Gina McKay wins Art Coulter Award
United Way Winnipeg and Winnipeg District Labour Council recently hosted their annual Labour Community Awards, celebrating the remarkable contributions of dedicated labour activists.
This year, the prestigious Art Coulter Labour Community Service Award was presented to Gina McKay, a trailblazer in Manitoba’s labour movement and a steadfast advocate for workers’ rights.
Gina McKay, who currently serves as the President of CUPE Manitoba, has a rich history with United Way Winnipeg. She previously held the role of Labour Director, working tirelessly to strengthen and celebrate the relationship between the labour community and the broader Winnipeg community. McKay’s commitment to social justice and her leadership in the labour movement have made significant impacts, earning her this distinguished recognition.
The Art Coulter Labour Community Service Award is presented to a Winnipeg trade unionist who has made an outstanding contribution to the Winnipeg community through volunteerism, education, activism and support for United Way Winnipeg.
Reflecting on her award, McKay stated, “I am honoured to receive the Art Coulter Labour Award. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of all labour activists who strive every day to make Manitoba a better place for everyone. Our work is far from over, and I am committed to continuing this fight for equity and justice.”
The Labour Community Awards event underscored the importance of unions in building a better community. As McKay highlighted, “(We are) all about building a better Manitoba for everyone.”
Under McKay’s leadership, CUPE Manitoba has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives, including efforts to enhance workplace safety and equality.
Her dedication extends beyond Manitoba, as she also holds positions on the board of United Way Centraide Canada and national and international labour organizations, advocating for 2SLGBTQ+ rights and other social justice issues.
Gina McKay’s recognition with the Art Coulter Labour Award is a celebration of her unwavering dedication to the labour movement and her significant contributions to creating a more inclusive and equitable community. United Way Winnipeg is proud to honour her achievements and looks forward to the continued positive impact of her leadership.
Other award winners at the event included:
Bruce MacKay Labour Activist Award – James “Jim” Hare, UMFA
Bruce MacKay Community Activist – Brenda Hasiuk, MGEU
Labour Community Excellence – Darlene Jackson, President of MNU
Labour Volunteer Service – Joel Zillman with UNIFOR Local 830
Certificate of Recognition – Chris Noto with UFCW832
Art Coulter Award – Gina McKay, CUPE Manitoba President
