It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mansel R. Legacy, former National President of the Customs and Immigration Union (then Customs and Excise Union Douanes Accise), on Friday, February 28, 2025.
A proud unionist and member of the CIU Northern Ontario Branch, Mansel Legacy worked as a Customs Inspector in Sault Ste. Marie, and was at the helm of our union for fifteen years, serving as National President from 1981 to 1996 — the second person to occupy the position since the union’s creation in 1966. In his capacity as National President, Mansel was dedicated to serving and representing members from coast to coast, often travelling to meet members across Canada. This dedication to union business endured well into his retirement, as he continued to be involved as a Life Member actively participating in CIU’s triennial conventions.
A strong advocate for a safer workplace, Mansel fought for many of the tools that are now essential for frontline border personnel. He led the charge to stop the employer from forcing officers to work alone, which eventually saw the Canada Border Services Agency adopt its ‘doubling-up’ policy in 2008. Through his leadership, Mansel Legacy helped to shape the role of border personnel as an intrinsic part of Canada’s law enforcement infrastructure and laid the groundwork for our union to grow into the 21st century. It was under his presidency that our union joined the Canadian Peace Officers’ Memorial Association as a founding member, leading to the first joint Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ memorial service on Parliament Hill in 1996, to honour those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Early during his tenure, Mansel was instrumental in bringing back the union from a financially delicate position, helping to build a strong and sustainable organization that would become the Customs and Immigration Union we know today. Following the will of the National Board of Directors, National President Legacy oversaw the purchase of the CIU National Office — still in use to this day — in 1991, marking a decisive moment in our union’s history.
We invite all our members, past and present, to join us as we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mansel’s family, friends, and former colleagues. While no service will be held at this time, a celebration of life will be taking place later this year, with details to come. Should members and friends wish to make a donation in Mansel’s memory, please donate to Diabetes Canada or the Canadian Peace Officers’ Memorial Association.
