TORONTO, Dec. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - In a surprise visit from Windsor-Tecumseh MP Joe Comartin, CAW National President Ken Lewenza was awarded today with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Canadian society, including on the issues of human and labour rights.

MP Comartin made the presentation to Lewenza this morning in downtown Toronto at the Sheraton Centre, during the course of the CAW Council. Leading up to the presentation, Lewenza was unaware of the award.

MP Comartin congratulated Lewenza for his efforts to raise the standards of living for people across the country and being an outspoken human rights advocate particularly on issues of poverty, women's equality, homophobia and racism.

In receiving the award, Lewenza said that he accepted it with great humility and appreciation towards the Windsor Essex community and the CAW and labour movement more broadly.  He said he was accepting it on behalf of the whole union.

Lewenza urged union members to continue the fight to improve the standard of living for all. "We must renew our determination to make change in our country, against great challenges. History has shown that if we fight, we can in fact win."

SOURCE Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW)