ABOUT THE JAMES MACKINNON LOCAL 1059 SCHOLARSHIP FUND
LiUNA Local 1059 established the James MacKinnon Local 1059 Scholarship Fund (“JMSF”) in 2019 to support our hard-working members and their spouses, children, grandchildren and legal dependents as they pursue their academic aspirations. The Local is proud to support all applicants in reaching their academic and career goals.
Over the past six years, the JMSF has made a meaningful and lasting impact, awarding more than $200,000 to 140 deserving students as they begin or continue their post-secondary studies.
To be eligible, applicants must complete all of the criteria set out within this Application Package and submit their application by July 6, 2026. All applications will then be reviewed by an Independent Review Committee (“IRC”) comprised of five community partners, who are responsible for scoring and selecting the successful applicants.
The IRC scores each application using four equally-weighted categories:
- Personal statement
- Academic achievement and extra-curricular work/volunteer experience
- Essay
- Overall impression
Please note that previous award recipients are welcome to apply, provided they meet all eligibility requirements.
All applications and information collected will be kept strictly confidential, except as detailed herein.
Thank you for your interest and for taking the time to apply. We look forward to reviewing your application and wish you the very best in your future academic careers.
AVAILABLE AWARDS
| UNIVERSITY | COLLEGE | GENERAL (either college or university) |
|---|---|---|
| Number Available – 6 | Number Available – 5 | Number Available – up to 15, at the discretion of the IRC |
| Amount – $3,000 each | Amount – $2,000 each | Amount – $800 each |
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Must be a LiUNA Local 1059 member in good standing or the spouse, son, daughter, grandchild or legal dependent of a LiUNA Local 1059 member in good standing*
- Must have received the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent
- Must be planning to attend a recognized post-secondary institution or an accepted equivalent in the academic year immediately following the Application Period. This includes applicants graduating from high school this year as well as those already attending a post-secondary institution
- Must be registered as a full-time attendee in their program
- Must submit a completed application by July 6, 2026
*A member in good standing is one who meets all thresholds required of a LiUNA member as stipulated by the Uniform Local and District Council Constitutions of the Labourers’ International Union of North America, as may be amended.
REVIEW CRITERIA
In order to be considered by the IRC, each applicant must submit:
- Completed Application Form (available below)
- Proof of Enrollment or Acceptance of an Offer from the post-secondary institution the applicant will be attending in the upcoming academic year.
- Official transcript(s) from the most recent completed year of education. Note: An electronic copy of an official transcript shall be accepted provided it is delivered to scholarship@liuna1059.ca directly from the post-secondary institution’s administrative or Registrar’s office. Electronic copies must include the applicant’s name.
- Personal Statement about the applicant, including career goals and other important information (between 500-750 words)
- One completed essay (see essay questions below)
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS JULY 6, 2026 AT 11:59PM
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FORM:
APPLY ONLINE NOWOR MAIL/COURIER TO:
LIUNA LOCAL 1059
ATTN: JMSF INDEPENDENT REVIEW COMMITTEE
635 WILTON GROVE ROAD
LONDON, ON N6N1N7
ESSAY QUESTIONS
EACH APPLICANT MUST SUBMIT ONE COMPLETE ESSAY FROM THE PROMPTS BELOW
- The world of work is changing – from advances in technology, climate change, greater awareness of inclusion, and the evolving needs of young workers. What’s one change you believe unions should prepare for, and how would you want Local 1059 to lead that change?
- Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed, undervalued, or out of place. What helped you get through it? What should unions do to better support members’ mental health and sense of belonging?
- Local 1059 is a proud leader in our community. Understanding our history, advocacy, and community engagement, where do you think Local 1059 has made the most impact, where could we improve, and what should Local 1059’s future be?
ESSAY FORMAT
Essays should not exceed 750 words in length and must be typed and double-spaced.
Essays must be original: Any essays generated using AI technology and/or submitted in previous years shall not be considered. The JMSF engages AI detection software as part of its review.
Please note that all essays submitted will become property of LiUNA Local 1059 and may be shared via its website, newsletter, and/or any other platform determined by LIUNA Local 1059 at its sole discretion.