Dean Patriquin

I am the Director of Training here at Local 247. We run Government sponsored and Membership programs at four centres across B.C. I have been a member of UFCW since 1986. I became active with the Union soon after as a shop steward which led me to several opportunities, such as; negotiation committee, organizing, strikes, executive board and Federal, Provincial and Civic elections. I was then hired by the International Union as a Representative and assisted locals across Canada before I was hired by Local 777 (Local’s 777 and 2000 merged to become 247)

Through the years by my own experience and witnessing others develop better skills offered by the Training Centres I took a vested interest in making education a large part of the Local. We have developed many programs over the years to cater to a wide range of interests, from computers, languages, financial, certificate courses, photography, personal development and any other course that would help with life long learning. Where our members do not have access to one of our buildings we have on line courses with more coming this year with co-operation from the National office.

I look forward to many more years of meeting and hearing from fellow members with their suggestions of what they would like to see offered from us.

Ximena Mastrodonato

I have been working at the UFCW 247 Training and Education Centre since March 2005 in various administrative capacities. Over the years, I have worked with many of the training centre’s Managers and Coordinators to ensure the seamless operation of training and programs. In July 2011, I took on the exciting job of Coordinator of Membership Programs.

I am now focused on providing the membership with the types and styles of programs and events that will encourage life-long learning. I believe that every opportunity to better our skills will improve our lives. I want to make opportunities available to the members that will allow them to keep learning and growing throughout their lives.

Any learning can lead to a greater joy and a feeling of fulfillment in our life. My goal is to make this a reality for any member that wants to reach out and start expanding their horizons.

I look forward to hearing from you and all your ideas and suggestions.

E-mail: training (at) ufcw247 (dot) ca
Phone: 604.523.5421

Nolan Eddy

Nolan has been with the UFCW 247 Training Centre since 1993 and has been involved in Adult Education for more than 22 years. He helped to organize the first membership education committee and has been an active member since the first meeting in 1998. He enjoys meeting with membership representatives and encourages all members to provide feedback and input on the activities of the Training Centre.

Nolan has a certificate in Community Economic Development, and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from SFU. He currently develops and implements community outreach programs for the Training Centre.

Dawn Stevenson

My name is Dawn Stevenson. I currently work at Real Canadian Superstore, store #1521, and have been with the Company for over 13 years. This past year I became a shop steward and I also joined the education committee to get more involved, I have met some great people! Why not check out some of the great courses offered!!!

Karen Christiansen

My name is Karen Christiansen and I have worked at Safeway for 24 years. I have been a shop steward for many years and just recently became involved with the training center. I believe that learning is a lifelong journey and I am happy to be involved in the planning of that experience for myself and others. I have taken advantage of the courses that the training center has to offer and have thoroughly enjoyed them. My son and his friends have also taken courses at the center including completing the boating course and getting their licenses. I have also taken several courses on the Web Campus website. I am currently pursuing a certificate in Health and Safety and I have learned a great deal about what is happening within my industry. The support that I have received from the training center and the Web Campus staff has been tremendous. I hope that you will read this and be inspired to take advantage of the opportunities that the training center has for you and your family.

Sharon Baillie

I have been a member of local 247 and employed with Canada Safeway for 22 years. I have been a Shop Steward for about 17 of those years as well as on the Health & Safety Committee for about 7 years. The last two years I have had the opportunity to be a part of forming the collective agreement, including being on the negotiating committee. This also gave me the opportunity to be a part of the BC Federation conference held in November 2008. During this time I was informed of and encouraged to join the Education Committee at our Training Centre. I have only joined the Education Committee this year (2009), but my goal is to reach out to other members. We have a great facility and I hope I can help to continue bringing great programs to our members.

Shona Smith

I have been a member of UFCW 247 for 33 years at Canada Safeway, currently in the Sunwood Square Store (Store 20), Coquitlam. I have been involved with the Training Centre for a number of years now.

I first started thinking about lifelong learning when we went out on strike in 1996 and wondered what I could do with my future. I realized that many of us were totally unprepared for the ever changing "technological" world out there, should we have to find work or even in every day life.

That inspired me to become active in the Training Centre and become an education committee member, student, and Instructor. We have a strong belief in "members teaching members". I teach computer classes and the occasional craft class and hope that I have helped my brothers and sisters of UFCW 247 and their families, face the daunting world of technology with their heads held high and confidence in their hearts.

I was also very fortunate and was able to temporarily look after the membership programs at the training centre for 8 months. I was able to meet and speak with many of you whom I would never otherwise have had the pleasure of meeting, I enjoyed it very much and thank you all for making it a great experience.

Tima Burgess

20 years ago I became a member when I started working at Superstore in the front end. This is where I became active as a shop steward, on the health & safety committee, and started taking courses at the Training Centre. I was very impressed with the courses, and learned new skills and confidence that changed my life. I wanted to inform and educate my fellow members of what is available and possible, to share my experience, so I joined the education committee and became a Train the Trainer graduate.

Before becoming a Staff Representative, I had the great privilege of working as the Membership Coordinator for 4 1/2 years, where I had the great pleasure in meeting and training fellow members as shop stewards as well as receive input and feedback from members to help coordinate and offer the courses and workshops they wish to have available.

I encourage you to visit our Training Centre, take some of our courses, and to come share your ideas and suggestions at one of meetings.

Remember...the courses and workshops available at our Training Centre are open to all of our UFCW 247 members AND their families.