Muriel Overgaard Interview: First Woman President of CUPE BC
Muriel Overgaard was born in Elbow, Saskatchewan in 1920. She went on to become the first female President of CUPE BC, serving from 1976-1980, and ran as an MLA for the NDP. She played a significant role in establishing CUPE’s Women’s Committee, the first for any BC union, and in the establishment of the municipal pension plan.
This interview was conducted by Ken Novakowski on January 28, 2017 in Victoria, BC. It is part of our Oral History Collection.
Muriel Overgaard was born in Elbow, Saskatchewan in 1920. She went on to become the first female President of CUPE BC, serving from 1976-1980, and ran as an MLA for the NDP. She played a significant role in establishing CUPE’s Women’s Committee, the first for any BC union, and in the establishment of the municipal pension plan. Her grandson, Rich Overgaard, currently works in communications for the BCTF and previously for CUPE BC, and was present during the interview at Muriel’s home.