73 Sid Ryan
-
Born in Dublin, Republic of Ireland in 1952, Sid Ryan is the President of the Ontario Federation Labour, Canada’s largest labour federation, advocating for one million workers. As a high-profile newsmaker, columnist, commentator and sought-after public speaker, Ryan’s political career is identified with major social and economic reforms on behalf of public and private sector workers and those without a voice.
-
-
Prior to his election as OFL President, Ryan served as the President of the Ontario Division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and as the General Vice-President of CUPE National (1992 – 2009), Canada’s largest public sector union. Under his leadership, the division emerged as a formidable voice in political battles for public health care, education, social and municipal services and for decent jobs, wages and working conditions for all Canadians.
-
-
A passionate advocate for human rights and global justice, Ryan is often called on to lend his expertise on the international front: he was invited by human rights groups to act as a Canadian peace observer in Northern Ireland; to march alongside the United Farm Workers of America in California; as an organizer for a health care worker exchange between North America and over a dozen countries in South America. Along with participation in numerous international labour and peace conferences, he is also a strong defender of the rights of Palestinian people for a homeland, and the safety, security and human rights of Indigenous people and workers worldwide.
-
-
He has worked for the New Democratic Party during every election since arriving in Canada. He ran provincially in 2003, and federally in 2004 and 2006.
-
-
Ryan immigrated to Canada at 22. He is the recipient of the Canada 125 medal, presented to Canadian citizens for their contributions to the good of the community and society. He and his wife Sheila have three daughters: Lisa, Susan, and Amanda.