Who we are? | BC Yukon CPAA

Who We Are

We’re the union behind rural mail. Representing over 900 Postmasters, Assistants, and Term employees in BC and the Yukon, the CPAA is made up of people who do more than sort and deliver letters—we anchor communities. When services shrink and towns get left behind, our members remain. We’re the human connection in the most remote parts of Canada, and we fight to keep it that way.

Board of Directors

Meet your Directors

Denise Sorenson

President

I’ve been with Canada Post for 28 years now, starting out in a term position and gradually working my way up to Postmaster in Salmo. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work in many different offices, from Yarrow to Elkford, and each one has taught me something new and helped me connect with incredible people.

For the past 12 years, I have also proudly served as part of the CPAA Union, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most fulfilling roles I’ve ever taken on. Being part of this union means standing shoulder to shoulder with colleagues who care deeply about each other and the communities we serve. I love this work, not just because I get to help people and solve problems, but because I know I’m contributing to something bigger than myself. Whether it’s advocating for fairness, supporting someone through a tough situation, or simply being a listening ear, every moment reminds me why this matters. It’s the sense of unity, the shared purpose, and the belief that together we can make things better. That’s what keeps me going.

Outside of work, I’m happiest when I’m golfing, gardening, going for walks, or playing games with my family and friends. I love traveling with my husband and cherish any time spent with our five amazing grandchildren. They’re the joy of my life.

I am proud to be a part of this team and grateful for the journey that has brought me here.

Sophie Shulist

Vice President

I planted my roots in the East Kootenays about 12 years ago, starting out with Canada Post as a term employee in Invermere. After saying “yes” to just about every shift that came my way, I eventually found myself Postmaster in Radium Hot Springs, a role I still proudly hold today. Somewhere along the way I also became a peer mentor, which just proves I don’t always know how to keep my hand down.

In 2024, I joined the CPAA BC & Yukon Board and never looked back. With a university education and a career history that zigzagged through different sectors, I finally found the right place to put my full skill set to use: advocacy, strategy, and building member power. Turns out, I was built for this union thing.

These days I focus on workplace wellness, conflict resolution, and strong communication, whether it’s WCB claims, STDP/LTD support, or tackling harassment and bullying issues with a mix of empathy and clarity. I also lead CPAA’s member engagement efforts, blending digital strategy with grassroots connections, because it takes more than email blasts to keep us united.

Random fact: my home is ruled by a three-legged princess cat.

If you enjoy sharp thinking, dry humour, and a no-nonsense approach to getting things done, we’ll probably get along just fine.

Janice Elliott

Treasurer-Secretary

While reflecting on my bio, I recognise that life has offered me unique opportunities for which I am grateful. I started late in my professional life with Canada Post and remember my first paycheck very well. It was the first one I had ever received, having always worked for myself. I was not pleasantly surprised lol, and so continued with some earlier contract work.

I started with CPC in Dec 2015, (yes, I know peak season) as a Postmaster in Cawston, which is in the South Okanagan. My first term working with CPAA was mostly as a covid Director and now into my second term I am your Secretary Treasurer, and I love this position for many reasons. Other than helping my husband with his business in the wine industry (not giving up that gig anytime soon) I have given up all contract work.

Cawston is a level 3, 16 hour a week Group office, and I was very happy there until my husband had a serious health situation (turned out to be temporary) BUT, one of us needed a full time job and so I transferred to Hedley….again, in December….slow learner.

My work with CPAA is truly a blessing. The new friends and wonderful colleagues make everyday fun, sometimes challenging but fun. I have learned so much and enjoy the interaction with members, the BC and Yukon Branch exec’s and believe I am making a difference. I have profound respect for our Provincial and National Boards who work behind the scenes to make our work environments equitable and safe.

My personal life is full of friends, family, fur babies, new recipes, and the wine to pair. I have also recently added a new hobby, succulents, and cacti. The balance between health, wealth and more travel is a joyful struggle.

Shona Brawdy

Director

Started with Canada Post in 2008 as a part-time assistant, now proudly serving as Postmaster of the Fort Langley post office since 2019—proof that postage stamps aren’t the only things that stick around! From part-time assistant to Postmaster, to being recruited as a peer mentor, and now a Director for your local CPAA, I strive to encourage empathy, understanding, and a commitment to doing what’s right in all that I do.

When I’m not collaborating with my team or navigating the mail maze, you’ll find me attempting a new craft, raising plant babies (and my human “babies,” who are now adults), or exploring the breathtaking beauty of BC and beyond with my husband. Our country is vast and beautiful!

As a lifelong learner, I may not have all of the answers yet, but I do believe leadership and teamwork are about heart, not hierarchy—and I’m here to make sure everyone feels heard, supported, respected, and inspired.

