Mr. Speaker, gratitude and pride were the two themes that permeated the opening of LiUNA Local 183’s headquarters in the city of Vaughan. There was pride in the official opening of the new state-of-the-art headquarters, representing 70,000 members strong and their families. There was gratitude for those 400 workers who, in 1952, formed Local 183, as well as the members who have followed and fought for better working conditions, better benefits and a better and brighter future for us all.
On this remarkable occasion, I extend my warmest congratulations to business manager Jack Oliveira, as well as the LiUNA Local 183 executive board, staff and members. I thank LiUNA international vice-president and Canadian director, Joseph Mancinelli, for his ongoing leadership. I also join the strong LiUNA family in honouring two giants who helped pave the foundation of LiUNA and the industry: Enrico Mancinelli and Julio Oliveira Sr.
I extend my gratitude and best wishes, always, to the LiUNA members, who keep Canada moving forward. To them, I say “feel the power”.