Wednesday, November 25, 2020
The recipients of this year’s Activist Recognition Awards were announced at the Annual Delegates’ Conference (ADC). This year’s recipients include:
Member Services - Outstanding Member Services Award:
- Jane Colonna (Bay Street) - Her strong knowledge of the OPS Collective Agreement, detailed presentation skills, and deep compassion are appreciated by members. Jane’s abilities to personalize her representation and find additional resources to support members in times of crisis are certainly outstanding!
- Lisa Levac (Bay Street) – Her compassionate nature, paired with her strong understanding of the OPS Collective Agreement have been recognized by members and management alike. Never backing down from some of the most challenging cases, with her attention to detail and empathy, Lisa still provides outstanding service to her fellow members.
Member Services - Builder Award:
- Arlene Robertson (Western Ontario) - As the previous Chapter Chair, and as the current Community Lead, Arlene Robertson is described as the name and face of AMAPCEO around Guelph. Recognized for being outgoing and selfless, she is often the first to engage new members and address any questions, concerns, or just invite them to get involved in their union.
Lifetime Achievement Award:
- Larysa Andrusiak (Western Ontario) - Larysa has held many roles at AMAPCEO. As a Zone Coordinator in 2014, she helped run a model that was highly effective in increasing member engagement. She later used her passion for engagement as a Workplace Representative, a conscientious and thoughtful defender of member rights; and to build a strong executive in the Western Ontario District.
- Michael Helfinger (Frost/Whitney) - After 16 years and handling 29 cases as a Workplace Representative, Michael has rightfully earned his reputation as a ‘go-to’ rep for handling difficult cases. As a fountain of collective agreement knowledge as a Workplace and AMERC Rep, he was always proud to mentor newer AMAPCEO members and harness their energy, ensuring his legacy will be felt by his District for years after he retires.
- Alex McGill (Western Ontario) - Described as a ‘spark’ in her workplace at the Ministry of Transportation, Alex has volunteered with AMAPCEO for over a decade as a tenacious and informed Workplace Representative and a dedicated asset to the AMAPCEO bargaining team. Her presence will be felt long after her retirement thanks to the many volunteers she engaged and mentored, inspired by her fierce but empathetic approach to representing our members.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients!