Dan Oldfield was awarded the Canadian Media Guild’s highest honour, the CMG Meritorious Service Award, at the union’s convention in May.

A legendary figure in the Guild’s history, Dan’s contributions span nearly five decades—as an activist, elected officer, shop steward, national president, and ultimately as Senior Staff Representative until his retirement in 2014. As nominator Allan Gofenko wrote, “Dan Oldfield is a legend in the Canadian Media Guild and this cannot be overstated.” Gofenko recalls Dan as someone who “got things done” and compares him to hockey great Yvan Cournoyer, “the road runner,” a symbol of speed, determination and effectiveness.

Dan began his career at CBC/Radio-Canada at just 22 years old, and quickly became active in the Guild’s predecessor, the Canadian Wire Service Guild. Over the years, he held elected positions in Toronto, Whitehorse, and Regina, including serving as national president during the transformative years that led to the formation of the Canadian Media Guild.

Known for his unwavering principles, Dan once famously refused to cross a picket line during a 1981 strike, risking suspension in defence of union solidarity. As Senior Staff Rep, he became a cornerstone of CMG’s collective strength, representing thousands of members across CBC/Radio-Canada, The Canadian Press, Reuters, TVO and APTN.

Dan led historic negotiations that delivered same-sex benefits, permanent status for over a thousand CBC/Radio-Canada contract staff, and groundbreaking grievance resolution systems. His leadership during the 2005 CBC/Radio-Canada lockout helped unify the union and establish protections for precarious media workers. In 2009, he secured a pension surplus agreement that delivered meaningful financial benefits to employees and retirees.

Always modest about his achievements, Dan was known for putting members first by listening, advising, and fiercely advocating for fairness and dignity in the workplace.