About Joseph Mancinelli
Joseph S. Mancinelli is a proud lifelong Hamiltonian whose leadership, vision and generosity have helped shape the city for more than four decades. Born at St. Joseph’s Hospital on September 11, 1957, Joe has spent his life rooted in the community he loves. He and his wife Enza have lived on the Hamilton Mountain for over 40 years, where they raised their five children and now enjoy time with their three grandchildren.
Joe is widely recognized as a determined and principled labour leader, but his impact extends far beyond the labour movement. He is a bridge builder who understands that strong relationships create strong communities. Whether working alongside labour and management, collaborating with elected officials across party lines, or partnering with community leaders, Joe brings integrity, conviction and heart to every table.
He joined LIUNA Local 837 in 1978 and rose to become International Vice President and Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Canada, Canadian Director, and Chair of the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada. Under his leadership, LIUNA has grown to more than 130,000 members, including nearly 10,000 in the Greater Hamilton area. LIUNA members have helped build many of the institutions Hamiltonians rely on every day, from roads and libraries to courthouses and sports facilities.
Joe’s leadership has always focused on lifting others. He championed scholarship programs for members’ children and established an innovative partnership ensuring newborn children of Local 837 members are enrolled in post-secondary savings programs. His belief in education reflects his broader commitment to creating opportunity for the next generation.
A visionary city builder, Joe has played a transformative role in Hamilton’s downtown revitalization. LIUNA restored the historic former CN Rail Station into today’s Liuna Station and created Immigration Square to honour the city’s immigrant history, including his own father, Enrico Henry Mancinelli. He also led the restoration of the iconic Lister Block when others had walked away from the project. Through additional investments along Hughson Street and at James and Jackson, LIUNA continues to contribute to a vibrant and growing core.
Joe has also prioritized housing and care. LIUNA has developed not-for-profit housing throughout the city and built two long-term care homes, Queen’s Garden and Regina Gardens. He has been a strong advocate for critical infrastructure, including the restoration of funding for Hamilton’s LRT project.
Beyond development, Joe and Enza are deeply committed to community service. They support numerous local organizations, including DeMazenod Door Outreach, Eva Rothwell Centre, YMCA/YWCA, Interval House and many others. Joe has served on key boards and committees, including Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University and Bay Area Health Trust.
An accomplished artist as well, Joe’s sculptures and paintings reflect his lifelong passion for creativity and culture. His empathy, perseverance and dedication to Hamilton have left an indelible mark. His contributions continue to strengthen the city as a place to live, work and thrive.
About Ian Hamilton
Ian Hamilton serves as President and CEO of HOPA Ports, where he has led a period of significant growth, cargo diversification, and regional impact in support of the City of Hamilton and Ontario’s economy. Since assuming the role in 2017, Ian has guided the transformation of the former Hamilton Port Authority into an integrated port network across the Great Lakes, including Hamilton, Oshawa, Niagara, and beyond.
Under Ian’s leadership, HOPA has emerged as a cornerstone of Ontario’s supply chains and a driver of regional economic growth. Since 2017, HOPA has made substantial direct investments and attracted more than $500 million in private-sector investment to Hamilton, supporting over 40,000 jobs across Ontario. Marine cargo remains central to the organization’s mandate, with HOPA’s port network handling over 30-percent of all cargo moving through the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway in 2025. The Port of Hamilton alone handles more than $4 billion in cargo value annually, reinforcing its essential role in trade, industrial competitiveness, and Hamilton’s economy.
A defining feature of Ian’s tenure has been the strategic expansion of cargo types handled and infrastructure investment in Hamilton. HOPA has more than doubled its non-steel related cargo base, strengthening regional competitiveness across multiple sectors. Targeted investments in agri-food infrastructure, including partnering with Sucro Can to build North America’s largest sugar refinery at Pier 15 and partnering with Parrish & Heimbecker to build Ontario’s largest and most modern flour mill at pier 10, have reinforced Hamilton’s position as an agri-food hub and gateway for global trade. Through strategic, long-term investment, Ian has ensured HOPA continues to support key industries while strengthening Ontario’s supply chains.
Ian is widely recognized for his forward-thinking leadership and commitment to innovation, sustainability, and regional collaboration. In 2025, he received the Innovative Leader Award from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC), recognizing his role in initiatives such as the Thorold Multimodal Hub in partnership with BMI and QSL and supporting the revitalization of Port Colborne’s marine assets.
Beyond economic growth, Ian has championed environmental stewardship and responsible port development. HOPA Ports invests millions in environmental initiatives, supporting efforts to protect air, land, water, wildlife, Indigenous rights, and archaeological features, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Ian is, and has served on several boards, including the Beach Canal Lighthouse Group, Mission to Seafarers of Southern Ontario, the Chamber of Marine Commerce, Brigs Youth Sail Training, and been chair of The Hamilton Club, and the Association of Canadian Port Authorities.
