Executive Board

Trish McAuliffe

Trish McAuliffe retired from General Motors in 2013, concluding a distinguished career that included 14 years as a classroom facilitator for Unifor’s Education Programs, with a specialization in Human Rights.

Following retirement, Trish remained actively engaged in public life. She ran twice as a federal candidate in the Whitby–Oshawa riding and served as president of the riding association from 2011 to 2016. A dedicated labour activist, she joined her local union’s retiree group, contributing to committee work and serving three terms on the executive board of Unifor Local 222 Retirees.

Trish is an active member of the Ontario Health Coalition and formerly served as co-chair of the Durham Chapter of the Ontario Health Coalition. She also served as President of Parkview Place, a non-profit senior housing residence in Oshawa.

A founding member of the Durham Region Chapter of the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC), Trish held the role of Recording Secretary from 2013 to 2017. In that role, she facilitated pre-retirement courses and “How to Lobby Government” workshops for the area council.

Community Awards and Recognition:
- CAW Windsor Women’s Network Award – ``Break the Silence``
- Ontario Health Coalition – Daniel Benedict Award
- Unifor Local 222 – Woman of Recognition Award (2013)
- Congress of Union Retirees of Canada – Recognition of Service Award

Mary Forbes

Barb Mikulec

Barb Mikulec is a retired Vancouver teacher who serves on the provincial Board of the BC Retired Teachers Association. Barb is chair of the R. R. Smith Memorial Foundation which the teachers support to fund literacy projects in BC and in developing countries.

She is first VP of COSCO the Council of Seniors Citizens Organizations of BC and serves on various committees including Finance, Communications and Strategic Policy. Barb is chair of the Seniors Health and Wellness Institute which facilitates over 300 free workshops yearly, throughout BC on healthy living, safety and financial literacy for seniors.

Through the Metro Vancouver Cross Cultural Seniors Network as a Board member, and South Vancouver Seniors Network she connects with advocates for aging well with dignity. Her commitment to Canadians is a major interest in serving as 1st VP of the National Pensioners Federation and working on the team planning their AGM/Conference in October, 2025.

Barb also serves on the Council of Advisors for the Seniors Advocate of BC.

Barry Thorsteinson

Barry has dedicated over a decade to the National Pensioners Federation (NPF), serving in various Executive roles for 11 of the past 15 years. He also contributed 12 years of leadership on the Executive of the CUPE Staff Retirees Association.

Following a 31-year career with CUPE—including 21 years in senior staff positions at the National Office—Barry continued his service by representing members on the CUPE Employees Pension Plan Joint Board of Trustees for 9 years.

Peter Johnston

Peter has been actively involved with Seniors and Retirees issues during his past 10 years of Retirement. He was elected to various elected Union Positions during his 33 years of work life as well as being involved in his community.

Peter is currently elected as 3rd Vice President with the National Pensioners Federation, elected as Executive Board Member of Unifor Local 222 Retirees Chapter. He is also elected as delegate for Congress of Union Retirees Canada {CURC}, Ontario Federation of Union Retirees {OFUR} and the Unifor Retired Workers Council.

In his free time, he enjoys football, motorsports, cooking and travel.

David Shier

David has been involved with retirees organizations for the past 10 years. He is currently a Vice President of the The Power Workers Union Retired Workers Chapter as well as his role with the NPF. During his career he was a Power Plant Operator with OPG/Ontario Hydro and also a long time member of his union and served as an elected representative as well as a Staff Officer. He was involved with the full scope of Union activities and served on many boards and Committees Nationally and Internationally. He resides just outside of Barrie Ontario and enjoys life.

Wayne Omardeen

Wayne retired 6 years ago after spending 31 as a police officer in Ontario. He currently sits on 3 other volunteer Board of Directors giving his time and experience freely.

Wayne is currently filling the role of secretary for the National Pensioners Federation, elected as president for the Police Pensioners Association of Ontario. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, travelling and pretending to know how to golf.