Ed LawsonSadly, we’ve learnt that the Honourable Edward M. Lawson recently passed away at the age of 86. Mr. Lawson was the Director of the Canadian Conference of Teamsters and a Canadian Senator. He was the architect behind the creation of the Canadian Conference of Teamsters in 1976, an organization which later became Teamsters Canada in 1992.

“He helped lay the foundations of what became Teamsters Canada,” explained François Laporte, President of Teamsters Canada. “Without him, Teamsters Canada might not exist today.”

Mr. Lawson started out as a union representative in the construction industry. He went on to help workers across Canada as an International Vice-President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and to serve in the Senate for over 33 years.

Throughout his career, Ed Lawson was active in many charitable and community organizations, such as Variety Club, Lions Society, the Zajac Foundation and Child Help U.S.A.

In recognition of his service, he was awarded the James R. Hoffa Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 at the 100th anniversary of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Teamsters Canada and its 120,000 members would like to offer its sincerest condolences to Mr. Lawson’s friends and family.

“His passing is a regrettable twist on the 40th anniversary of Teamsters Canada, added Francois Laporte. We’ll be sure to celebrate his contribution to the labour movement next July at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters convention.”