fred—her biggest supporter—she continues to give back to her community, including serving as Vice President of the Penticton Peach City Beach Cruise. Receiving the Joe Morris Award is a fitting tribute to a life of leadership, mentorship, and heartfelt service. 

Wendy Cook

Langley Teachers’ Association  

Wendy Cook was born in Laval, Quebec, and moved to British Columbia at age 10. Her journey in the labour movement began at 19 as a Teamster at the Fraser Valley Milk Producers Association. She later joined the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) before it was officially unionized and became deeply involved in union work after 1987. With strong mentorship from colleagues, Wendy took on key roles such as Staff Representative and Chair of the Program Against Racism, driven by her passion for equity and support for others—values that aligned with her work as a teacher and her involvement in the Social Justice Network. 

Throughout her career, Wendy held numerous leadership positions, including President of her local, BCTF Local Representative, Social Justice Chair, and Co-chair of both the Langley Human Dignity Coalition and the Community and Social Action Committee. Her most memorable moments include early solidarity marches and community initiatives like food bank drives and the Union Protein Project, all rooted in collaboration and a deep commitment to justice and inclusion. 

Outside of her union work, Wendy has made a lasting impact through community service. She has coached Special Olympics athletes and youth sports teams, and helped organize intergenerational art projects connecting seniors and students. Her work with the Langley Human Dignity Coalition has supported vulnerable groups including unhoused individuals, seniors, and neurodivergent youth. Wendy is most proud of helping others reach their full potential and prefers recognition not for herself, but for the opportunities she’s helped create for others.

Sarah O’Leary  

Worker’s Compensation Lawyer 

Born and raised in Pontiac, Quebec, Sarah O’Leary’s journey into the labour movement began with a strong sense of justice and a desire to make a difference in the lives of working people—particularly those who have been injured. Her early experiences shaped her commitment to equity and fairness, values that would later define her career aspirations toward worker empowerment through education. Sarah began her labour career in 1990 with the Workers’ Advisers, inspired to fight the power imbalance and support the families of disabled workers. 

Over her 35-year career, the most rewarding part of her job has been the opportunity to teach labour advocates how to represent injured workers. Contributing to labour education remains her proudest achievement. She believes there is a wealth of experience in the labour movement, proven by the fact that she has never taught a course without learning from union members and labour activists—individuals who consistently amaze and inspire her. 

In 2009, she co-wrote a paper with Stan Guenther and last year’s award winner, Janet Patterson, titled Insult to Injury, which critiqued the new employer-led changes to the WCB system. 

Sarah is especially grateful for her children, who have grown into caring and compassionate members of society. Her daughter, Caitlin, continues the fight for injured workers at her firm. She also wishes to acknowledge Janet Patterson for listening to her rants over the past 30 years, and her longtime friend and ally, Rolf Harrison, whose humour and camaraderie have helped her through many challenges.

Graeme Hutchison 

MoveUP 

Born in Torquay, England, Graeme’s career in the labour movement began after a diverse early path that included global volunteer work and teaching in higher education. After immigrating to Canada in 2000 in search of a better life for his family, he found his calling in the labour movement. His first union involvement began in 2007 at a credit union represented by MoveUP, where he quickly rose through the ranks as a Job Steward, bargaining committee member, and eventually Executive Council member—driven by a lifelong commitment to fairness, equality, and advocacy for those without a voice. 

Over the years, Graeme has held several key leadership roles, including President and Secretary-Treasurer of MoveUP, President of the Fraser Valley Labour Council, and Officer at the BC Federation of Labour. His proudest achievement was being elected President of MoveUP, representing over 14,000 members across British Columbia—a remarkable accomplishment for someone from a small 40-member workplace. Putting members before self-interest has always been his motivation. 

In the community, Graeme is known for his long-standing volunteerism, including over 20 years as a soccer referee, fostering connections across diverse communities. He continues to advocate for working people through his involvement in local labour councils and political engagement. Looking ahead, he hopes to contribute municipally, possibly as a school trustee or councillor, while enjoying travel and time with family. He had the privilege of running for the BC NDP in the last election, where he secured 38% of the vote—standing up for working-class people. Graeme credits his family for their unwavering support through the challenges of union and political life and acknowledges the guidance of trusted colleagues who stood by him throughout his journey.