Jeff Bird

Director

With 30 years of experience running a successful business, my path to Canada Post started in an unexpected way. One day I was helping my daughter look for work and ended up discovering my own next chapter. Yes, she found a job too. I began as a term employee in Shawnigan Lake and built my role by saying yes to every opportunity. That included extra shifts, Health and Safety training, and serving as a Peer Mentor. During COVID, I played a major supporting role in developing the online retail RPOS training course that is still used today. I continue to work as both an RPOS and Postmaster Trainer. I now serve as Postmaster in Shawnigan Lake, BC, where I am proud of my team and deeply connected to the community we serve. Outside of work, I have a lifelong connection to sports and competition. I have coached and played hockey most of my life and was skating before I could walk. I was recently inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame as a Sprint Car Driver. These days I also enjoy biking, especially with the help of electric bikes, and traveling to Mexico with my wife whenever we get the chance. Family is a big part of my life. My wife and I have five kids, now young adults, and plenty of stories that come with them. I am excited to be part of a group dedicated to supporting members and strengthening our workplaces. I bring a hands-on mindset, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to helping wherever I can.

Second Section

Contact Us

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President: Denise Sorenson
Email: denise.cpaa@gmail.com
Cell: (250) 551-5711

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Vice President: Sophie Shulist
Email: sophie.cpaa@gmail.com
Cell: (250) 688-4338
Alternate: (250) 517-0740

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Secretary-Treasurer: Janice Elliott
Email: janice.cpaa@gmail.com
Cell: (778) 809-6717

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Director: Shona Brawdy
Email: shona.cpaa@gmail.com
Cell: (604) 866-5256
Office: (604) 888-3144

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Director:Jeff Bird
Email: jeffbird.cpaa@gmail.com
Cell: 250-208-8400

About CPAA

Our History

The Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association (CPAA) was founded in 1902 by rural Postmasters who were tired of being overlooked, underpaid, and isolated. With no support and no real voice in the system, they did what rural folks do best…they organized. That spirit of solidarity has carried through generations. Over 120 years later, the CPAA continues to represent the smallest and most remote post offices in the country, standing up for rural workers who are often the only federal presence in their communities. Here in the BC & Yukon Branch, our history is written across mountains, islands, back roads, and bush planes. From Pouce Coupe to Dome Creek, our members don’t just sort mail, they anchor communities. They’ve worked out of homes, trailers, general stores, and even portable buildings during emergencies. They’ve kept the lights on, sometimes literally, when no one else could.

We’ve weathered closures, automation, budget cuts, and endless rounds of "restructuring." But we’ve also won better wages, defended our rights under the Canada Labour Code, and protected the unique role of rural post offices in community life. And we did it all by standing together.

Our union is governed by elected postal workers, people who’ve felt the pressure of being short-staffed, the pride of serving isolated residents, and the frustration of being told their job doesn’t matter. They know what it’s like to do more with less, and they fight hard to ensure nobody in our network is left behind. Through it all, one thing has stayed the same: we believe rural doesn’t mean forgotten. We are the human face of Canada Post in small towns and fly-in villages, and we’re proud of it. We’re not just part of Canadian postal history—we’re still writing it. Whether you’re a member looking for information or a curious visitor wanting to learn more about rural postal work in Canada, welcome. We’re proud to do what we do.

How We’re Structured

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The CPAA is built from the ground up. Our power comes from our members—rural and remote postal workers who keep their communities connected. Every decision we make, every stand we take, is grounded in the will of our membership.

Members First: The highest authority in CPAA is our membership. All leadership positions, at the branch and national level, are elected by the members themselves. Whether you’re a Postmaster, Assistant, or Term employee, you have a voice, and it matters.

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National Level

The National Board is made up of:

The National President
The Vice President (English)
The Vice President (French)
The Directors from each of the 8 provincial/territorial branches:
- British Columbia / Yukon
- Alberta / Northwest Territories / Nunavut
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Maritimes
- Newfoundland / Labrador

The National Board meets regularly to address policy and by-laws, advocacy, bargaining, and coordination across the country. National Conventions, held every four years, are the decision-making body attended by elected delegates from every province and territory.

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Branch Level (e.g., BC & Yukon Branch)

Each branch has its own elected Board. For example, the BC & Yukon Branch includes:

President
Vice Presidents
Secretary-Treasurer
2 Directors

The Branch Board meets regularly to resolve member issues, communicate with management, run education campaigns, and represent the interests of rural workers in their region.

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Local Representation

While CPAA doesn’t use the “Shop Steward” model, local representation matters. Our elected Directors maintain direct contact with members in their areas and respond to grievances, workplace concerns, and corporate changes.

Support for discipline meetings or investigations
Help if you’re bypassed or facing workplace issues
Communication on policy and operational changes

If a member needs support, one of us is available.