TORONTO – For Joe Mancinelli, receiving the Order of Ontario is something he says he will carry with “immense gratitude and pride.”
The international vice-president and regional manager for Central and Eastern Canada at the Labourers’ International Union of North America was given the honour from Edith Dumont, lieutenant governor of Ontario, at a special ceremony recently.
Mancinelli was among 30 recipients of the Order of Ontario for 2025 and was bestowed the honour because he has “redefined Ontario’s labour landscape through bold innovation,” explains a release. “He pioneered inclusive apprenticeship programs that opened opportunities for youth, newcomers, women and Indigenous peoples. He drove community renewal through affordable housing, health care facilities and heritage restoration projects that balanced economic growth with cultural preservation.”
In general, the Order of Ontario recognizes those whose distinguished service and extraordinary achievements have helped build a stronger Ontario and Canada. Members of the Order come from all walks of life and represent many fields.
“I was deeply honoured and humbled to be invested into the Order of Ontario, our province’s highest civilian honour,” said Mancinelli in a LinkedIn post. “To stand alongside such an extraordinary group of individuals whose contributions have helped shape Ontario in so many ways is truly meaningful. This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to the many people who have walked beside me throughout this journey, my family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and the thousands of members I so proudly represent, who have dedicated their lives to building stronger communities and a better province for future generations.
“As the son of immigrants, I have never forgotten where I came from or the values instilled in me from an early age: work hard, stand up for others, give back, and never lose sight of the dignity of working people.”
