With great sorrow, the Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU) mourns the passing of Murray Sinclair, an extraordinary leader whose lifetime of dedication to justice and reconciliation reshaped this country. Sinclair, a former senator, judge, and Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), spent his career championing the rights of Indigenous peoples and unearthing the truth about Canada’s colonial legacy.
Sinclair was profoundly shaped by his Anishinaabe heritage and the struggles of his community. He became the first Indigenous judge appointed in Manitoba and one of only a few Indigenous people in the judiciary nationwide, where he challenged systemic inequities with courage and conviction.
Sinclair’s work with the TRC exposed the painful and tragic history of residential schools, documenting the systemic abuse suffered by Indigenous children and calling on all Canadians to acknowledge and address these atrocities. The 94 Calls to Action released in 2015 by the TRC became a rallying cry for progressive change, urging governments, institutions, labour unions and citizens to commit to meaningful reconciliation and to dismantling the systems that perpetuate inequality and discrimination.
Throughout his life, Sinclair demonstrated an unshakable commitment to truth, compassion, and the pursuit of justice. His courage and leadership influenced the CCU’s ongoing mission of social justice and worker solidarity, especially as we continue to advocate for a fairer and more inclusive Canada.
Murray Sinclair’s legacy challenges us all to actively participate in reconciliation, not only in words but in deeds. His vision for a more equitable society is a struggle the CCU is proud to carry forward in his honor. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and community.
Canada will be forever changed by his outstanding life and work.
Sincerely,
Executive Officers of the Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU)
contact@ccu-csc.ca
Photo by Michael Swan
