Dan Smith 2026 Recipient ofOwen MacLennan Trade Unionist of the Year Award

Dan Smith is recognized by the New Brunswick Federation of Labour (NBFL), in collaboration with Argus Audiology, as the 2026 Recipient of the Owen MacLennan Trade Unionist of the Year Award. Argus Audiology donated $1,000, in the name of Dan Smith, to the NBFL Blair Doucet Youth Summer Camp.

“It is such a pleasure to recognize Dan Smith’s longstanding involvement and achievement. Dan has held many positions within his union and in the broader labour movement.” says Chris Watson, President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour. “Brother Smith values improving his skills within the union and throughout his career has sought out educational opportunities for himself and his union siblings. He is also deeply committed to health and safety in the workplace, having served on the health and safety committee for 15 years.”

Dan Smith has been involved in the labour movement, in various capacities, for 49 years at the local, provincial, and national level. He currently serves as the President of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 1288P and as Vice-President of UFCW Canada’s National Council for 12 years. Brother Smith has been on UFCW’s bargaining committee for over 35 years. He also currently serves as a Vice-President on the New Brunswick Federation of Labour Executive Council, a position he has held for the past 15 years.

“It is deeply meaningful to our family to present an award that bears my father’s name to someone whose career reflects such sustained service to working people,” says Norma Eaton, Co-owner of Argus Audiology and daughter of Owen MacLennan. “Dan Smith’s decades of leadership, his commitment to education, and his dedication to safer workplaces embody the principles of solidarity and respect that this award is intended to honour.”

“Dan’s contribution reaches well beyond the many roles he has held,” comments Bill Eaton, Co-owner of Argus Audiology and son-in-law of Owen MacLennan. “For nearly five decades, he has helped strengthen the voice of workers through bargaining, advocacy, mentorship, and service to the broader labour movement. We are especially pleased that this recognition also supports the Blair Doucet Youth Summer Camp, helping encourage the next generation of union leaders.”

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In the photo from left to right: Norma Eaton, Dan Smith, Chris Watson, Bill Eaton.
For more information, please contact:
Chris Watson
President, NBFL
506-381-8969

Bill Eaton
Co-owner Argus Audiology
506-588-0995 (c)

Argus Audiology collaborated with the NBFL to create the annual Owen MacLennan Trade Unionist of the Year Award. It recognizes individual trade unionists who have made a significant and/or ongoing contribution to the labour movement. This award is created in the loving memory of Owen MacLennan who worked at Eastern Bakeries from 1951 to 1994. He had a strong work ethic and was an active member of the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco and Grain Millers Union (BCTGM) local 406 in Moncton. Brother MacLennan passed away in 2010.