Daniel Cloutier

Daniel first got involved in the union in 1989, during a labour dispute at Purolator that lasted four months. Shortly after returning to work, he was elected as a steward for Local 146 of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP), one of the founding unions of Unifor. He subsequently served in various capacities, including as president of his local, before being hired as a CEP service representative in 1997. His responsibilities in a broad range of sectors gave him the opportunity to work in several regions of Quebec as well as in the rest of Canada.

Throughout his career, Daniel Cloutier has led numerous negotiations, including several at the national level, in addition to resolving strikes, defending multiple files, and working in the Health and Safety Department. He also served as president of the Canadian National Representatives Union. Following the creation of Unifor in 2013, he helped make the Service de défense des accidentées et des accidentés du travail (SDAT) an effective tool for defending local unions in Quebec.

An activist for over 30 years, dedicated to defending workers’ rights, social justice and organizing in all sectors of the economy, Daniel Cloutier is a respected union leader who has a profound commitment to as well as deep roots in the struggles of Quebec workers. As Director of Unifor Quebec, he has helped expand grassroots campaigns, political actions, and public interventions aimed at making the voices of members heard across Quebec.

Known for his outspokenness, colourful expressions and vivid metaphors, Daniel has a talent for making union issues both clear and compelling. When it comes to defending members’ rights, he applies the same vigour whether in remote regions or large urban centres, on picket lines or in the corridors of politics.