Defining the future was the theme of the 29th Convention of the Canadian Labour Congress held virtually this week from June 16-18.

CUPE seized the moment to help define the future of our labour movement by supporting and bringing to victory all three candidates of Team Unite. The newly elected president of the Congress, Bea Bruske, is ready to implement a bold program to meet the challenges that workers face.

Joining Bea is Lily Chang (CUPE 79) as Secretary-Treasurer, and Siobhan Vipond as Executive Vice-President. CUPE also supported and helped re-elect Larry Rousseau as Executive Vice-President.

“Workers in Canada will be well served with Bea Bruske, as the new President of the Canadian Labour Congress. We are optimistic that the newly elected CLC team will focus on our members’ priorities, by resisting any anti-worker agenda and advocating for a just recovery based on good jobs and improved public services,” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock.

CUPE also congratulates Gloria Lepine, (CUPE 3550) who was elected Equity Vice-President for Indigenous Workers, Gina Mckay  (CUPE 2348) who was elected Equity Vice President for LGBTQ2+ workers, and Deena Kapacila (CUPE 4828)  elected Equity Vice President for young workers.

Important discussions and debate on economic and social policies, including long term care,  pharmacare, and climate change were highlights of the convention. The Human Rights Agenda policy paper calls on labour to take an unprecedented leading role in defining and driving the future with a transformative human rights agenda.

“Providing quality public services will be essential in rebuilding our economy as we move forward  and out of the global pandemic and we are confident that the new CLC executive will be up for the task,” said Charles Fleury, CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer. With the per capita increase and the election of Lily as Treasurer, the labour movement is now in a position to face the challenges ahead. ”

For more information on CLC Convention 2021 visit: https://convention.canadianlabour.ca/