Author: Brianna Rennie

We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Brother Art Patrick, former President of ATU Local 113, who served the office from 1992 to 1997.  His dedicated leadership and vision helped strengthen our union well beyond those years. We offer our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

ATU Local 113 wishes all its members and fellow Canadians a Happy Canada Day! While this country continues to be the land of opportunity, we must also recognize the need for continued reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities across the country. We stand by the rich history and traditions of Indigenous Peoples and will continue to honour the land on which our transit workers operate.

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, ATU Local 113 is celebrating the culture, traditions, history and languages of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Today, we honor the many contributions Indigenous Canadians have made to this country. We would also thank our Indigenous members for their various contributions to our union and community.

We were horrified to hear today that a woman was set on fire at Kipling Station and has been hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Everyone at Local 113 wishes her a quick and complete recovery. We also thank the transit workers and riders who rushed to help her.

CP24: Woman set on fire at Toronto transit station

ATU Local 113 stands in solidarity with our brother, Brent Pelletier, and all members of the Indigenous community. Far too many Indigenous Canadians have a tragic story like Brent, where a member of their family was taken from them too soon. In the continued search for justice, we support Indigenous people through awareness initiatives such as Red Dress Day. We remember the murdered and missing Indigenous women who were never found, and we are an ally to the community in their time of grief.

Yesterday, Ontario voted. Premier Ford and his Progressive Conservatives (PCs) won 83 seats in the Legislature. They did not, however, win the majority of the vote. In fact, 60% of Ontarians voted NDP, Liberal, or Green – all of whom committed to funding public transit operations. For the next four years, ATU Local 113 will be holding the PCs accountable, and will continue to fight for the quality public transit that the majority of Ontarians want and deserve.

ATU Local 113 would also like to thank former NDP Leader, Andrea Horwath, for her dedicated service to the party. She has always been an ally for public transit and public transit workers. We wish her the best of luck in the next chapter of her career.

With such a diverse membership, there will be times when we don’t always understand the decisions made by our fellow brothers and sisters. It is important to support them rather than to judge them.

For day four of Mental Health Week, ATU Local 113 recognizes that we may not always see the world as others do, but we must always listen to their view with an open heart and mind.

ATU Local 113 recognizes the National Day of Awareness for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women & Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+.

Also known as Red Dress Day, May 5 is a day to commemorate, honour and raise awareness about this national tragedy and to reflect on what each of us can do to help stop this tragedy.

Practicing mental wellness is considering that someone may be experiencing difficulties in their life that you know nothing about. During Mental Health Week, ATU Local 113 encourages its members to always show compassion and kindness towards each other.