UPDATED September 9, 2005
Press
Release on
the Death of Gary Robichaud
, Former Leader of the Island NDP
-The Prince Edward Island Federation
of Labour would like to join with many others across
the Province and Canada mourning the loss of Gary Robichaud, former
leader of the Island New Democrats.
-“Gary Robichaud was a strong and passionate voice for the rights of
workers in this Province” states Leo Cheverie, past president of the
PEI Federation of Labour. “He committed himself to the struggles
of workers during his leadership as he advocated on behalf of the
rights of many including UFCW workers at Polar Foods, injured workers
and supported the women of CUPE 3373 in Montague, and even in the past
few weeks joined the CBC workers on their picket line after they were
locked out by CBC management.”
-Gary Robichaud offered his time and energy to labour in this province
always attending the P.E.I. Federation of Labour convention, Labour Day
picnic and other activities whenever he could. “One of his
passionate interests was in the health and well being of young people
in this Province which he not only demonstrated in his teaching career
but also in standing up to the rights of young people in the workplace
as he heard too many first hand stories about young workers being
exploited, paid low wages and working in unsafe conditions.” “He
wished to make sure young workers were protected and valued as they
entered the workforce” stated Cheverie.
-He also stood up for changes which would benefit all working Islanders
including advocating for a living wage, safe working conditions,
strengthening labour laws and enforcing the laws currently on the
books. Prior to his leadership in the NDP, Robichaud was active
within his own union the P.E.I. Teacher’s Federation. He had a
vision of P.E.I. where workers were valued, concluded Cheverie.
-Carl Pursey, President of the PEI Federation of Labour on behalf of
the Executive Council of the PEI Federation of Labour and the
Federation’s 10,000 members wishes to extend its condolences to his
wife Jacquie Robichaud, daughter Julia, his parents, brother Wayne and
Sister Sandra and families.
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