MY COMMITMENT TO YOU
I will continue to be accessible to every member and will remain open to the hard but necessary conversations about the best ways to continue moving our union forward. All members of HSAA care deeply about their ability to provide the best patient care, and there is a lot of work ahead to ensure that we remain a key voice in the conversations that will determine our ability to provide that care. I take extreme pride in our work as members of HSAA, and in the trust you have placed in me as your president. I stand committed to your rights as frontline health care workers, and to protecting the care of those that need us–most.
“In solidarity our voice is strong, and our voice is united.”
QUALIFICATIONS
Mike Parker has been a first responder since 1992, volunteering in his local community of Coaldale, Alberta. He went on to work in the private ambulance industry in Andrew, Lamont, Morinville and Athabasca, before moving to Edmonton in 1996. He graduated as a paramedic in 1999.
He has been involved in the labour movement for many years, serving as a steward and as vice-president of his local with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). He became a member of HSAA in 2009 and served on the board before being elected as Vice-President in 2015. The following year, he became President. Mike has always been a strong proponent of the role of unions in protecting the rights of citizens and of the public sector in providing vital services.
Mike has also served as a volunteer with Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT), providing emergency assistance after disasters in the Philippines, Pakistan and Nepal. He has been recognized by the Governor General of Canada with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers for embodying the caring country we hope to build, and the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal for his more than 20 years of setting a high level of conduct while providing pre-hospital emergency aide.
As HSAA’s President, Mike is committed to helping Local Units create the conditions to ensure greater member engagement, knowing that we are all stronger when we work together.
AWARDS
Alberta Emergency Services Medal (AESM)
The Alberta Emergency Services Medal (AESM) honours emergency services personnel who are involved in supporting emergency prevention, preparedness and response in Alberta, and who have committed 12, 22, 32, 40 years of service.
Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II
The Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal will be awarded to 7,000 Albertans throughout 2022 in recognition of significant contributions to the province.
Most medals will be officially presented to recipients at presentation ceremonies, which will be organized by program partners. The Lieutenant Governor will also be holding medal presentation ceremonies throughout the year.
Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal
The Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal, created on July 7, 1994, recognizes professionals in the provision of pre-hospital emergency medical services to the public, who have performed their duties in an exemplary manner, characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency.
Sovereign Medal for Volunteers
ACTIVE BOARD PARTICIPATION
- Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL)
- Local Authority Pension Plan (LAPP)
- National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE)
- Parkland Institute
- Public Interest Alberta (PIA)
- Public Services International (PSI)
- United Nations Speaker on issues of protecting frontline healthcare workers.