Victoria, B.C. – CUPE BC has a new leader. Delegates to the union’s 50^th Annual Convention have elected Mark Hancock as President, replacing the retiring Barry O’Neill.

 

Hancock, who came out of Local 498, Port Coquitlam Municipal Workers, says  Barry O’Neill, CUPE BC President for the past 16 years, “has left very big shoes to fill-and he can never be replaced-but I will do my best every day to support CUPE members and locals in every region of our province. I also want to congratulate Paul Faoro on his election as Secretary-Treasurer, and look forward to working with him over the coming term.”

 

O’Neill was voted an honourary life membership in CUPE BC by delegates as he presided over his final convention. "Serving as president of this great organization has been one of the great privileges and joys of my life," said O’Neill. "I am confident that I am leaving the office of President in great hands. Mark Hancock is a great activist and leader.”