Vancouver – New Democrat leader Adrian Dix and labour critic Harry Bains issued the following statement on the passing of Jack Munro:

“Today, British Columbians lost one of their greatest champions.

“Jack Munro, one of our province’s most remarkable labour leaders, has passed away after a fight with cancer.

“He made history during his tenure as the President of the International Woodworkers of America, and then the Industrial Wood and Allied Workers of Canada. And like many in B.C. we both remember being inspired by Jack to participate in politics through his extraordinary passion and gift of communication.

“In Jack, people across this province had someone who fought for them, their rights to opportunity, dignity and respect for their hard work, fair wages and to pensions in exchange for their valuable contributions to B.C.’s economy. And Jack, on so many occasions, won the argument that fairness drives prosperity. He made the case that we all do better as a society when people from all backgrounds have a chance to advance and experience success and security.

“It is a true understatement that without Jack’s tenacity and principles, British Columbia would be a very different place today.

“Jack’s commitment and contribution to public life hardly ended when he formally retired. In recent years, he dedicated himself to charitable causes, and to fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the labour movement’s role in shaping B.C. through his work with the Labour Heritage Foundation.

“New Democrats today along with so many other people are in mourning over Jack’s passing. At this time, we also extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Jack’s wife Debra and their family.”