Longtime N.B. labour and union activist dead at 65

A man who supported fair labour and spent much of his life as a union activist in New Brunswick has passed away.

Daniel Légère most recently served as the President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour for the past five years.

Before that, he advocated as the President of CUPE New Brunswick.

Premier Susan Holt took to social media yesterday to express her sadness after learning of Légère’s death.

“I first met Danny in 2011 and have always known him to be a kind and generous person who never stopped advocating for hard-working New Brunswickers. On behalf of all New Brunswickers, I offer condolences to all of Danny’s family, friends, and colleagues.”

Jody Dallaire who previously worked for the Federation, also stated on Facebook yesterday that she had lost an advocate and mentor.

“I got to know Daniel well as President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour over the past 5 years. He cared deeply about people and raising them up. He also had a deep love for his family and enjoyed gardening, canning the fruits of his labour and fishing. I join the countless people whose lives are better for having met Danny.”

The New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity also took to social media stating, “New Brunswick workers owe him (Daniel Légère) a debt of gratitude, and so do we. The Coalition joins in mourning this irreplaceable leader.”

Federal New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh also expressed his sadness at the loss, “He stood up for the rights of workers in New Brunswick and everywhere. His life is an example of solidarity and leadership.”

Légère was 65 years old.