MoveUP is proud to announce the late Addison Smith as this year’s recipient of the Ardell Brophy Award.

Addison became a MoveUP member when he joined ICBC in 2006 and, very quickly, involved himself in the work of our union by becoming a job steward. Over the years, he would immerse himself even more deeply in building up our union, being an active member on numerous committees and being a three-time executive councillor.

He also served in the role of Job Evaluations Appeals Officer with our union.

He was in the middle of his third term as an executive councillor when he succumbed to cancer in November 2025. Addison fought a courageous 21-month battle with his cancer diagnosis. Right until the end, he continued to help fellow members who needed support and guidance at work.

Addison had a tremendous desire to learn as much as he could about our union, but an even greater desire to be able to impart his knowledge onto his colleagues.

He was always someone who was there to provide help and support, someone who was always available when called upon.

“He never left anyone without an answer or without help” said MoveUP President Annette Toth, who cultivated a close friendship with Addison over the years. “If he couldn’t handle it when his health got worse, he never turned anybody away. Even in the last year of his life, he would send it off to other people to make sure the member was looked after.”

Addison dedicated himself to helping others. He was a facilitator for many of MoveUP’s courses, not to mention receiving the Instructor of the Year honours from the Insurance Institute of BC in 2022.

Addison was also not afraid to speak up when the moment called for it, and not afraid to be blunt. But he always did it with respect and with the intention to make our union better.

“Addison was never afraid to say it the way it was,” added Annette. “Sometimes we’re afraid to say to each other how things really are, but he never was. He said it with kindness. He said it with love.

“He was clear in what he believed, and he was passionate about this union. We were great friends. There were times when we didn’t agree on things, but that was okay because it didn’t change how much we appreciated each other.

“I would say his legacy at MoveUP is his kindness, the way he stood up and looked after our members, the way he stood up to the employer at ICBC, and the way he loved this union and loved the labour movement. He was proud to be part of it.”

The Ardell Brophy Award, created by MoveUP’s executive council in 2011, is presented annually to a MoveUP steward who demonstrates fierce dedication and commitment to their union, and who provides mentorship to new union activists.