Kelly Tosato elected President of UFCW Local 175
February 14, 2024
On February 14, 2024, the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Executive Board met for its first session of 2024.
Former President Shawn Haggerty, who has taken on the role of UFCW Canada National Council President, was on hand to offer his thanks to the members of our Local Union and provide a recommendation to the Board on who should fill the roles of President and Secretary-Treasurer going forward. He put forward the names of two long-time Local 175 leaders and strong labour advocates: Kelly Tosato for President, and Jim McLean for Secretary-Treasurer, both of whom were then nominated and seconded by members of the Executive Board.
As a result, and with the Executive Board’s enthusiastic and unanimous support:
- Kelly Tosato has been elected as the new President of UFCW Local 175.
- Jim McLean has been elected as the new Secretary-Treasurer.
President Tosato put forward Executive Assistant Chris Fuller as a nominee for the position of VP #1, which also received unanimous support from the Board.
President Tosato and Secretary-Treasurer McLean, Executive Assistant Chris Fuller, and your entire Local Union Executive Board, both new and returning, were then sworn in by CLC President Bea Bruske who took time out of her busy schedule to be with our members.
“Thank you all so very, very much,” said President Tosato, speaking to the Executive Board.
“It’s very overwhelming to sit here today and I want to thank each and every one of you for electing me as president today. I am truly honoured to be chosen as the president of this great union. Your confidence in me means a great deal and I want to ensure each and every one of you that I take this responsibility very seriously and I am fully committed to upholding the values of our organization.”
“I am eager to begin this journey alongside each and every one of you,” she continued. “I firmly believe that working together we can accomplish remarkable things. I’m eager to benefit from your collective wisdom and experience and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. I promise you all that I will serve with integrity, dedication, and passion. And I will do everything in my power to make you all proud of the decision you made today.”
“I’d like to express my gratitude to Shawn. Shawn’s mentorship over the years has been invaluable and he has provided me with numerous opportunities over the years to help me get where I am today. Because we all don’t get where we are without the help of others standing beside us. I have learned and grown under Shawn’s leadership and I also have no doubt that Shawn will do amazing in his new role as National Council President. Again, thank you all so very much.”
Secretary-Treasurer Jim McLean also took a few minutes to speak to the Board.
“Thank you very much. I’m honoured and privileged to be here today. And I’ve been honoured and privileged to serve over the many years in many different capacities. I am truly humbled today to have to have the ability to serve and represent you as Secretary-Treasurer. I promise to do everything I can in my power to help you and I count on you helping me each step of the way. It’s not one person, but collectively it’s all of us together that can achieve so many great things.”
“Shawn, congratulations on your new role,” continued Jim. “I know the staff and the members across the country will benefit from your leadership, your work ethic, and the vision you have for what this Union can be. It has been a great privilege to work alongside you. I think everyone in this room has a great amount of respect for you and your guidance. You’ve always faced each challenge head on with integrity and with the best interests of the membership in mind. And it definitely shows. I wish you all the best, and while you will definitely be missed, it’s reassuring to know that this Union across the country – and the future of our members – are in such capable hands. I thank you for your friendship, your mentorship, and your leadership over the years and I look forward to that continuing.”
“Kelly, we all know how hard work you work and the dedication you’ve shown throughout your years here and definitely over the last month leaves no doubt; your passion for the members of this Local and for workers’ rights has always been clear and you truly put the well-being of our members at the centre of each and every one of your decisions that you make.”
“So, I really want to offer my congratulations. I am so proud of you. I know you will step up to tackle each and every challenge that comes our way to make sure the Local is always working to better the lives of our members, and I really look forward to being a part of your vision and for what comes next and all of the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for us. Thank you very much, Kelly, congratulations.”
Congratulations to all of our Local Union Executive Board members on beginning your new term.
Find an updated list of the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Executive Board members here.