From the Trades to Advocacy: Don Slater’s Legacy of Service
Brother Don Slater, a member of Local 359, has devoted himself to serving his community and advocating for people with disabilities across Alberta. His volunteer work has earned national and provincial recognition, including the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025, as well as the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.
Brother Don Slater with his medals
Don began his Boilermaker career after completing BCIT’s Entry Level Boilermaker program in 1993, having already earned his Welding Pressure B certificate. Inspired by his brother Dave, he entered a trade that would become an important part of his life. Early in his career, Don was injured in a car accident while on his home from a job. He initially hid his injury at subsequent jobs, in fear of being singled out for an early layoff. Worsening pain eventually forced him to retire on disability.
Although Don’s injury is not visible, it has left him living with chronic pain. He knows that people with invisible disabilities are sometimes treated as though their condition are not real, and that experience has strengthen his determination to help others. His volunteer work began with practical acts of service – finding an air-conditioning unit for one person and repairing electrical or plumbing problems for others. Over time, he became a vocal advocate, speaking publicly, meeting with politicians, and writing opinion pieces for newspapers across Alberta.
To further advance the cause, Don also ran for MLA in Edmonton 2023 provincial election and 2025 by-election. Today Don speaks for the disabled community at all events and is on the board for Albertans with Disability without Poverty.
Don still misses both the Boilermakers and the work. Years after leaving the trade, memories of the camaraderie in the lunchroom continue to make him smile. When he began speaking openly about his injury and chronic pain, he was deeply moved by the concern and support shown by his fellow Boilermakers.
Don explains why people should volunteer; “Volunteering is one of the quiet ways we remind ourselves that a human life has value beyond what it can produce or give back. To protect the vulnerable is to recognize that the measure of a society is not how it treats the powerful, but how gently it holds those who have been given the least strength to protect themselves”.
Thank you, Brother Don Slater, for your service to your community.