Massey’s Janice Martell is proud that the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups is holding a memorial cycling ride between Massey and Elliot Lake in tribute to her late father, Jim Hobbs.
In retirement, Hobbs was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which his daughter attributes to his exposure to a finely ground aluminum dust known as McIntyre Powder.
The ride recognizes the countless treks between 1978 and 1990 made by Hobbs while working in the uranium mines.
He passed away in May 2017.
Next weekend’s event is the network’s Fourth Annual Justice for Injured Workers Bike Ride.
The members are recognizing the significance of occupational disease on the province’s workforce while honouring her father and other miners impacted by McIntyre Powder exposure.
Martell is planning a welcoming reception next Friday at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake to greet the riders and other supporters.
For route details and complete schedule, see below: For more information, please contact:
Peter Page, ONIWG Vice-President – 905-745-1003
Route Schedule & Events
Elliot Lake
May 25, 1-4pm: Free Public Seminar: Occupational Disease in Mining and McIntyre Powder Research – Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre Theatre, 255 Hwy 108
May 25, 7-9pm: Evening Reception – Welcome the cyclists and hear about the Workers’ Comp is a Right campaign and McIntyre Powder Project – Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre Theatre, 255 Hwy 108
Information Tables & Memorial Display will be open 12-5 and 7-9pm
May 26, 7am: Jim Hobbs Memorial Ride
Elliot Lake Miner’s Memorial Park, 325 Hwy108
Massey
May 26, 1-3pm: Afternoon Reception to welcome the cyclists
Massey Arena, 455 Government Road
Sudbury
May 27, 4pm: Free BBQ and Reception to welcome the cyclists
USW Hall, 66 Brady Street