print this page

ANNOUNCEMENT, 17 FEB 2010 - Gerard Docquier, the former National Director of the Steelworkers, passed away on February 3, 2010, in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Originally from Belgium, Mr. Docquier emigrated to Canada, settling in Quebec, at the age of 2. Mr. Docquier joined the Steelworkers when he was working with Pirelli Cable (Prysmian today) in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. He became a Staff Representative in the 1950s.

In the mid-1960s, Mr. Docquier became Assistant to Jean Gérin-Lajoie, the first Steelworkers’ Director in Quebec to be elected from among its membership. He is recognized as having greatly contributed to laying the foundation for the training program the Union uses today. Mr. Docquier remained in that position until 1977, when he took over from Bill Mahoney as National Director.

Gerard Docquier was at the helm of the Union in Canada until his retirement in 1991, at which time the Steelworkers’ current International President, Leo W. Gerard, took over as National Director for Canada.

“He is someone I admired very much. He taught the first grievance officer course I took when I was in Murdochville. He was a pioneer, he was known throughout the District, and everyone appreciated what he had to offer,” recalled Lawrence McBrearty, who also served as National Director for the Steelworkers.

During his term as National Director, Gerard Docquier became a champion for international solidarity. In fact, it is to him that we owe the creation of the Steelworkers Humanity Fund in 1985.

In the 1980s, when the metallurgy sector was facing a major crisis and worker layoffs were widespread, Mr. Docquier spearheaded the creation of the Canadian Steel Trade and Employment Congress (CSTEC), which brought together members of the United Steelworkers and steel companies from across the sector. The objective of CSTEC was to give new impetus to the metallurgy sector and help to curb mass layoffs. In the past few years, Mr. Docquier has been very involved in the activities of the Chrysotile Institute.

Gerard Docquier was awarded the Order of Canada in 1991.