About Brad

Brad Brake is a Qalipu Mi’Kmaq First Nation member, President of UNW Local 2, and employed as Correctional Officer with the Northwest Territories Department of Justice. Brad joined the department in 2000 and has been a dedicated employee since that time. He has spent 17 years as an activist and supporter of the Union of Northern…

Union Leadership

Brad has over 17 years of union experience, involvement and activism. He has participated on bargaining teams, local executive leadership, UNW executive leadership, PSAC committees, campaign organization, reinvigorated non-functioning locals/committees, member representation/grievance handling, and many other activities. Male Regional Representative, Public Service Alliance of Canada Aboriginal People’s Circle Local President, Union of Northern Workers Local…

Municipal Leadership

In October of 2012, Brad ran for and won the Mayor’s seat in the Fort Smith Municipal Election. Brad brings a positive attitude and dedication to helping others to all his roles. As Mayor he enacted many policies that increased accountability and oversight in all the community. In 2013 he led the Town of Fort…

Governor Generals Canadian Leadership Conference

Brad is one of only 1700 alumni of the Governor Generals Canadian Leadership Conference. This conference is the pinnacle of leadership development in Canada and is endorsed by the Governor General of Canada. The conference brings together leaders from many fields so they can share their knowledge with each other and learn from touring a…

Professional Background

Summary: Over 17 years of experience as a Union Member and Activist and National Table Officer.  Brad has a vast amount supervisory and leadership experience, 6 years’ Experience as a Component Executive, 3 years as Mayor of Fort Smith, NT one of the largest communities in the NT Facilitated numerous training and workshop sessions to…

Newsfeed

Fort Smith mayor chooses politics after leadership conference Brake returned from the conference with a new attitude. “It was a game-changer, man,” he said. “It was complete and utter change for me.” “It motivated me a bit more and it showed me that I had something to offer still, whereas with all my defeats I…

Gallery

Some pictures from Brad’s 17 years of activism and activity in the North.  Brad works hard in all his roles and has a deep love of helping and promoting the Union of Northern Workers & its members.    

March to Protest Cuts

Brad has been protesting cuts since joining the union.  He has also organized campaigns against cuts to Seniors Health Benefits and against Privatization of Electrical Creation in the Northwest Territories.  Brad also organized a successful Get out the Vote campaign during a territorial election.

Protest Aurora College Cuts

When Aurora College announced that there would be program cuts for Social Work and Teacher Education Program the community and students rallied to protest and Brad and other Local Officers marched beside them to protest.  

Former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson

The Governor Generals Leadership Conference gives brad access to alumni in many major segments of society.  They are all leaders in their fields and are linked by a common experience. Former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, beautiful lady and wonderful orator. Brad and Adrienne discussed women’s child bearing rights and the necessity to have these taught…

Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew

NDP Leadership candidate for Manitoba, Wab and Brad shared a supper and discussed leadership and organizational change and why it is needed now more than ever. They met at a panel discussion Wab and former Prime Minister Paul Martin gave at the Gardener Museum. Brad attended with a number of northerners who posed 2 of…

Mayor of Calgary

With Mayor of Calgary Naheed Nenshi in Inuvik at their multi-purpose facility in the bounce houses. Naheed is an alumnus of the GGCLC and shared insight on progressive leadership.

Long Service Award

Brad receiving a plaque From UNW 1st Executive Vice-President and friend Gayla Thunstrom. Brad received the award for 10 years dedicated service to the Union of Northern Workers as an Executive officer and Local Officer.  Brad worked alongside Sister Thunstrom and a number of other Executive members over these 10 years.

Canadian Labour Congress

With Barb Byers, National Vice president of the Canadian Labor Congress, Barb is a leader, friend and mentor to Brad.

Fort Smith Town Council

Brad was elected as Mayor in 2012 and was Mayor until 2015.  During his 3 year term he undertook a revamping of the council policy and procedures.  Brad’s policy changes are considered best practice for councils and provide oversight and accountability in councils governance role.  His procedures are followed by Fort Smith Town Council. During…

Kraft Celebration Tour

After a Catastrophic fire left Fort Smith without its arena, Brad and a number of citizens rallied the community to enter the Kraft Celebration Tour competition.  The Town of Fort Smith and it’s 2400 citizens had to compete with Whitehorse a City of 24,000.  It was truly a David and Goliath situation.  Fort Smith racked…

National Day of Mourning

April 28 is the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the Job.  Brad as President of Local X0002 organized a chili lunch that was well attended and those in attendance held a moment of silence after being told of the meaning and importance of this remembrance.