The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Political Action Conference, held on January 20-21 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, brought together union members from across the country for two days of inspiration, collaboration, and political action. The event focused on uniting workers to fight for change and celebrate their collective strength ahead of the upcoming elections.
A diverse range of speakers set the tone, including Hon. Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, who emphasized the importance of voting to drive change. Laura Walton, President of the Ontario Federation of Labour, reminded attendees that “workers save workers” and are vital to shaping the province’s future. CLC President Bea Bruske spoke about recent victories, such as the Canada Pension Plan increase, national childcare program, and anti-scab legislation, while stressing the potential for even greater gains in the upcoming election.
Hon. Matthew Green, MP for Hamilton Centre, and NDP Labour Critic, called out corporate greed and its devastating impact on workers, urging unity and action to combat it. Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the NDP, outlined his party’s pro-worker vision, promising to address the affordability crisis and prioritize workers’ rights under an NDP-led government.
In addition to the powerful speeches, the conference featured practical training sessions, helping participants to strengthen their political messaging and campaign strategies. Attendees learned how to push back against conservative talking points, reframe key issues, and communicate effectively to support workers’ rights. With a focus on strategic collaboration, the conference laid the groundwork for a united, strong campaign that aims to make a meaningful difference for workers across Canada.
