Inauguration of the new headquarters of Liuna Local 183
The inauguration of the largest union headquarters in North America, located in Vaughan, marked a historic moment for LiUNA Local 183. Officialized on October 18, this achievement goes beyond the grandeur of the infrastructure, symbolizing the strength of a union that transforms the lives of thousands of workers in Ontario and throughout Canada, training professionals and driving the country’s growth.
The ceremony was attended by prominent authorities, including the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau; the Governor of Ontario, Doug Ford; the Minister of Labour of Ontario, David Piccini; the Mayor of Vaughan, Steven Del Duca; the Ambassador of Portugal, António Leão Rocha; the Consul General of Portugal in Toronto, Ana Luísa Riquito; and the Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities, José Cesário. Several LiUNA leaders were also present at the event.
Praise for LiUNA’s leadership came from all of the speakers, highlighting their respect and admiration for the board’s continued efforts to expand the union’s impact and relevance. One of the most anticipated speeches was from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who highlighted LiUNA’s strength across the country, praising the union’s role in national growth, creating job opportunities, and improving the quality of life for workers and their communities. Trudeau concluded by saying, “LiUNA has stood with Canadians, and my government stands with you. I stand with you!” Governor Doug Ford, in turn, reaffirmed his support for LiUNA, thanking it for its leadership and the union’s significant contribution to Ontario’s growth.
Among the leaders, Jack Oliveira, Business Manager for LiUNA Local 183 and LiUNA OPDC, was recognized for his visionary leadership and commitment to the organization’s growth. Jack thanked everyone for attending the inauguration ceremony, acknowledging the support of government officials at all three levels—federal, provincial, and municipal—and expressed his honor for the respect and support he has received. In his speech, he stated that LiUNA would not have achieved its current success without the retirees who, with effort and determination, built each step, as well as the members, the executive board, and the employees, highlighting especially the support of Joseph Mancinelli.
“In 2011, we had 27,000 members and today we have over 70,000, and we are not stopping yet. This building is a tribute to our retirees. We trust the next generation to also keep the faith that LiUNA Local 183 will continue to be a great hope for working women and men throughout this union,” said Jack.
Following the speeches, distinguished guests and union executives attended a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate this important chapter in the history of LiUNA Local 183. The event also included the dedication of two streets near the new headquarters in honor of Jack Oliveira’s father, Julio Oliveira Sr. Way, and Joseph Mancinelli’s father, Enrico Mancinelli Way, recognizing their historic contributions to the union and the community.