Legendary Sudbury labour leader to receive one of Canada's highest civilian honours
Sudbury-born Leo Gerard, former international president of the United Steelworkers, will be invested this week as a companion Order of Canada. (File)
Sudbury-born Leo Gerard will be invested this week as a companion Order of Canada.
Gerard, 77, rose to become the International President of the United Steelworkers (USW). His appointment was announced last year, but he will formally receive the honour at a ceremony Oct. 3 from Governor General Mary Simon.
"Leo Gerard is one of the most influential labour leaders in modern history," said a news release Tuesday from Simon's office.
"Working his way from shop steward to president of United Steelworkers International, he advocated for workers’ rights, global solidarity, fair trade and social justice, while also making labour a partner with environmental organizations. He helped create Workers Uniting, the largest international union, and was a driving force behind IndustriALL Global Union, which supports millions of workers and their families worldwide."
"I am honoured and overwhelmed to be appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada," Gerard said in a USW news release when his appointment was first announced.
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"I want to acknowledge the undeniable fact that this tremendous honour deserves to be shared by so many others, from my family to the members of my great union, to the countless other labour, social justice and political activists whom I was privileged to work alongside for five decades."
Leo Gerard is one of four people to receive the companion honour, while 22 officers and 30 members will be invested this week at the ceremony at Rideau Hall. (Supplied)
"Under Gerard’s leadership, the USW grew as a force to be reckoned with at bargaining tables and in politics," the union's news release said.
"A determined and irrepressible voice for working people everywhere, he was widely sought out as a media commentator on labour, economic, political and trade issues."
He retired in 2019 after serving 18 years as USW International President.
Gerard is one of four people to receive the companion honour, while 22 officers and 30 members will be invested this week at the ceremony at Rideau Hall.
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