Lawrence Irvin McBrearty

Today, we remember a remarkable man who touched the lives of so many people, not only here at home but around the world. 

His passing leaves an enormous emptiness for his wife Louise, his daughter Jennifer, his grandchildren, Lawrence, Raphael and Alejandro, his brother Oben, and all his in-laws family including all his nephews and nieces, his friends, his colleagues, and for the many people whose lives he influenced throughout his journey. He dedicated so much of his life to helping others, standing up for people, and making a meaningful difference in the world. 

As a past Canadian National Director of the Steelworkers from 1993-2004, he was a prominent Canadian Labour leader he devoted countless years to his work and to the people he represented. His leadership, dedication, compassion, and commitment to humanity will be remembered by those who had the privilege of working alongside him and by the many people who benefited from his efforts. Lawrence was a central figure in championing worker safety and corporate criminal accountability in Canada. His defining legislative legacy was leading the fierce union campaign to amend the Canadian Criminal Code. The Westray Law in 2004, which made corporate executives, directors, and managers criminally liable for workplace deaths and severe injuries.

But beyond his professional accomplishments was the man himself — a husband, father, grandfather, family member, friend, colleague, and someone who gave so much of himself to others. 

His legacy will live on through the people he helped, the lives he touched, the friendships he created, and the love he shared. 

He will be deeply missed by so many around the world, but his memory will remain forever in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and everyone whose life he touched. 

Rest peacefully. Your work here may be finished, but your legacy will never be forgotten.

En mémoire d’un être cher 

Aujourd’hui, nous rendons hommage à un homme remarquable dont la vie a touché celle de tant de personnes, non seulement ici, chez lui, mais aussi partout dans le monde. 

Son départ laisse un immense vide dans le cœur de son épouse Louise, sa fille Jennifer, ses petits-enfants (Lawrence, Raphael et Alejandro) ainsi que son frère Oben, et tous ces neveux et nièces, et sa belle- famille, de ses amis, de ses collègues et de toutes les personnes dont il a marqué la vie au cours de son parcours. Il a consacré une grande partie de sa vie à aider les autres, à défendre les gens et à faire une réelle différence dans le monde. 

En tant qu’ancien directeur national des Métallos (Steelworkers), il a consacré d’innombrables années à son travail et aux personnes qu’il représentait. Son leadership, son dévouement, sa compassion et son engagement envers l’humanité resteront gravés dans la mémoire de ceux qui ont eu le privilège de travailler à ses côtés, ainsi que des nombreuses personnes qui ont bénéficié de ses efforts. 

Mais au-delà de ses réalisations professionnelles, il y avait avant tout l’homme lui-même — un mari, un père, un grand-père, un membre de la famille, un ami, un collègue, et une personne qui a donné énormément de lui-même aux autres. 

Son héritage continuera de vivre à travers les personnes qu’il a aidées, les vies qu’il a touchées, les amitiés qu’il a créées et tout l’amour qu’il a partagé. 

Il manquera profondément à tant de personnes, ici et partout dans le monde. Mais son souvenir restera à jamais gravé dans le cœur de sa famille, de ses amis, de ses collègues et de tous ceux dont il a touché la vie. 

Repose en paix. Ton travail ici est peut-être terminé, mais ton héritage, lui, ne sera jamais oublié.