As we celebrate our community’s 125th anniversary, it is an appropriate time to recognize the enormous contributions of working people to the success of Greater Sudbury.
From the first rough-necked navvies who laid down the tracks of the Canadian Pacific Railway around Ramsey Lake … to the Franco-Ontarien lumberjacks who wintered along the Spanish, the Vermilion and the Wahnapitae rivers and lakes … to the hardworking miners who came from all points of the globe to pull the nickel and copper from beneath our feet, this city has been built on the wealth created by hardworking men and women who were proud to call Sudbury home.
As these workers organized, their unions became active in addressing conditions, both in the workplace and across the community.
Greater Sudbury is seen as a world leader in industrial health and safety and in environmental restoration and organized labour has played a role in both of these important areas.
Joint health and safety committees have become a standard part of operations in local companies and we have seen dramatic declines in the rate and the severity of industrial injuries and diseases in this city.
The success in this area has made us a model for industrial health and creating a centre of excellence in occupational health and safety.
Working men and women continue to play a major role in enhancing our community. Support for the United Way, the Food Bank and dozens of other worthy community initiatives demonstrates the labour community’s commitment to helping those in need.
Contributions to education and health institutions ensure these facilities continue to provide the best opportunities and care for our citizens.
This Labour Day, take a moment to think of those whose sweat has provided us with the life we have today.
Take a moment also to think of how much working people contribute to our city each and every day.