Delegates attend the Canadian Labour Congress constitutional convention in Winnipeg on Tuesday, where more than 2,000 union members from across Canada are debating action plans focused on economic resilience, affordability and workers’ rights. The convention continues on Wednesday with an address from federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis and discussions on Canada’s care economy.
More than 2,000 union delegates from across Canada are gathering in Winnipeg this week as the Canadian Labour Congress advances an ambitious economic action plan aimed at strengthening domestic industries, creating union jobs and addressing affordability pressures facing workers.
The Canadian Labour Congress’s constitutional convention, which opened Monday, continued Tuesday with cultural performances, political speeches, and debate on major policy priorities centred on economic justice, public investment and worker dignity.
The organization says delegates have adopted a blueprint focused on nation-building investments in infrastructure, transportation, energy systems, skills training and workforce development, arguing Canada must bolster its economic resilience amid global uncertainty, trade tensions and climate-related challenges.
“Canada cannot build a resilient economy by outsourcing jobs, relying on fragile supply chains, or leaving workers behind,” Canadian Labour Congress president Bea Bruske said in a statement Tuesday.
“This plan is about building the infrastructure, industries, and skilled workforce Canada needs, and making sure workers share in the prosperity they create.”
The plan, titled We Build the Future, calls for greater public investment, an industrial strategy aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains, and a worker-centred transition to a greener economy through investments in clean electricity, public transit, electrification and industrial decarbonization.
Delegates are also debating a second action plan, We Fight for Dignity, focused on affordability, wages, housing, inequality and expanding public services.
Tuesday’s program includes cultural performances by the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers, Red River Dancers and Leonard Sumner, as well as remarks from Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew.
The convention will continue Wednesday with an address from newly elected federal NDP leader Avi Lewis, followed by keynote speeches from former B.C. cabinet minister Judy Darcy and labour law scholar Adelle Blackett.
Wednesday’s plenary sessions will focus on strengthening Canada’s care economy through increased investment in care systems and advancing equity by addressing discrimination and inequality in workplaces and communities.
Other highlights include the posthumous presentation of the Canadian Labour Congress Humanitarian Award to the late Murray Sinclair and a panel on the importance of Canada’s care economy, led by Canadian Women’s Foundation executive director Mitzie Hunter.
Bruske said the convention’s adopted plan is ultimately about “building a stronger, more resilient Canada that delivers for workers and communities.”
— Ty Dilello is a reporter for the Winnipeg Sun.