Union News - December 2025
How has the recent political climate affected us here in Canada? I ask myself as I look around for a shot of Jack Daniel’s and am unable to find it, so I reach for J.P. Wiser’s, distilled here in my back yard in Windsor Ontario. I am not suggesting that alcohol is the solution to anything, but it stands as the perfect example of a breakdown in a once respectable relationship with the USA — an international border guarded only by “neighborly respect and honorable obligations” — Sir Winston Churchill.
“Elbows up my friends!” It’s a phrase conjured up by the great Gordie Howe, a Detroit Red Wings hockey player known for his toughness, most likely found in his Saskatchewan roots.
Canada has always sat back and been known for its manners, peacekeeping and democracy, always highlighting its peaceful existence and avoiding a conflict — hockey aside.
Oh, how things have changed, but in such a Canadian way. Buying Canadian products, watching all provinces shake hands with each other, no jet setting vacations to sunny Florida or Vegas, my hard-earned dollars will stay in Canada.
Even in these times of international political unrest — “deal or no deal,”
trade wars, “Buy Canadian!” — I must admit I have never been prouder to say I AM CANADIAN! I proudly flaunt my ‘Canadian AF’ tattoo, I wear my red hoodie, I am a federal employee and a proud member of UTE.
I am Canadian! We will never be the 51st state!
Elbows Up, my Brothers, Sisters, and Friends!
Mel Lucier
Local 00018 Windsor