Basil Hargrove

politician

Basil 'Buzz' Hargrove, born in 1944 in Bath, New Brunswick, was a prominent Canadian labor leader who served as the national president of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) from 1992 until his retirement in 2008. Known for his passionate advocacy for workers' rights, Hargrove led significant negotiations with major employers across various sectors, securing improvements for workers that helped elevate labor standards in Canada. He was instrumental in the CAW's expansion beyond the auto industry and was a staunch proponent of social justice issues, including public health care and fair trade. Hargrove was recognized as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2008 for his contributions to the labor movement, and he continued to influence labor relations even after retirement, including work with the NHL Players' Association. His recent passing has been noted as a significant loss to Canada's labor community.