BC FORUM News - from The Advocate, October, 2014

The dream never dies

By Diane Wood, President, BC FORUM

Gerald (Gerry) William Dale Edwards, 1934 – 2014

Gerry Edwards’ dream was simple to state, much harder to achieve. Social justice. A civil society. Respect for working people.

Throughout his life, he worked towards achieving that dream for his family, for his union sisters and brothers, and for all Canadians. He is known in the movement as a true union and social activist.

Gerry began his working life as a heavy equipment operator, helping to build the Trans-Canada highway. He subsequently worked at a pipe and tube mill in Regina where he became active in the Steelworkers Union. He served for 12 years as President of the 2,000 member Regina Local of the union.

An exceptional organizer, he joined the union’s staff, serving in many roles for 20 years. Before his retirement in 1998, he was the Steelworkers’ area supervisor for B.C. and the Northwest Territories.

His work didn’t end at retirement. Gerry became the union’s representative on the BC FORUM board of directors in 1996, assuming roles ranging from Chairperson of the resolutions committee to First Vice- President and President.

During his time as President, BC FORUM was deeply involved in the fight against the HST, Harper’s plans to undermine public pensions, and the federal election that vaulted the NDP into the official opposition.

A lifelong member of the CCF and its successor the NDP, Gerry worried that the Harper government is unravelling the social contract, criticizing its “continuing series of tax giveaways to corporations and the wealthy.”

“The income gap between rich and poor is growing wider,” he wrote in March, 2012.

“Retired workers, and workers close to retirement, are already being squeezed by risky markets, low interest rates on savings, stagnant incomes, and the rising cost of everyday household expenses....

“Surely some of the elite could be asked to pay a fair share of taxes. And surely public pensions are at least as important as prisons and figher jets.”

Later in 2012, Gerry reluctantly stepped down from his duties as President of BC FORUM due to ill health.

“Collectively, as we did through our unions, we have the power to contribute much to improve the lives of ordinary people in our province, and in our country,” he said.

“While my own circumstances make it necessary for me to take a step back, I know that BC FORUM will be in the good hands of an active, energetic and involved board of directors. There is much to do. Let’s get it done!” he said.

Gerry died on August 31, a week short of his 80th birthday. Predeceased by his wife Sharon, he is survived by his daughter, five sons, ten grandchildren, six great grandchildren, nieces and nephews – and by his dream for a better world.