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"HSAA/NUPGE members, in all the professions they represent, are indeed lucky to have a President who so clearly is prepared to go that extra mile to make our world, and therefore theirs, a better place.” — Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
Edmonton (08 June 2017) — The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) would like to congratulate Mike Parker, President of the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE), on being awarded the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
"We are very proud to have one of our leaders honoured in this way," said Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer and former HSAA President. "The medal is a testament to Mike's outstanding commitment to Albertans, and his passion for improving public health care services across the province."
“I would also offer personal congratulations to my friend and successor. He fits the criteria perfectly, having practised his profession in Alberta for many years. But he is as deserving for the exceptional volunteer work he has done overseas and on behalf of his professional colleagues for many years. HSAA/NUPGE members, in all the professions they represent, are indeed lucky to have a President who so clearly is prepared to go that extra mile to make our world, and therefore theirs, a better place.”
25 years as a first responder
Parker has been a first responder since 1992, volunteering in his local community of Coaldale, Alberta. He worked in the private ambulance industry in Andrew, Lamont, Morinville and Athabasca, before moving to Edmonton in 1996. He graduated as a paramedic in 1999.
He has been involved in the labour movement for many years, serving as a steward and as Vice President of his local with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). He became a member of HSAA/NUPGE. In 2009, and served as a board member before being elected as HSAA Vice President in 2015.
In 2016, Parker became president.
Mike has always been a strong proponent of the role of unions in protecting the rights of citizens and also of the public sector in providing vital services. He comes from a family that believed in public services, and his wife, Beverly, is a registered nurse in the emergency department at Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital. Mike and Bev have also served as volunteers with Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT), providing emergency assistance after disasters in the Philippines, Pakistan and Nepal.
Exemplary performance of duties 'characterized by good conduct, industry, and efficiency'
The Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal was created by the Governor General of Canada in 1994 to recognize professionals in the provision of prehospital emergency medical services who have performed their duties in an exemplary manner, characterized by good conduct, industry, and efficiency.
The Medal may be awarded to any person who
(a) is an emergency medical services employee on or after October 31, 1991;
(b) has completed at least 20 years of service in EMS, where at least 10 years of which have been served in the performance of duties involving potential risk, as determined by the Advisory Committee; and
(c) has a record of high standard and exemplary service as to merit award of the Medal.