We have been deeply shaken by the Islamophobic events taking place across North America this past week, from the Trump administration’s “Muslim ban” to the devastating attack at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec. We are appalled by the Trump administration’s decision to close the American border to refugees. We must not be silent. We must…
We mourn those injured and killed in last night’s shooting at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec. CUPE Ontario stands in love and solidarity with Muslim communities everywhere, and with our CUPE brothers and sisters affected by anti-Muslim violence. CUPE Ontario strongly condemns the attack in Québec and other recent manifestations of Islamophobia in…
On Monday, January 16th, CUPE Ontario celebrates the life and work of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. As trade unionists, we celebrate Dr. King because of his contributions to human rights and because we have a responsibility to carry on his work. Recognizing that the struggle for racial justice and the struggle for…
On July 24, Abdirahman Abdi, a Somali immigrant living with autism, was violently killed in broad daylight by Ottawa police officers David Weir and Daniel Montsion. CUPE Ontario sends our sincere condolences to Abdirahman’s family, and we join the call for justice regarding his death. We know that Black people and people living with disabilities,…
Dear Alica and Aaron, I am writing to you as a long-time resident of the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood, long-time Queer and Trans activist and one of Canada’s few openly gay union leaders. I am calling on the Executive Board of PRIDE Toronto to honour its commitment to Black Lives Matter. Let me start by…
Anti-Black racism is real. As Ontario’s community union, CUPE Ontario advocates for strong, healthy communities that are safe for everyone. We stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter – Toronto because CUPE members face anti-Black racism. We support Black Lives Matter because this is about us—about our members, our families, and our communities. But this…
February is Black History Month. CUPE Ontario urges its members to take this time to acknowledge and honour the many contributions people of African heritage have made to Canada and to the Canadian labour movement. The history of Black Canadians can be traced back to the early 1600s. While some people of African descent were…
On Monday, January 18th, CUPE Ontario joins with those around the world who will honour the life and work of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. As trade unionists, we celebrate Dr. King because of his contributions to human rights and because we have a responsibility to carry on his work. Although some don’t…
CUPE Ontario’s Racial Justice Committee would like to alert members to a writing competition for Toronto youth ages 11 to 17. The City of Toronto is holding a writing contest in honour of Black History Month. Young people are invited to share a story about black Torontonians, past or present, who have contributed to Toronto’s…
