UFCW 175 activist Sheree Backus honoured for injured worker advocacy

Brampton, Ont. – November 15, 2014 – UFCW Canada Local 175 activist Sheree Backus was recently awarded the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) Community Activist Award for her outstanding efforts in advocating for injured workers across the province.

UFCW Canada's Ontario Regional Director, Derek Johnstone, and the OFL's Secretary-Treasurer, Nancy Hutchison, presented the award to Sister Backus at the 18th Annual Workers Health and Safety Volunteer and Community Activist Awards Dinner on November 7. The dinner was hosted by the Peel Regional Labour Council in partnership with the Workers Health and Safety Centre.  

"I am honoured to receive this award, as I believe that injured workers should have justice and dignity in their lives, and that their rights must be respected," says Sheree.

“Sheree is truly a committed and compassionate activist and advocate,” says UFCW Canada Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty. “Her knowledge and her service to the membership have made a tremendous positive difference to literally hundreds of injured workers over the years. The award is very well deserved.”

Sister Backus says she will continue to fight for the rights of injured workers in cooperation with the OFL's Occupational Disability Response Team, the leading provider of workplace insurance, disability prevention training, and advisory support in Ontario.