Labour Appreciation Night
October 19, 2002 - St. Anne's Parish Centre
The fifth annual Labour Appreciation Night was held on Saturday, October 19th, 2002 at St. Anne's Parish Centre, 859 Barnardo Avenue. Forty trade union members and guests attended the awards evening.
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Bev Toivonen, President of the Peterborough and District Labour Council, introduced Hassan Yussuff, National Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress.
Hassan Yussuff spoke on the importance of our publicly-funded Medicare system. He stated that "this is a fight I do believe we can win," after returning that day from a trip to a Brampton demonstration in support of public health care. He also noted that, in spite of the action of the Ontario government to starve hospitals of needed funds, "there's no shortage of funds in this province to support health care." He also spoke against the efforts of the Eve's government to "undermine confidence in public education".
The federal government also came under criticism by Mr. Yussuff. He stated that Ottawa had given huge tax cuts to the rich while taking $50 billion out of unemployment insurance. While emphasizing that unemployment was still quite high, he pointed out that "less than 25% of the unemployed now receive benefits".
Mr. Yussuff also emphasized the successes of working people, noting that they were largely responsible for the creation of pensions, unemployment insurance, Medicare and universal education. He pointed out with pride that working families donated $260 million dollars to the United Way last year.
Health & Safety Award
The Health and Safety Award was accepted by Keith Riel, President of CAW Local 524, on behalf of the GE Canada/Local 524 Joint Health and Safety Committee, which, among many accomplishments, has embarked on a wide-ranging cancer study of workers at the Peterborough plant.
Labour Media Award
The Labour Media Award was presented to Heather Bickle of Ontario Public Service Emplyees Union Local 362, from the ministry of Natural Resources, who, together with Paul King-Fisher, produces and maintains the local's website. The award was given for the effectiveness with which that site was utilized during the 52 day OPSEU strike this past spring.
Community Service Award
The Community Service Award was given to Ray Peters, an active trade unionist for over 50 years, and a retiree with Canadian Auto Workers Local 524 (GE Canada). The award was presented for his life of activism, for his leadership of the United Citizen's Organization anti-proverty group, and for his efforts to found the Peterborough Community Legal Centre.
Labour Activist of the Year
The Labour Activist of the Year Award was presented to Marion Burton from Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 345 at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Mrs Burton's 12 years as a labour representative on the Employment Insurance Board of Referees and, more recently, her local activism with the Peterborough Electricity Coalition and the Peterborough Health Coalition earned her the award