Sunday, October 23, 2011

Nancy Riche

Labour organizer, social activist, women’s rights advocate

“Nancy’s contribution to the social fabric of Canada will live on in the work of the countless labour and women’s activists whose lives she touched and inspired,” Ken Georgetti, President of the CLC, 2011

Born in St.John's, Newfoundland in 1944; died in 2011. 

Graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

One of Canada’s leading women labour leaders and a tireless advocate for workers’ and women’s rights; pioneer in the Canadian Women’s movement.

Held various positions in her career including secretary-treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), vice-president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour and secretary-treasurer of the National Union of Public and General Employees.

Lived in Ottawa's Carleton Heights neighbourhood for 18 years while she was secretary-treasurer of the CLC from 1984 until her retirement in 2002.

Served as Vice-President of the Brussels-based International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and Chair of its Women’s Committee from 1993-2002.

Received both the National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC) Woman of Courage Award and the Governor-General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case in 2002.

Became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2004.

http://www.canadianlabour.ca
www.ottawacitizen.com

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