Kitchener-Waterloo’s Marion Brown has been announced as the winner of Canada’s Building Trades Unions’ song and poem contest.
Marion will be performing her original song, “Standing Together”, live onstage at the unveiling of the Canadian Building Trades Monument in Major’s Hill Park on May 16 at 4 PM. For those who can’t make it to Ottawa, the entire event will be live-streamed on CBTU’s Facebook page.
The monument, designed by acclaimed sculptor John Greer, will celebrate the trades who literally built Canada. It will stand on a peak in Major’s Hill Park, overlooking Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, the Chateau Laurier and the US Embassy. You can see photos and read more about the unveiling at the Canadian Building Trades Monument website.
To accompany the unveiling, CBTU commissioned an original song or poem that would be performed live on stage for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the crowds in attendance. The theme for the contest was one that celebrates the trades and unions, “Standing Together”.
Marion Brown, who works at IBEW Local 804 and is a member of Teamsters Local Union 879, was excited about the contest the moment she learned about it.
About the Song
Marion says, “With this song I want to acknowledge all the contributions and sacrifices made by men and women in the building trades every day. I am passionate about singing and unionism and I am thrilled by this opportunity to merge the two. Performing this live at the monument unveiling would be a privilege and an honour.”
Marion is a long time singer/songwriter, and union pride is a part of her family heritage. Both her father and grandfather were plasterers with OPCMIA Local 48. Her father, exposed to asbestos for many years, fell victim to cancer.
Both while he was ill and after his death, his union had to step in to get his cancer acknowledged as job-related. The union was instrumental in securing a pension for Marion’s mother, and also in defending it from clawback.
“Standing Together” Concept Clearly Inspires
Annie Hillis, Project Manager of the Canadian Building Trades Monument, commented on the contest submissions, which came from across Canada. “The quality and number of submissions far exceeded our expectations. It took the jury days to go through the submissions, and it was a hard decision. But Marion’s song is just so catchy and passionate, and the message is so perfect, that we knew it would be a great contribution to the ceremony.”
“She’s done a great job and we’re proud of her,” says Local 804 Business Manager George Couch. “I told her when I first heard the song that she would win.”
Marion’s husband, Robert Brown, accompanies Marion on the guitar in the recording, and will also be together with her on stage. After the unveiling, we will post the song on our YouTube channel. Canada’s Building Trades Unions will also be making a video about the event, and we will be sharing that on social media.
Join Us at the Unveiling
The site of the monument is indicated in red. Image courtesy the Canadian Building Trades Monument website <site no longer active>.
We encourage any IBEW and other trades unions to attend the unveiling of the monument, to show our appreciation for all the members who have worked so hard to make Canada strong.
- When: Tuesday, May 16, 2017 starting at 4 PM. Arrive early to ensure you get past traffic.
- Where: The upper storey of Major’s Hill Park, Ottawa.
Let’s ensure that we show a strong, supportive IBEW presence!