CLC Convention - Checkout Fall 2023

The 30th Constitutional Convention of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) took place in Montreal from May 7 – May 12, 2023.

The CLC represents more than 3 million members from dozens of Unions nation-wide and is the largest labour organization in Canada.

The week began with a UFCW Caucus meeting where more than 200 delegates received an overview of the week's agenda. In addition, Team Unite led by CLC President Bea Bruske, dropped in to speak to everyone for a few minutes about their hopes for re-election and a strong plan to represent workers as we move forward.

The CLC Action Plans adopted by convention delegates during the week set a strong agenda for the coming three years to tackle: Affordability; Indigenous Reconciliation; The Climate Crisis; The Care Economy; Social and Economic Infrastructure, and; Organizing Workers.

Resolutions, many of which involved respectful and important debates on the floor, addressed a number of important issues including:

Strengthening labour laws across the country;

• Banning scab labour; • Protecting our public health care system;

Taking action to plan for and manage the climate crisis;

Fighting back against rising hate, transphobia and homophobia;

• Supporting Indigenous Reconciliation, and;

• Tackling systemic racism.

During the election portion of the convention, it was announced that Team Unite – Bea Bruske, Lily Chang, Larry Rousseau, and Siobhan Vipond – were running unopposed. A standing ovation greeted the news that each were re-elected by acclamation.

A number of guests inspired delegates throughout the convention, including Canadian musician Jully Black, Elder Alan Harrington of the Iskatewizaagegan Independent First Nation #39, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. Other incredible speakers over the week included Minor League Baseball organizer and former MLB player Josh Thole; comedian and activist Margaret Cho, and; Union organizer Chris Smalls who founded and organized the Amazon Labor Union.

Panel discussions addressed timely topics such as the Affordability Crisis; the Climate Crisis, Delivering the care we need, and; Organizing for a Brighter Future. On the last full day of the convention, the nearly 2,000 delegates took to the streets of Montreal to march in solidarity behind their newly re-elected CLC leadership.