Steelworker Jim Kmit has a special relationship with his granddaughter, 18-year-old university student Marisa. The grandfather and granddaughter duo spend a lot of time at Jim’s camp on Nepewassi.
Over four years ago, the family learned that Marisa had a brain tumour. Marisa, with her grandfather Jim by her side, faced the ordeal with such bravery. She’s had 37 MRI’s, 3 CAT scans, countless amounts of bloodwork and two brain surgeries – one just this past summer.
Jim, who is so proud and in awe of Marisa’s strength has been a solid support system for Marisa, Jim’s daughter Tina and son-in-law Stewart. He has driven her to Toronto for all of her tests, consultations, appointments, and surgeries.
Marisa is currently in Jacksonville, Florida for a special form of radiation not available in Canada.
Due to the incurring expenses during Marisa’s six week stay in Florida, the family has set up a GoFundMe page for Marisa. Click here to read Marisa’s story in her own words and to contribute.
Tomorrow is Election Day in British Columbia and there’s too much at stake for Steelworkers to sit this one out. Across our province, working families are facing real challenges. Forestry communities are fighting to protect jobs and keep mills running. Mining workers need stronger safety protections and training. Canadian jobs are threatened by outsourcing, and […]
KAMLOOPS, B.C. – United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 7619 has issued 72-hour strike notice to Teck’s Highland Valley Copper (HVC) operation near Logan Lake, B.C., following unsuccessful negotiations to reach a fair collective agreement. The notice was served Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m., with the union preparing for potential strike action if an agreement […]
The jobs of thousands of USW members have been plunged into uncertainty due to U.S. tariffs, outsourcing and offshoring. In 2025, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) has supported initiatives that help build union-to-union solidarity, which is critical to ensuring workers have a voice. Over the years, the USW has supported the efforts of the Mexican […]