In memoriam: UBC and CUPE members join forces in creating a memorial to honour support staff tragedies

VANCOUVER, B.C.
The dedication of a serene meditation spot complete with a memorial plaque and stone benches all set under a giant, old cedar tree demonstrated the potential of co-operative possibilities at the University of British Columbia today September 15, 2005.

Colleen Garbe, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 116, university support staff, Dr Martha Piper, UBC president, Angela Schira, secretary-treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour and other labour and university dignitaries joined voices in highlighting the importance of community and co operation to the success of UBC.

Colleen Garbe, president of CUPE Local 116, university support staff, Dr Martha Piper, UBC president, Angela Schira, secretary-treasurer of the BC Federation of Labour and other labour and university dignitaries joined voices in highlighting the importance of community and co operation to the success of UBC.

Both Garbe and Piper drew attention to the fact that without union management co-operation the memorial would never have been built.

Garbe thanked the volunteer workers who built the memorial that is situated behind the Chan Centre, adjacent to the Rose garden.

About 150 staff and guests attended the dedication ceremony opened by Margaret Harris, an elder from the neighbouring Cree Community.

This is a welcome turn of events to dedicate a quiet location to remember tragedy. At York University we have had a dedicated memorial from the first anniversary of the Montreal Massacre.