Kim Novak believed the heart of UFCW 1518 was its members. 

She was a passionate advocate for social justice who’s first experience in our union was as a Safeway clerk, fighting for what’s right for members. Although she once considered a future in the legal profession, Kim’s job as a summer student for UFCW 1518 showed her the power of organized labour to make a real difference in workers’ lives.

After graduating with a degree in history from the University of British Columbia in 2007, Kim worked at the union in various positions, including communication representative, union representative, director and Secretary-Treasurer. In 2019, the Executive Board unanimously elected her as the youngest, and first female, President of UFCW 1518. Committed to instituting change on a global scale, Kim was also elected to the Vice Presidency of UFCW International. 

Kim was committed to bringing about positive change on issues that matter to members through education, engagement and empowerment. Her vision for the union was to continue building member power in the workplace and for UFCW 1518 to become a leader in human rights and equity, fighting for fairness one member at a time.

We mourn the loss of a visionary who took our movement to new heights and acknowledge the immeasurable impact she made on our members. Together, we honour her memory and recommit to the values she championed throughout her career.