Memorial for murdered transit operator installed at U of M

Winnipeg

Richmond West

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This article was published 04/09/2024 (401 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A permanent memorial for Irvine ‘Jubal’ Fraser, a bus operator murdered while on duty in 2017, has been installed near the transit stop where he died.

The project was put together by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 1505, the transit union chapter of Winnipeg and Brandon, Man., with support from the University of Manitoba.

Seven years ago, on Feb. 14, Fraser was fatally stabbed following an altercation with a passenger. Similar memorials have been put up in the past, but were compromised by weather or vandalism. However, this one, which was installed on Aug. 27, will now be a permanent spot for colleagues and friends to stop and mourn. It’s placed at a spot where transit operators will usually stop for a break, explained Raina Lyall, communications and research co-ordinator with ATU Local 1505, and will therefore give them a chance to pay their respects at their own pace.

“This banner is more than just a symbol of tribute; it is a call to action,” said Chris Scott, President of ATU Local 1505, in a press release. “The tragic loss of Jubal underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all transit workers and passengers.”