For immediate release: Mar. 8, 2003

EDMONTON – Alberta Union of Provincial Employees activist Mary Sillito of Calgary was named the second recipient of the union’s annual DOVE Award Saturday.

The award, which is presented each year on International Women’s Day, honours a female AUPE member who has made a major contribution to the betterment of women in the union. The award’s initials stand for Day of Validation and Equity.

"We’re very lucky to have a union sister like Mary Sillito in our union," said AUPE President Dan MacLennan. "She’s a strong and active steward who has always been there to support the members of her local and our union."
Sillito, a member of AUPE Local 001, which represents administrate support employees of the Alberta government, "believes in the empowerment of women and offers them the tools to achieve it," said Lynne Gingras, an AUPE vice-president and chair of the union’s Women’s Committee.

Gingras noted that any of the five nominees for the award this year "would have made a great recipient."
Sillito has served as the chair of Chapter 019 of Local 001 and the Local 001 Bargaining Committee, is a former member of the Women’s Committee, and assisted in the organization of the AUPE Women’s Conference in Edmonton last year.

"Mary’s outstretched arms have reached members throughout the province, her smile draws you in, and you know that you have a sister," said AUPE member Carleen Jenkins, who nominated Sillitoe for the honour.
Sillito received the award in a ceremony today at the Mayfield Inn in Edmonton.

Last year’s award was presented to Julie Cromarty, a long-time AUPE activist and organizer who is a member of AUPE Local 047/009 from Stony Plain.

For more information, contact:
Dan MacLennan, President, AUPE, 780-930-3301 or 780-910-8392 (cellular phone)
Lynne Gingras, Vice President and Women’s Committee Chair, AUPE, 780-446-7033 (cellular phone)
David Climenhaga, Communications Director, AUPE, 780-930-3311 or 780-717-2943 (cellular phone)