Thursday, July 31, 2025

CLAC Director Awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal

Ian DeWaard honoured for his dedication to the betterment of the nation

Ian DeWaard, CLAC’s Ontario and Manitoba director, was recently nominated for the honour by Ontario Premier Doug Ford in recognition of his “exceptional contributions and dedication to the betterment of our province and country.”

This year marks Ian’s 25th anniversary with CLAC. After serving as a representative and then regional director, he was named Ontario director in 2017. That role was recently expanded to include Manitoba.

“Ian has been an exceptional advocate for workers in Ontario for many years, and he leads with clarity and conviction at CLAC,” says Wayne Prins, CLAC executive director. “He is very deserving of the recognition granted by this award. On behalf of our members and staff, I congratulate Ian and thank him for his service.”

Among his many accomplishments throughout his career, Ian has

negotiated key collective agreements for members in the construction, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors;
coordinated CLAC’s representation of Ontario volunteer firefighters;
championed labour policy reform through regular engagements with government committees; and
led CLAC’s advocacy for healthcare workers’ safety and pandemic pay during COVID-19.

“The extent to which I’ve contributed to the betterment of my province and my country is wholly a credit to CLAC and to the dedicated and passionate staff and members I work with,” says Ian. “The work we all do to bring a redemptive, hopeful vision for labour relations in Canada—and to live out a strong commitment to doing justice in the workplace—is made possible because of CLAC’s members, who inspire and empower us to be their strong and courageous advocates.”

CLAC Director Awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal

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