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Youngest and first female president of UFCW Local 1518 'made a positive difference in the lives of countless people' Published May 06, 2024 • Last updated May 07, 2024 • 2 minute read Kim Novak, who was the youngest and first female president of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1518, died over the weekend with family at her side. UFCW Local 1518 secretary Patrick Johnson said Novak had been an integral part of the union for many years. Article content "President Kimberly Novak led a remarkable life that made a positive difference in the lives of countless people," Johnson said. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. or Article content Novak, who was 38, had suffered a brain hemorrhage last week, UFCW Local 1518 confirmed. Novak held various leadership roles in Local 1518, including union representative, director, and secretary-treasurer. She also served as vice-president of UFCW International and on the UFCW Canada National Council. "When Kim was unanimously elected president of UFCW 1518 (in January 2019), she made history as the first woman and youngest leader of our union," Johnson said. "Kim dedicated her entire career to the fight for dignity and respect for all workers, leading the way not only for our union, but the wider labour movement." UFCW represents workers at Safeway, Save-on-Foods and several other grocery stores and businesses. B.C. Premier David Eby said in a statement that Novak's death was profoundly sad. "Kim was a bright light advocating for workers throughout B.C.," Eby said. "I send my heartfelt condolences to Kim's family, her two young sons, her sisters and brothers, and all those who loved her." The tragic loss of Kim Novak is a deep and profound sadness for those in the labour community, and an unimaginable loss for her family. Kim was a bright light advocating for workers throughout BC. (1/2) By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Article content Advertisement 3 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Kim's tireless advocacy and voice will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss… pic.twitter.com/6aRnJ7aGJt Advertisement 4 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Advertisement 5 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Novak graduated from UBC in 2007 and worked as a summer student for UFCW. "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," a statement on the union's website read. Novak was also on the board of the Community Savings Credit Union. UFCW 1518 has notified members that President Kim Novak died over the weekend, one week after she suffered a brain hemorrhage. #bcpoli #bcfed Advertisement 6 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content I'm deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kim Novak, President of @UFCW_1518. I'm honoured to have known Kim & I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, & colleagues. Her memory will continue to serve as inspiration to all those who fight for worker's rights pic.twitter.com/nIj3nSOZZX Advertisement 7 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content dcarrigg@postmedia.com Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add VancouverSun.com and TheProvince.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here. You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber: For just $14 a month, you can get unlimited access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province. Article contentSign In or Create an Account
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