Posted: Friday, 18 November 2011

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is saddened by the passing of Mary Eady, the first Director of the CLC's Women's Bureau, on November 16, in Ottawa.

Mary was a tireless advocate for women's rights, trade union rights, public pensions and health care. Growing up in the Great Depression, she saw her father die because her family was unable to afford medical care. This life-changing event spurred her commitment to social justice, and at 18 she became active in the CCF Youth Movement.

Her trade union roots were strong. In the 1950s, Mary was active in a union organizing drive at Eaton's, a popular department store chain. After some years, as Director of the Women's Bureau for the Government of Manitoba, she came to the Canadian Labour Congress to become the first Director of the newly established Women's Bureau.

The CLC salutes Mary Eady, a pioneer in the women's movement in Canada and offers our heartfelt condolences to her family.