Over the past few weeks, UFCW Local 247 members across BC participated in nomination processes as part of the procedure for selecting their union officers.

The Election Chairperson has advised that this process is now concluded. Having confirmed the eligibility of those who stood for nomination and noting that there are no contested positions, there will be no need to hold an election.

The following officers have been elected by acclamation to their respective positions:

President: Dan Goodman

Secretary-Treasurer: Cathy Shannon

Recorder: Brian Taylor

Vice President #1: Margaret Robins

Vice President #2: Alicia Whitehead

Vice President #3: Nalini Nowrang

Vice President #4: Sandra Peters

Vice President #5: Dino Castellarin

Vice President #6: Tracy McCarthy

Vice President #7: Michele Venables

Vice President #8: Peter Parmar

Vice President #9: Gorden McDonald

Vice President #10: Kirste Hawgood

Vice President #11: Doug Insley

Vice President #12: Dawn Stevenson

Vice President #13: Dale Juvelin

Vice President #14: Eric Seto

The above noted candidates will assume their positions for a four-year term commencing in January 2026.

We wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to all UFCW Local 247 members who participated in this process.

Background

A Notice of Election for Officers was posted on the UFCW local 247 website and mailed to each UFCW Local 247 member in our InTouch newsletter.

All nomination and election processes – including timelines, methods of notice, eligibility, and more – followed and are governed by the UFCW International Constitution and UFCW Local 247 By-Laws.

The election process was overseen by an Election Chairperson, Lily Olson, Regional Director for the Western Provinces at UFCW Canada.

Leadership Statements

“This year’s election process has been about more than just getting signatures,” said UFCW Local 247 President Dan Goodman. “It was an opportunity to talk with members about the various initiatives we’ve taken on over the past four years. Those initiatives have transformed how we do things as a local, and we have a lot to be proud of.”

“We are excited to continue building a union that is visible and accessible to members,” continued Goodman. “We want to keep opening spaces for member engagement and participation and build a union that leads by listening to members about the kind of union they want. The support from UFCW Local 247 members across BC has been humbling and truly overwhelming.”

“UFCW Local 247 members overwhelmingly endorsed our vision,” said Recorder, Brian Taylor. “They got behind the idea of building a member-driven union through positivity, inclusion, and solidarity. It was so amazing to engage with members around these ideas, to see them stand by us in their workplaces and on social media, and we are excited for the future.”

“We want to congratulate the UFCW Local 247 members who were nominated to serve as officers of their union,” said UFCW Local 247 Secretary-Treasurer, Cathy Shannon. “Nearly half of those running for VP positions did so for the very first time. The others lent their experience and knowledge to benefit all of us. With this Executive Board, we are poised to bring together both steady knowledge and new energy and excitement in developing initiatives that will benefit all UFCW Local 247 members.”