Testimonials

Robert Howard

Campaign Director of the United Way of Oshawa, Whitby, Clarington and Brock & Scugog

"My first introduction to Mike was when I walked into his office and mentioned my involvement with United Way. He almost didn't let me do my usually pitch. "Robert, I believe in what you're doing". That simple phrase says it. He then proceeded to demonstrate a most enviable and admirable trait: He walked the talk. It's one thing to say you believe in helping those less fortunate, it's another to pick up a phone and make a call, to use your personal influence and credit with your friends, colleagues or co-workers, to go on the line and say this is important, I believe in helping, and I'm asking you to. This is what Mike did when he was our co-chair of our Campaign Cabinet, and why I trust him to this day to do the right thing. Without a doubt a man’s word means a great deal, but in this day and age we have all come to realize how important it is that actions follow from the words. Indeed, words without action are hollow; a word out of sync with the follow up action is deceit.  With Mike, his words lead to actions which are in total synchronization with his good intent." 

Our organization could not be successful without the good thoughts, intentions, words and actions of hundreds of volunteers and campaign workers. Indeed while we help the community, we are of the community. From among this group, Mike by his actions has distinguished himself. We are grateful for his contribution.

 

Ed Broadbent

Leader of the NDP - 1975 - 1989

"Oshawa needs Mike Shields.  I know Oshawa well, not just because I used to be its MP but because I was born and grew up there.  Mike is the kind of guy who will speak strongly and fight hard for you in Ottawa, for the auto industry, of course, but also for the whole community.  He knows what needs to be done, and people in Ottawa will listen to him."

Ken Lewenza

CAW National President

"Mike Shields has spent a lifetime defending workers, enhancing workers' standard of living through collective bargaining, and has extended the true principles of social unionism by giving back to the community through his generosity, participation and volunteerism on so many worthwhile fronts. 

Mike Shields will take a proven progressive voice to Ottawa and has earned the right to be considered favourably in this federal election in the Oshawa riding."

Richard Librock

Executive Director; Cooperation Canada Mozambique (COCAMO)

“Mike Shields’ social activism was brought to the forefront when he spent some time as director of the CAW’s International Department.  Mike showed to the world that he’s interested in not only improving the lives of Canadians, but people throughout the world.  I’m confident that Mike Shields would be a strong advocate for the families of Oshawa, just like he has been for the families of northern Mozambique.”

Chris Buckley

President, CAW Local 222

“Mike Shields has proven through his years of union activism and community involvement that he understands the needs of the working class and those less fortunate.  As a person born and raised in the City of Oshawa, Mike has experienced first hand the lack of leadership in Ottawa on behalf of the working women and men who live in this great city.  It’s time Oshawa has a working class representative in Ottawa.”

Bev McCloskey

Board Member, Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre

“Mike Shields believes in equal rights for women and not by voice only, but by action.  He has always fought for the equality of all people.  Having Mike as our MP means that we won’t have to march in Ottawa because Mike will be there for us and speak for us.  He won’t run and hide.  Speaking as a 25 year member with the Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre, I can tell you that Mike has been an incredible asset to our board.”

Nancy Diamond

Oshawa Mayor 1991 - 2003

Mike Shields has earned our respect and support.   As the elected head of CAW Local 222 with over 22,000 members, he has proven his ability to respond to his constituents while, at the same time, managing a “big business” and volunteering in senior positions in the community.  He is the only candidate who truly understands the critical issues related to working men and women in our community and who is ready to immediately champion our cause.  Of Oshawa, for Oshawa -- Mike’s the one!

Sandra Sweet

Executive Director of the Simcoe Hall Settlement House

“Mike Shields has, for many years, demonstrated a highly valued and principled support of less advantaged populations in our community. He clearly possesses both a deep understanding and sensitivity to the issues and concerns of working families. His tireless efforts and determined service on behalf of children and families has contributed greatly to creating a more intentional culture of compassion and care in our community.”

Larry Ladd

Oshawa Waterfront and Marina Activist

While Colin Carrie waited to see which way the tide turns, Stephen Harper and Jim Flaherty totally disregarded the concerns of local residents by supporting subsidies to Farmtech to build an ethanol refinery on our waterfront. Mike Shields and the NDP are the only ones who have consistently voted against this unpopular and irresponsible decision.

Chris Partridge

Durham Regional Police Constable 314 (Retired)

I spent my entire professional life (39 yrs) working as a street level Police Officer, primarily in high needs areas.  I was advised to talk to Mr. Shields because he cares about our community and gets things done.  I took Mike to a few areas where he spoke to the less fortunate, the poor and those without hope.  When we completed the tour, Mike agreed to help, but I had no idea at the depth that help would come.  

Mike suggested a coalition of community, political, and service providers be assembled to discuss the problem and work out solutions. At the end of the day, OSHAWA CARES was born, an organization that has fed children, supplied recreation, and sparked hope in kids that had none.

 
I am confident that Mike Shields would take to Ottawa the skills developed as a labour leader but also his deep desire to help the common man and woman - the folks that make up the majority of this great nation of ours.