TORONTO – “The next year will be an important one for working people in Ontario. There is a lot at stake for us. But we are ready,” said CUPE Ontario president Fred Hahn in recognition of an ambitious action plan adopted by over 1000 delegates to CUPE Ontario’s 56th annual convention, “We will mobilize with allies in communities to confront the PC government in every way possible.”

Recent polls show that in every region of this province, including where PC candidates were elected less than a year ago, Ontarians don’t support the Ford agenda. This includes cuts to funding for our schools, health care including public health, social services, universities and emergency services.

“With 270,000 members across Ontario, mobilizing and coalition building will mean a collective force working on behalf of all Ontarians to maintain services people rely on and to build more inclusive, caring communities,” said Hahn. “It’s our sense that Ontarians see through corner store beer to the real meanspirited side of Ford’s plans that will undermine the foundation of the services working people need.”

The plan features escalating actions to defend public services and workers’ rights and mobilize against the rise of tide of hate and white supremacy.

“It is humbling to know that CUPE Ontario members are prepared to give their time, effort and energy in this way, to take time away from their own families to protect their neighbours and their communities. That is truly what it means to look out for one another. Something that clearly our Premier doesn’t understand.” said Hahn.

CUPE is Ontario’s largest union, with over 270,000 members across the province, delivering public services that Ontarians rely on every day.

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For more information, please contact:

Caedmon Malowany, CUPE Communications, 204-801