CUPE mourns sudden loss of CUPE Local 500 President Gord Delbridge

CUPE mourns sudden loss of CUPE Local 500 President Gord Delbridge

WINNIPEG, TREATY 1 – It is with immense sadness that CUPE informs the community of the passing of Gord Delbridge, President of CUPE Local 500. Gord passed away last night, surrounded by his loved ones.

The loss of Gord is being felt deeply by the CUPE family across Canada, and especially here in Winnipeg.
Gord Delbridge was elected President of CUPE Local 500 in 2015, proudly representing members at the City of Winnipeg and numerous other civic organizations, including the Assiniboine Park Conservancy and the Winnipeg Humane Society.

Prior to serving as President, Gord served as Local Vice-President during his career with the City of Winnipeg in the public arenas, where he proudly stated that public workers “make the best ice.”

Gord also served on CUPE’s National Executive Board as Regional Vice-President, as well as with CUPE Manitoba as Vice-President and Acting President.

“I’m not sure people know just how important Gord Delbridge has been to the City of Winnipeg and its workers,” said Gina McKay, President of CUPE Manitoba.

“Gord’s tireless advocacy for the health and safety of workers and community members who rely on public services has led to tremendous improvements for both workers and the public,” added Mark Hancock, CUPE National President.

“Gord was fiercely dedicated to the workers at the City of Winnipeg represented by CUPE, and his work has been felt from coast to coast.”

“There wasn’t a moment when Gord’s heart wasn’t centred on helping front-line workers in Winnipeg.”

“Gord’s strength as an advocate, his willingness to sit down and negotiate, and his resolve in the face of enormous challenges are what defined him,” said McKay.

“It’s safe to say that Gord’s voice at Council and committee meetings was instrumental in
ensuring our city’s public services remained public.”

Gord was unafraid to stand up to big developers and private corporations, famously pushing
back against privatization, the attempted sale of public golf courses, and fighting to protect
public snow clearing and garbage collection.

“Winnipeg meant everything to Gord, and I think Gord should mean everything to Winnipeg,”
said McKay.

The entire CUPE family extends our heartfelt condolences to Gord’s family, friends, and loved
ones.

CUPE will be working with Gord’s family to honour his legacy. More information will be shared
in the coming days.