Unifor elects a new national president

TORONTO — Canada's largest private-sector union has chosen Lana Payne as its new national president.

Payne was elected Wednesday to succeed Jerry Dias as head of Unifor.

She becomes the first woman to lead the 315,000-member union.

Dias retired in March, citing health issues, amid unproven allegations he had breached Unifor's constitution by improperly accepting $50,000 from a vendor.

An investigation into the matter continues.

Payne is a former journalist and past president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour.

She previously served as national secretary-general of Unifor.

Throughout the election campaign, Payne championed the need for greater transparency and accountability in the union.