· A general contractor and community activist

· In 2003, awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for Lifetime Achievement and Community Service

· Studied music at Mohawk College in Hamilton

· Served three years with the Canadian Armed Forces in Medical Services

· Later worked for 13 years as a long-term health care employee at the Southwood Nursing Home

· Past President of CUPE Local 8

· Past Co-Chair of the Pride Calgary Association and the GLBT CUPE Caucus

· Member of Save the General (Hospital) and Friends of Medicare

· A founding member of Diversity in Society Coalition

· Member of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 285

· Received the Long-term Care Employee of the Year award from CUPE Alberta.

· 42 years old

· With Rick, his partner of 14 years, lives in

Calgary