Three Local 1944 members are running with the NDP for the 2019 Provincial General Election in Alberta

March 22, 2019 - Local 1944 is very proud to announce that three of the NDP candidates for the upcoming 2019 Provincial General Election in Alberta are USW Local 1944 members.

“Not only is Rachel Notley a Steelworker, but Shaye Anderson, Steve Durrell and Kyle Johnston are all brothers from Local 1944 running for spots as ABNDP candidates,” said Joe Benn, Local Union Representative for Alberta who is actively involved in political action. “We wish them success as we strive for four more years for Rachel.”

Shaye Anderson

Shaye Anderson, from Unit 208, is looking for re-election in the next Alberta election for Leduc-Beaumont.

After being appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs in 2017, Shaye put his people skills to work, travelling across the province to visit municipalities and hear what matters most to Albertans. He used those meetings to inform his work in the legislature, where he worked to modernize the rules that govern municipalities, make local elections more fair and transparent and update Alberta’s emergency management framework.

A dedicated advocate for the fair treatment of workers, Shaye served as Shop Steward, CAT member, Unit Councillor, and Unit Vice-President for Local 1944.

Visit Shaye Anderson’s official NDP page at https://shayeanderson.albertandp.ca.

Steve Durrell

Steve Durrell, from Unit 203, was acclaimed as the uncontested NDP candidate for the Airdrie-Cochrane riding in January 31. Steve’s connection to his community and years of political organizing experience has given him a strong knowledge of what is at stake in the next election. He is proud to be a part of Rachel Notley’s team. He considers that pipelines, the highways 1A/22 interchange and getting schools built are priorities: “As a father with young children entering the school system, I want to be part of the team that will continue to push the 240 schools that have been invested in since the 2015 NDP election.”

Passionate about employees’ rights and labour law, and proud member of USW Local 1944, Steve served as a Unit Counsellor and a Health & Safety Committee officer for our Local. He currently serves as the Regional Executive Officer for Alberta and a member of the Political Action Committee. He is dedicated to his union’s principles of accountability and protecting and improving conditions for employees, and he knows these principles will inspire his work in the legislature.

Visit Steve Durrell’s official NDP page at https://stevedurrell.albertandp.ca

Kyle Johnston

Kyle Johnston, from Unit 205, is the NDP nominated candidate for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills. Born and raised in Central Alberta, he understands the importance of the region within Alberta’s economy. President of the Red Deer and District Labour Council, he is passionate about building strong work environments and defending workers’ rights.

Over the years, Kyle has been a Unit Chair, a Unit Counsellor, a member of the Next Gen and Health and Safety committees, and a Shop Steward for Local 1944. As a proud union member and someone who has spent time advocating for workers’ rights, Kyle is prepared to use those skills to advocate on behalf of all Albertans to protect the public services like education and healthcare that they rely on.

On top of his time spent working with our Local, Kyle also gives back to his community by volunteering with the Lacombe and District Big Brothers and Big Sisters and has mentored local youths as a minor hockey coach.

Visit Kyle Johnston’s official NDP page at https://kylejohnston.albertandp.ca.

Support our NDP candidates from Local 1944

“This spring, Albertans are given the opportunity to vote for progressive candidates from Local 1944,” said Donna Hokiro, Vice-President of USW Local 1944 and former Regional Executive Officer for Alberta. “I ask our members in Alberta to support Brothers Anderson, Durrell and Johnston during the election campaign. They are progressive candidates who will work for you and defend workers’ rights.”

Our members in Alberta are encouraged to reach out to their riding’s NDP campaign office and offer a lending hand. You can support our NDP candidates by becoming a member, volunteering, donating or displaying a sign on your lawn or balcony. 

About the Local 1944’s Political Action Committee

Local 1944 is politically engaged simply because laws and politics have a huge impact on our workplaces and communities. The Political Action Committee aims at activating our members in community, municipal, provincial, federal and international issues based-campaigns. 

To get involved with our Political Action Committee or to get more information, please visit our dedicated web page.

About the Provincial General Election in Alberta

Election Day is on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. There will be advance poll days from April 9 to 13, 2019.

To be eligible to vote, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age on Election Day, and an ordinarily resident in Alberta. You can register to vote online. For more information, you can call toll free the Voter Information Centre at 1 (877) 422-8683. 

Make your vote count!

In Solidarity,

USW Local 1944

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