Warning message

Please note that this page is from our archives. There may be more up-to-date content about this topic on our website. Use our search engine to find out.

We have some sad news this week out of Ontario. Sylvia Diamond, an Ontario-based disability rights activist, has died this weekend from a heart attack with complications of pneumonia and a viral infection.

As one of the founding members of the CUPE National Persons with Disabilities Working Group, Sylvia was one of the instigators of the “Wheel of Chance”. She also made a presentation to the National Anti-Privatization and Contracting Out Committee on the impact of privatization and contracting out on workers with disabilities. She also appeared in CUPE’s Disability Rights video, released this spring.

Sylvia was always interested in learning more about the rights of persons with disabilities. She was also involved in the Ontario Disability Rights group.

We will miss not only Sylvia’s commitment to educating members about disability rights, but also her patience, great sense of humor, and quiet but wise contributions to the group.

“Sister Sylvia brought crucial knowledge and commitment to our union. She was determined to make sure that CUPE’s analysis included the impact of labour-related issues on people with disabilities,” said CUPE National President Paul Moist. “She will be greatly missed.”

Members are encouraged to send their condolences to her daughter, Margaret Scanlan, who lived with her.

Margaret Scanlan
c/o CUPE National
1375 St. Laurent
OTTAWA, Ontario
K1G 0Z7