Jean Gagnon, former USW worker representative from Sturgeon Falls named to Order of Ontario
Jean Gagnon, a long time USW advocate at the Vale Inco Copper Cliff refinery, was named one of 29 appointees to receive the province's highest honour. Gagnon spent the better part of 35 years assisting fellow miners and their survivors battle for compensation benefits while advocating for health and safety and victims of occupational disease. In interviews regarding his appointment to the Order of Ontario Mr. Gagnon stated, "Safe work and helping injured workers at the sintering plant has been my life's mission." He recalled how at times workers couldn't see each other six metres away due to clouds of dust in the air. He knew shortly after starting work at age 23 that nickel dust was dangerous. Gagnon reported that he had been diagnosed with four cancers in the past eight years, all linked to nickle oxide and that after representing others for decades, he is now awaiting an appeal process. The staff and all those affiliated with the OFL Occupational Disability Response Team wish Jean good health and continued success in his dealing with the WSIB. |
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