The Grey-Bruce Labour Council hosts Ontario Public Service Employees' Union (OPSEU) President Warren "Smokey" Thomas, awards local activists and announces the total of the winter warmth challenge to assist people with heating bills during the heating season.

Smokey Thomas, OPSEU President, met with the Labour Council affiliates, toured Bruce Power and was the keynote speaker and the activist award dinner. Kevin Smith, President of the labour Council warmly welcomed Smokey to our community and offered the help of the labour council with OPSEU's "We Own It Campaign". President Smith noted that "public services must be preserved in Ontario and across Canada and that such services have too long been underfunded. In addition, too many workers in the public sector have been sacrificed in the name of corporate tax cuts. We look forward to putting our muscle into assisting in returning the public sector to the levels that will assist and help all citizens of Ontario".

Smokey, numerous OPSEU staff and elected people, along with members of the labour council, enjoyed a comprehensive tour of Bruce Power before leaving for the Tara Legion and a delightful dinner where two amazing activists were recognized for their contributions to our community and to the betterment of life, health and safety for workers in their own workplaces and beyond.

Speaking about the award winners, labour council VP, Dave Trumble, notes that "Ned Wardrop and Amy Kieffer, have contributed so very much to the working lives of so many that being recognized as Health and Safety Activist and Labour Council Activist of the Year is small recognition for those that have done so much".

In wrapping up the dinner, Smokey Thomas, implored those in attendance to support public services.

Before the evening was done labour council executive member and United Way board member, Jeff Cronin, presented a cheque to United Way for over ten thousand dollars for winter warmth. All labour council affiliates must be congratulated on this. The contributions ranged from a few hundred dollars to a $5000 donation by CUPE 255. In closing the day off, President Kevin Smith, "says this was a prosperous day for the Grey-Bruce Labour Council and that all who helped and participated are to be congratulated".

source: media release, Grey Bruce Labour Council