Skidmore elected as President of BC Federation of Labour

"Sussanne is a strategic thinker, a tireless advocate, and a fighter for labour and human rights. Workers in BC are in good hands." — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President

Vancouver (24 Nov. 2022) — Delegates at the BC Federation of Labour Convention this week elected new Officers to lead the provincial body for the next 2 years. 

Outgoing Secretary-Treasurer, Sussanne Skidmore, was elected as President, becoming the first out, queer woman to ever hold the seat. Her running mate, Hermen Kailley became the first Secretary-Treasurer of South Asian decent.

"On behalf of our 425,000 members, we want to congratulate Sussanne on being elected," said Bert Blundon, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). "Sussanne is a strategic thinker, a tireless advocate, and a fighter for labour and human rights. Workers in BC are in good hands."

Skidmore brings years of experience, knowledge, and passion

In a speech at the Convention, Skidmore said, "Our movement is strongest and best when we reach across our borders. Our solidarity knows no boundaries, no divisions, no fractures. We are more united today than ever before. That is the foundation needed to build on and build from."

Skidmore started her activism as an income assistance worker and member of BC Government Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE). In the years that followed, Skidmore took on countless roles in her union and the greater labour movement, from shop steward and BCGEU/NUPGE Vice-President, as well as in what is now called the North Central Labour Council.

Always willing to put herself out there in order to advance both the voices and choices of workers, she was the BC NDP candidate in the Nechako Lakes riding in 2013, and she ran for Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress in 2017. 

Skidmore was elected as Secretary-Treasurer of the BCFED in 2018 and again in 2020.