The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Statement on the Passing of Bromley Armstrong

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canada Chapter adds its voice to those of countless others mourning the recent passing of Bromley Armstrong.

A core value of CBTU Canada is to seek to "fulfill the dream of Black trade unionists, both living and deceased, who throughout our labour history in Canada have courageously and unremittingly struggled to build a national movement that brings our collective strength and varied talents to bare in an unending effort to achieve economic, political and social justice for all". This passage taken from our mission statement can accurately be surmised through the life and the legacy of our brother Bromley Armstrong.

While Bromley Armstrong's passing means he is no longer with us, that legacy will shine on for generations to come.

Bromley Armstrong is survived not only by his personal family but by his extended Labour community family, as well as by the recipients of the "Bromley Armstrong Award" established in 2004 by the Toronto and York Region Labour Council.

His struggle for access and against discrimination in Dresden Ontario, his contributions to society through the founding of the Jamaican Canadian Centre, his receiving of the order of Ontario and more, all speak to the character of an activist who shares CBTU Canada's core values; values that include the construction of a fairer and more just society throughout Canada.

While serving as a Union side person at the Ontario Labour Relations Board, he ensured that workers' perspectives informed important industrial relations decisions.

Recognized as a leader in the struggle to establish Canada's anti-discrimination laws, Bromley Armstrong helped to bring about change in Canada at a time when both discrimination and segregation were accepted and embraced.

As such, CBTU Canada both mourns the loss and salutes the legacy of a great activist and our brother, Bromley Armstrong.

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