GP Coleman’s Thanksgiving message to members in Canada

Sisters, brothers and friends across Canada,

On behalf of myself, the SMART General Executive Council and all your brothers and sisters across this union, I want to wish you a happy Thanksgiving.

Today is a day to gather with loved ones and enjoy precious time with family and friends. As the essential workers who build the HVAC systems, roofs and building envelopes that keep Canadian society moving, we know well just how valuable these precious moments are.

It’s also a day to take stock of the things for which we are grateful. Our union is full of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, with our own belief systems and practices, and we all have unique traditions that we celebrate. But today, no matter what you choose to do, I hope you can remember the things we have in common.

Union members nationwide know that days like today — and the ability to spend them with loved ones — are rights that were fought for, tooth and nail. It was our forebearers’ undying solidarity and resolve that won these and other privileges for today’s Canadians. Each of us should be proud to be part of a collective labour movement that has bettered the lives of working-class people across every province and territory; I hope you all wear the title of trade unionist proudly, today and every day.

Brothers and sisters, it is our solidarity with one another that keeps our union strong. And by working together, we will continue to improve the lives of workers across Canada.

Again, happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the holiday, and please stay safe.