Olivier-David Benoît

Olivier-David Benoît was a shoemaker by trade and attained importance in history as a trade union leader.
Benoît had his early trade union experience with an American-based group called the Knights of Labor. Expanding from the United States to Canada in the late 19th century, they supported a radical set of social reforms. They were politically active and worked to educate the public with their positions
Olivier-David Benoît was a first generation labour leader who believed in the ideals espoused by the Knights and worked to give working people a societal voice. In a notable case, Benoît appeared before the Royal Commission on chaired by James Sherrard Armstrong. He made a strong case about the need to improve conditions workers in the boot and shoe industry were facing.