Mildred ?Millie? Irene Canessa
July 20, 1927 - February 19, 2017

Long-time trade unionist and social activist Millie Canessa passed away Sunday morning.

An ardent defender of human rights and social justice causes including gender equality and workers' rights, Millie dedicated most of her life to bettering her community.

Millie joined the Government Employees' Association in 1967, prior to the certification of the BCGEU in 1974. She was active in the Woodlands Branch of what was then called the Mental Health Branch of the Association, and she served as an officer and steward of her local and of BCGEU?s Administrative Services Component until her retirement in 1985. 

Millie was granted BCGEU?s Life Membership ? the union?s highest honour ? in 1987, and through her involvement with BC FORUM (BC Federation of Retired Union Members), COSCO (Council of Senior Citizens? Organization) and the BCGEU Active Retired Members Committee, she championed the rights of working people long after she retired.

Millie was featured in the recent BCGEU documentary: We are the Union: Women's Work where she spoke about her experiences striving towards gender equality both in the workplace and within the labour movement.

We all send our heartfelt condolences to Millie?s family.