Gord Delbridge, Winnipeg labour leader, dies

Gord Delbridge, president of CUPE Local 500, died suddenly Monday following a medical emergency.

A prominent labour leader in Winnipeg has died.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) confirmed Tuesday that Gord Delbridge, president of CUPE Local 500, died suddenly on Monday, according to a release from the organization. He was 55 years old.

“He was a strong and principled leader for Local 500,” said Gina McKay, CUPE Local 500 general vice-president, during a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

“He was a principled trade unionist, a passionate advocate for public services and an incredible voice for public, city, and municipal services on a civic, provincial, and national level.”

McKay said Delbridge suffered a medical emergency on Monday and died surrounded by his family.

Delbridge was elected president of CUPE Local 500 in 2015. The organization represents workers at the City of Winnipeg, Assiniboine Park Conservancy and the Winnipeg Humane Society.

“There hasn’t been a moment when Gord’s heart wasn’t centered on helping frontline workers in Winnipeg,” McKay said.

CUPE’s national organization also shared condolences.

“Gord’s tireless advocacy for the health and safety of workers and community members who rely on public services has led to tremendous improvements for both workers and the public,” said Mark Hancock, CUPE national president, in a statement.

“Gord was fiercely dedicated to the workers at the City of Winnipeg represented by CUPE, and his work has been felt from coast to coast.”

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham said he was deeply saddened by Delbridge’s death, calling him a tireless advocate for working people and a cornerstone of the province’s labour movement.

“Even when we disagreed, Gord and I could pick up the phone and have an honest, respectful conversation,” Gillingham said in a statement. “We understood that we had different roles to play, but we shared a desire to make Winnipeg a better place.”

Patrick Troughton, the current vice-president of the organization, will fulfil the duties as president until an election in 2027.