Thank you for the opportunity to serve

You and I started a journey almost 3 years ago. In this last few years, I've learned a lot about this position, a lot about you, but I've learned a lot about myself.
For me, this journey goes back a long way. It hasn't always been easy, but I knew that about the job at least.
But the journey is going to end for me soon.
Folks I'm not going to seek a second term as your local president.
Thank you for this opportunity, you've taught me more than I can possibly explain here.
Fear not, however. I've seen the spirit of our local and know that we are strong; and getting stronger. I'm excited at the prospect at handing the keys to the next generation of leaders right here in Nanaimo.
Nanaimo Ferryworkers are the best in the fleet and we'll continue to be this way well into the future.

Thank you for everything

Peter Kelly
Local 2 President

Empowerment

I have been a study of politics at many levels in many regions. I have seen speeches and essays written by many powerful thinkers. The overall message is this: that its not up to politicians exclusively to bring change, its up to citizen activists to demand it.

Former US President Kennedy summed it up like this: "..ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.". President Obama coins it like this, "America's not about what can be done for us, its about what can be done by us..".

In this contest, if I can accomplish one thing from our membership, its to inspire every member to take a piece of this union and own it. Grow it. Build it, and yes, fix it.

I wish for every member to consider ways to involve themselves with its operations. At a local level, this means joining and participating in committees as they're formed. Attending local meetings. Giving factual information to new members and encouraging those who have had their faith shaken in the union movement in the past.

The more of us that share in the heavy lifting, the easier the lifting gets for all of us.

We are the union.

All of us. Together.

What I believe

In every election, for whatever government or assembly you're asked to choose for, you get a chance to measure your values and beliefs vs the candidates asking for your support.
Most times, what you get, is a set of well rehearsed talking points and focus-group-honed policies as determined by a party's central office. Ask a candidate what they believe, and chances are you'll get a blank stare.
So I will put this out there so that you all know the things I believe on the issues that I believe matter the most.
I believe;

• That we are all in this together: none of us are an island, what affects one, may affect many. The welfare among the least of us matters as much as the greatest of us.
• That the best ideas don't necessarily come from politicians: the quietest voice in the room might have the answers; the most unlikely of us may rise to the occasion and lead; and leaders must be ready to follow sometimes.
• That I can be wrong sometimes: for whatever I have learned along the way within our union, about the contract, constitution, bylaws, I can always improve my knowledge base; I get it wrong sometimes and I am not to stubborn to be corrected either.
• All of us, not just some of us: for the coming challenges, whether in contract talks, grievance proceedings and general union/management affairs, or inter-union matters, I believe that our philosophy should be anchored around "all of us"; all of us gain or none of us gain. All are protected or none are protected. All of us progress, or none of us do.

I'm not running for President of Local 2 because I think y'all need to be lead. I'm running because I believe that y'all should be heard. 

I'm in!

That's right. After over 15 years of being a ferryworker, I'm taking the plunge. I have submitted my nomination paperwork as a candidate for President of Local 2 (BCFMWU).
This wasn't an easy choice for me and I am not oblivious to the challenges ahead. But if we work together, and stand united, we can achieve far more than a house divided.

Read my bio and leaflet here

Thank you and take care!

In solidarity,

Peter Kelly