Family Day: LiUNA Local 183 celebrates the unity of its large family

Fotos: Cindy Da Ponte Downsview Park in Toronto was once again filled with colour, music, and excitement to host another edition of LiUNA Local 183’s Family Day. Over ...

Fotos: Cindy Da Ponte Downsview Park in Toronto was once again filled with colour, music, and excitement to host another edition of LiUNA Local 183’s Family Day. Over three days, thousands of union members, families, and friends gathered to celebrate one of the most highly anticipated events of the year More than just a party, Family Day is a moment of gathering, recognition, and gratitude. With inflatables, games, children’s activities, good food, and plenty of music, the event once again provided unforgettable moments for everyone who belongs to the grand LiUNA family.

The first day was specifically dedicated to retired members and their families, paying tribute to those who helped build the history and growth of what is now one of the largest local unions in North America. Over the following days, the festivities opened their doors to active workers, families, and friends in an atmosphere marked by joy, camaraderie, and a spirit of unity. For many of those in attendance, LiUNA represents much more than a union.

It is a community where friendships are born, relationships are strengthened, and bonds are created that last far beyond the workplace. This was precisely the sentiment highlighted by Joseph Mancinelli, International Vice-President and Canadian Director of LiUNA: “This is my family. I have my family at home, but these thousands of members and their families are also part of my family.

Today, I am here to thank them for everything they do to build this great country.” Jack Oliveira, Business Manager of LiUNA Local 183, also stressed the importance of this day for all members: “This is Family Day. It is the moment when we can bring together workers, retirees, and families to celebrate everything we have built together.

The children’s smiles and the families’ happiness are the greatest reward for the work we do throughout the year.” Oliveira also took the opportunity to reinforce that the union will continue to invest in the organization’s growth, in improving services provided to members, and in defending workers, while also appealing to the Canadian government to find solutions to address labour shortages in the construction sector. The celebration was also attended by labour leaders and representatives from various levels of government, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who highlighted the strong partnership between the Government and LiUNA Local 183: “We will continue to invest in infrastructure, hospitals, roads, and housing.

We need LiUNA members to build Ontario, and we will always stand by your side.” Several municipal leaders were also in attendance, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, Steven Del Duca (Vaughan), Carolyn Parrish (Mississauga), and Rob Burton (Oakville), who made a point of recognizing the fundamental role that LiUNA Local 183 members play in building housing, infrastructure, and developing communities. Davenport Federal MP Julie Dzerowicz also praised the contribution of the organization’s workers to the growth of communities: “You help build stronger communities, and that means stronger cities and a stronger Canada.”

The same message of recognition was shared by Ontario NDP Leader and Davenport MPP Marit Stiles, who highlighted the daily work of LiUNA Local 183 members and the importance of the construction sector to the province’s growth and the well-being of communities. But the true spotlight was once again on the families. Lúcia Gonçalves, the wife, mother, and sister of LiUNA members, has been participating in Family Day for several years and considers this gathering a family tradition: “It’s an opportunity for all of us to be together.

There are activities for the kids, music, good food, and a fantastic atmosphere. It’s a special day for the whole family.” Sara Costa, attending the event for the first time, was impressed by the scale of the initiative: “It’s my first time here.

Seeing so many people gathered together and feeling this sense of community is truly very special.” LiUNA Local 183 members Nicolas da Silva and Marco Costa also expressed their pride in belonging to an organization that continues to invest in people and their families. Year after year, Family Day proves to be much more than a summer party.

It is a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and solidarity that unite thousands of workers and their families, reinforcing the sense of belonging to a community that continues to grow and contribute daily to building a stronger Canada. Francisco Pegado/MS The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.