June 6, 2018 - It is with great sadness that USW Local 1944 announces the passing of Brenda Forward, the Local's Regional Executive Officer for Ontario, on June 6, 2018.

Brenda was a proud member of USW Local 1944 for fourteen years from Unit 501 in Barrie, Ontario. She has been involved in social activism since the young age of 16. Her brother and father worked for Bell Canada and were shop stewards. Brenda studied trades and technology in college. She became a Telus employee in 2004 as a client care representative, and later in service 2.0.
 
Sister Brenda Forward has been a long-time advocate for our members in Ontario. She has served in various positions for our Local. She was currently serving as Shop Steward and Unit Counsellor. Brenda was previously elected as vice-president and president of Unit 501. On the national level, she was acclaimed on the Education Committee in 2008 and was a Finance Committee officer from 2008 to 2016. Brenda was appointed to the Merger Selection and Advisory committees in 2013 and 2014.
 
Thanks to her dedication and commitment to building a stronger future for our members, Sister Forward was part of the Executive Board since 2015, as the Regional Executive Officer representing Ontario.
 
When she was not busy upholding our members' rights, Sister Forward enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren in Barrie.
 
USW Local 1944 is very grateful for her many years of active and dedicated service. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues, friends and Local 1944 members across Canada.
 
In Solidarity,
 
USW Local 1944