See event listings for recent and upcoming Sefton-Williams Memorial Lectures
Hosted by Woodsworth College and the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources, this annual lecture is now named in honour of Mr. Larry Sefton and Mr. Lynn Williams. The Sefton/Williams Memorial Lecture series presents topics of interest to scholars and practitioners of labour-management relations. The lecture has recently been endowed by USW International Executive Board and its members.
Larry Sefton’s (1917-1973) career in the labour movement began on the picket line in Kirkland Lake in the gold miners’ strike during World War II. He subsequently led the 1946 Stelco strike and later held office in the United Steelworkers of America, eventually becoming the Director of District 6. He earned the respect and admiration of those who worked with him.
Lynn Williams (1924-2014) began his career initially organizing campaigns for the Canadian Congress of Labour. He was named to the USW staff in 1956, was a delegate to the founding convention of the NDP and in 1973 was elected as the USW District 6 Director. In 1977, he was elected as the USW International Secretary and went on to become the first Canadian to serve as the President of USW International. He was a leader in promoting co-operation and solidarity in the international labour movement. After retirement he served as President of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees.
Sefton-Williams Award for Contributions to Labour Relations
The award honours those who have made a significant contribution to the field of labour relations and human rights. Labour relations practitioner as well as academics have received this award.
Overview of Past Lectures
Year |
Presenter(s) |
Award Winner |
---|---|---|
2024 |
Adelle Blackett |
Owen Shime |
2023 |
David J. Doorey |
Deena Kumari Ladd |
2022 |
Ken Neumann |
Ken Neumann |
2021 |
Ewan McGaughey |
Ken Delaney and John O'Grady |
2020 |
Kris Rondeau |
Brad James |
Year |
Presenter(s) |
Award Winner |
---|---|---|
2019 |
Judy Fudge |
Eric M. Tucker |
2018 |
Juliet Schor |
Carla Lipsig-Mummé |
2017 |
Richard Yeselson |
Elaine Bernard |
2016 |
David Weil |
Olivia Chow |
2015 |
Miles Corak and Armine Yalnizyan |
Ed Broadbent |
2014 |
Linda Briskin |
|
2013 |
Nelson Lichtenstein, Tony Burke, and Natalie Des Rosier |
Homer Seguin |
2012 |
John Cartwright |
Chris Schenk |
2011 |
Leah Vosko |
Andrew Jackson |
2010 |
Don Drummond |
Bob Baldwin |
Year |
Presenter(s) |
Award Winner |
---|---|---|
2009 |
Hugh Mackenzie |
Leo Gerard |
2008 |
Jim Stanford and Charlotte Yates |
Warren Edmondson |
2007 |
Stephen Lewis |
Leah Casselman |
2006 |
Kate Bronfenbrenner |
Alan Borovoy |
2005 |
Frances Bairstow |
|
2004 |
Gordon Betcherman |
Pradeep Kumar |
2003 |
Tim Armstrong |
Des Morton |
2002 |
Rick MacDowell |
|
2001 |
Peter Warrian |
|
2000 |
Richard Freeman |
Noah Meltz |
Year |
Presenter(s) |
Award Winner |
---|---|---|
1999 |
Julie White |
Bob White |
1998 |
Kevin Burkett |
Lynn Williams |
1997 |
Alexander (Sandy) Adam |
Ralph Barford |
1996 |
Graham S. Lowe |
|
1995 |
Leo Gerard |
|
1994 |
L. Victor Pathe |
|
1993 |
Bob Rae |
|
1992 |
Laurel Sefton MacDowell |
|
1991 |
George W. Adams |
|
1990 |
Seymour Martin Lipset |
|
Year |
Presenter(s) |
Award Winner |
---|---|---|
1989 |
Paul Weiler |
|
1988 |
Rosalie Abella |
|
1987 |
Melvyn Dubofsky |
|
1986 |
Jeffrey Sack and John Murray |
|
1985 |
John T. Dunlop |
|
1984 |
Robert White |
|
1983 |
Lynn Williams |
|