The Grey Bruce Labour Council (GBLC) held its annual dinner Activist Award presentation on October 30th (2023).
Participants from many unions and the United Way Bruce Grey attended the event held at the Royal Canadian Legion Tara Branch 283.
This year was unusual in that there were two awards presented. The first was a presentation to the Society of United Professionals. GBLC Vice-President, Dave Trumble, in presenting the award said that, “In addition to the long list of progressive actions, the SUP’s standing fast against the rising tide of hatred and bullying tactics in the region has been outstanding. This has been a moral and ethical collective of responsibility.”
The second award, for Health and Safety Awareness, was presented to Fort Papalia, retiring President of Kincardine Pride. Trumble said that the award was presented to Papalia for his leadership, dedication and tireless energy in his ongoing initiative for the Kindardine Pride Parade. “His ongoing commitment and dedication has saved the LGBTQ community from harassment, intimidation and violence and, therefore, the GBLC is proud to present this award for Health and Safety Awareness.”
Papalia commended the GBLC for its help at the outset of the Kincardine Pride parade. “Right away, they said that we had their support and they have continued with that support and encouragement. The GBLC and their affiliates’ dedication, commitment and leadership has been so inspiring over the years.”
During the annual event, Francesca Dobbin, Executive Director of Grey Bruce United Way, also presented the challenges that the organization is currently experiencing. “The numbers to help with heating bills has grown exponentially,” said Dobbin, “and as we head into winter, it will only get worse. Things are very tough out there. There is a lot of need in the community. People are going backwards – seniors are living in tents and people are living in their cars because they can’t afford the rents and wages are not keep up with inflation.”
At the dinner, union affiliates presented cheques to Dobbin and a ‘pass-the-plate’ collection was taken. In total, $4,000 was collected to help with programs. “We can always count on the Grey Bruce Labour Council for support, especially when we really need it,”
Guest speaker, Ahmed Gaied, said that affordability, food insecurity, housing and environmental crises are everywhere.
“Sometimes we don’t celebrate what we [unions] do. The work Labour Councils do for the community and connecting with folks is important. It’s about sharing and building within. People are working precarious jobs and feeling that they don’t have a future. Unions are about political action and the realization that an attack on one is an attack on the collective.”
