About CUPE Local 46

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My name is Jason Fenske and I am your current CUPE Local 46 President.

I started working for the City of Medicine Hat in November of 2004 as a Millwright/Pump Operator for what was then called Water and Sewer Dept. 

We had moved to Medicine Hat area because it was such a beautiful and clean City. Parks were green and manicured, streets were always clean, there were flowers and flower beds all over City properties, weather was beautiful, and the City was vibrant. There were care homes, retirement villas, libraries, museums, concert venues, and affordable housing. We had family and friends in Redcliff which was also clean and vibrant. Neither location was too big for a Saskatchewan country boy to adapt to, but they were big enough to supply more than any person could ever want in a city. Taxes and utilities were low then, and we had an advantage of being the Gas City. 

Of course, some things have changed over the years, the gas fields are mostly sold off, some of the advantages are gone, budgets have changed the services we can provide, but we still have beautiful communities. I am proud of how CUPE members keep trying to do more with less to keep Medicine Hat and Redcliff beautiful and functional. Both inside and outside workers continue to serve the public every day and make our communities great places to live. 

The pension was the main reason I took the job, I had seen many in my family try to retire with limited means and we wanted better than that. When I got my first pay stub, I saw the union dues deductions and decided to find out where that was going. I attended my first Union meeting in January 2005. I had also been hired into a position that was undergoing a JJEC review so wanted to ask what that process involved. Everyone was welcoming and I decided to attend all the meetings I could as I learned quickly that this was where many decisions were made that would affect me and my career.

By the time September 2005 rolled around I was comfortable asking questions and speaking at meetings. I was nominated for the Executive and elected in April 2005.

I have held many positions in CUPE Local 46 over the years and have learned something from all of them. I was the Treasurer for the Alberta Municipal Employees Committee for 18 years, and I sit on the CUPE Alberta Division Executive.

I spent many years learning the roles, building relationships, and networking before I decided it was time to run as the President of CUPE Local 46 and have been serving members in this role full-time since April 2022.

My name is Danielle Ellerman, and I proudly serve as the Secretary Treasurer for Local 46.

I have called Medicine Hat home for most of my life. My journey began at 19 when I started working as a lifeguard, a role that sparked my passion for aquatic services. Today, I am the Aquatic Coordinator, overseeing five facilities and leading a team of up to fifty lifeguards.

My union involvement started in 2017 as a Steward, later expanding to the Executive Committee, and in April 2025 I was elected Secretary Treasurer. Beyond Local 46, I am actively engaged with the Medicine Hat District Labour Council and the Southern Alberta District Council.

Being part of the union has helped me grow as an individual, develop new skills, and embrace opportunities I never imagined. I am deeply grateful for the support, mentorship, and solidarity that the union has provided throughout my journey.