1912–1989
Pine Hills Cemetery
Section 3 Lot 1005
David Bruce Archer’s life was defined by a steadfast commitment to workers’ rights and social progress. After immigrating to Canada with his family in 1920, Archer grew up in Toronto’s east end, where he embraced his stepfather’s Labour ideals. His early career was marked by bold efforts to organize unions, efforts that cost him jobs but strengthened his resolve.
Archer joined Dr. Norman Bethune on fundraising tours across northern Ontario to support anti-fascist forces involved in the Spanish Civil War. His activism extended to political organizing, where he worked to keep Trotskyites out of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, the precursor to today’s New Democratic Party.
Archer rose to prominence as president of the Ontario Federation of Labour, serving for many years as a leading voice for workers. His tenure ended in 1976 when major unions backed Cliff Pilkey for leadership. That same year, Premier William Davis famously quipped:
“(Archer) has such a keen political mind that had he been alive in the 16th century, Machiavelli would have gone into dressmaking.”
Beyond labour leadership, Archer’s influence reached far into civic life. He was a member of the Order of Canada, a member of the Ontario Economic Council, a director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, a founder of the United Appeal, served on the board of governors of York University and chairman of the Toronto Housing Authority.
David Archer’s legacy is one of advocacy, intelligence and service, a life dedicated to improving conditions for working people and enriching the cultural fabric of Ontario. He died in February 1989 at the age of 77 and is buried in the comforting grounds of Pine Hills.
Sources:
• Governor General of Canada – Order of Canada: David Bruce Archer
• Mount Pleasant Group – David Bruce Archer
Photo: gg.ca
