The 2024/2025 Calendar of Events is now available.
You can pick up your copy at the union hall or call 902-466-9920 if you would like to have one sent to you.
Registration for the ATV Rally and Motorcycle Rally now open.
UA Local 56 Scholarships are now available for the 2024-2025 school year. You can download the scholarship here: Local 56 Scholarship or you can reach us at 902-466-9920 Ext 201 and we can send you a copy via mail or email.
The deadline for scholarship applications is June 30, 2024.
FIRST – Fostering Inclusion in Red Seal Trades, a groundbreaking program that breaks barriers and creates opportunities for apprentices across Canada. This is a great opportunity for people with learning disabilities to pursue their Red Seal. Brought to you by the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW).
For more information please click on information sheet: Apprentice Info Sheet 1
We will addressing the loss of one of our UA Members this weekend.
We need to be respectful of their family and process.
If you need to talk to anyone don’t not hesitate to reach out.
Life is hard and we want to be here for you however we can.
Please call or talk to friend or family member.
Respect from UA Local 56
Click on the link below for additional information:
https://www.uacanada.ca/wellness
Or feel free to call the National UA Wellness program @ 1-833-778-2627 ( UAMAP )
When using the Members Health benefit, please do not access it using the QR code that is provided.
You can still access the Member Health benefit via the website at: http://www.members-health.ca and click “Book an Appointment”, via the app (available for Android and Apple) or you can phone: 1-800-484-0152.
Please contact the Union Hall if you have any questions at: 902-466-9920.
James (Jim) Byron Henley “Gone Fishing”
1944 – 2024
It’s with a mix of sadness and love that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Byron Henley, aged 79, on January 18, 2024, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Jim was a remarkable man, celebrated for his unwavering dedication, exceptional craftsmanship, and deep compassion. A welder by trade, he was a distinguished member of the Local 56 Pipefitters and Steamfitters Union for 55 years and was the Business Manager of the local for 17 years, the longest tenured Business Manager of Local 56. He was also the long time President of the Mainland Building Trades. Jim’s advocacy and skill were so impactful that his name graces the Union Hall. Upon retiring from the union, he began a lumber milling business and started his own consulting company, acting as a liaison between contractors and unionized staff, most notably with Atlantica Mechanical Contractors Inc.
An enthusiast of the outdoors, Jim’s passions included fly fishing, hunting, and ATVing. His love for nature was complemented by his extraordinary carpentry skills. He crafted not only his own home but also a home for his son Greg, a beautiful cottage “the camp”, and numerous pieces of furniture, showcasing his incredible talent.
Jim’s other passions included golf and playing the guitar and dancing with his late wife Maureen to all of their favorite bluegrass and old country tunes.
For over 55 years, Jim’s life was graced by the companionship of Beagles, most recently his beloved dog, Casey. His fondness for these loyal dogs mirrored his affectionate nature.
Jim was a devoted husband to his late wife, Maureen, for 53 years, and a guiding force as a father, instilling values of integrity and hard work. His legacy as a steadfast and loyal family man continues to inspire.
Predeceased by his parents, Helena (Myers) and Gordon Henley, wife Maureen (Bellefontaine), brother Ivan, and sisters Shirley Kiley and Sheila Ellison, mother and father in law Earl and Evelyn Bellefontaine, brother in law Larry and sister in law Janice, niece Megan Jewer, and nephew Robert Bellefontaine. Jim’s memory is cherished by his surviving family.
Survived by his son Greg (Tena), daughter Christina, granddaughters Lauren and Jenna (Tyler), sisters Barb Zacharias and Beth (Rick) Jewer, sister in law, Shirley (Jim) Woodley and brother in laws, Keith Musselman and Paul Bellefontaine, numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved “granddogter,” Lucy, as well as his most recently cherished dog, Casey.
Our heartfelt gratitude extends to those who supported Jim in his final years:
Sister Beth, for her relentless advocacy and care ensuring his last years were filled with grace and dignity.
Sister-in-law Shirley, for continuing to bring him to the camp and getting him out to various music events where he could continue to dance to his favorite songs.
Loyal friends Harry Grant, Dave Leverman, Gary Purdy, Tommy Scanlon and others who visited him at Whitehills Long Term Care facility.
His fellow fishing enthusiasts and dear friends, Paul Leadbetter and Brian Corser who continued to take him fishing until the end.
The compassionate staff at Whitehills Long Term Care facility who took care of him when we no longer could.
Jim left us one last gift, he generously donated his body to The Department of Medical Neuroscience at Dalhousie University for research and education. His cremated remains will be laid to rest beside his wife, Maureen, at a later date.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the UA Local 56 Union Hall, 31 Ragus Road, at 2 pm on Saturday, January 27, 2024. A formal presentation will commence at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia or Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society or Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association.
Jim will be remembered as a man who lived with purpose, passion, and profound humanity. His memory continues to guide and inspire us.
A copy of the online obituary can be viewed in the link below if you wish to leave a note in the guest book.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/james-henley-obituary?id=54172792
Sometimes the Merriest time of the year, isn’t always the most joyous. It’s ok to reach out if you need someone to talk to. As a UA Canada member, you and your family have access to Telus Health One where you can connect directly with a live councillor and certified professionals or use self-help programs for any work health or life matter – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This service doesn’t cost you anything out of pocket and it is completely confidential.
You and your family also have access to Togetherall, a 24/7 forum where you can connect anonymously to an online community that is there to share experiences, listen and support one another, guided by licenced professionals.
To access both programs confidentially, please visit http://uacanada.ca/wellness
In the upcoming year of 2024, we are poised for both new beginnings. As we step into this transformative period, it is with great excitement that we announce the welcoming of Local 244 into our extended family. Starting in January 2024, Local 244 will merge with UA Local 56, marking a significant moment in the journey of both Locals. We want to welcome the brothers and sister.
Ronald Oswald Williams | Obituary | Sharing Memories (arbormemorial.ca)
Time to remember Ron will be on Sept 23, 2023
If any of our members are interested in any of these positions with Modern Niagara, you should reach out to them and check out the job fair on Sept 12, 2023.
