Ardell Brophy Award
Ardell Brophy donated her talents as a standup comedian to raise money for countless causes and has mentored many up-and-coming female comics. She first served MoveUP members on the Executive Board before becoming a union representative at the union office for over 18 years. She passed away in 2015 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
This annual award is presented to MoveUP stewards who demonstrate fierce dedication and commitment to their union, and who provide mentorship to new union activists.
The MoveUP executive council created the award in Ardell’s honour in 2011. The past recipients of the award are Lori Watt (2011), Stephen Von Sychowski (2012), Karen Cirez (2013), Laurie Kirk (2014), Joyce Galuska (2015), Heather Christie (2016), Linda Kemp (2017), Cenen Bagon (2018), Brian Martens (2019), Colleen Rayner (2020), Graeme Hutchison (2021), Bryan Finstad (2022), Tejbir Basi (2023), and Shelly Johnston (2024).
Click here for application information.
Fred Trotter Memorial Scholarship(s)
Amount and quantity to be determined by Board of Trustees annually
The Fred Trotter scholarships are in honour of past president Fred Trotter. Applications are open to individuals who are 17 years of age or older and are, or intend to be, enrolled in a course, seminar, workshop or course of studies relating to labour/industrial relations that supports the goals, values and objectives of the labour movement. These must be sponsored by, or forming part of, the curriculum of a community college, college, university, technical institute, professional organization, labour organization or education organization.
Applicants must submit an application form with a statement outlining the benefits of union membership in today’s workplace and the positive impact that the labour movement has had on Canadian society.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Fully completed applications, including proof of acceptance to a course or program, must be received at the MoveUP office by no later than 4:30 p.m. on the last business day of May.
Click here for application information
Opal Skilling Memorial Scholarship
One $1,000 scholarship
Opal Skilling was the long-serving Secretary-Treasurer of COPE 15, one of MoveUP’s forerunners. Opal was dedicated to women’s rights and the recognition of women’s work.
MoveUP awards a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to one qualified recipient per year. The Opal Skilling Memorial Scholarship will provide financial assistance towards continuing education in labour studies, women’s studies or gender studies. The scholarship will be available to MoveUP members, spouses and their dependents who identify as a woman.
Click here for application information.
Peter Corren Award
Created in 2018, the Peter Corren Award serves to acknowledge a member or retiree, living or deceased, who has volunteered their time and energy to ending discrimination against First Nations, 2SLGBTQIA+, Persons Living with Disabilities and/or Persons of Colour.
This award will be given to the nominee who has displayed a passion for grassroots advocacy within the four equity groups that the Human Rights & Multicultural Committee supports as defined by the Canadian Labour Council and BC Federation of Labour.
Past recipients: Gurpreet Sran (2018), Vanessa Sharma (2021), Zoran Stjepanovic (2024)
Click here for application information.
About Peter:
Peter Corren was a 20-year MoveUP member, dedicated job steward and a pioneer activist with his committed and tenacious pursuit of social justice.
Peter and his husband Murray were prominent gay activists in Metro Vancouver for many years. They were both instrumental in the fight to legalize gay marriage, became one of the first same-sex couples to marry in Canada and, most notably, they were the mighty force that changed the BC education system.
On April 28, 2006, the Correns and the Ministry of Education signed a private agreement after a lengthy fight that started when the Correns filed a human-rights complaint against the Ministry in 1999. This became known as the “Corren Agreement” setting an unprecedented change to the BC school system to introduce a new Grade 12 elective about social justice and forced the introduction of pro-LGTBQ2S+ curriculum.
Peter passed away in December 2009 after a long battle with cancer leaving behind his husband, Murray, and their son, Brent.
Calgary & District Labour Council Scholarship
Every year, the Calgary and District Labour Council offers two $2,500 scholarships in memory of past president S’ean Gillen.
MoveUP is affiliated with the Calgary & District Labour Council, meaning our members who have been in good standing for a year or more, as well as their spouses and dependents, are eligible for the scholarship.
The scholarships are available for education or training from a recognized educational institutions in Alberta.
Click here for application information.
