March 2, 2023
Greetings CBTU Member:
Welcome to The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Canada Chapter. We are so pleased that we are getting new members to join this collective power daily, and we are grateful for the CBTU members who have been involved and created this phenomenal organization.
2023 marks our 27th year, and we have an inspiring year ahead. We will double our efforts to influence policies that impact our communities and will do whatever is necessary to grow the organization and ensure that we continue progressing.
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Canada Chapter, is open to further donations and Sponsorship. These funds help support the CBTU projects and initiatives. In the coming weeks, we will forward requests for Sponsorship to Affiliates and Community organizations. We are trying something new to ensure we can plan for events ahead.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Due to extreme weather, we were forced to reschedule our General Membership Meeting. It has been rescheduled for March 22, 2023, at 6:30-8:30 pm at Liuna Hall, 1263 Wilson Avenue, Suite 200, Toronto. The meeting will be accessible via zoom for those who reside out of town.
Please RSVP to Holmann Richard at [email protected] if you plan to attend. Hope to see you there!
THE 52ND INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
May 24-29, 2023, in New Orleans. If you plan to attend our International Convention, you must be a member in good standing. Membership dues must be paid to the Canada Chapter no later than March 3, 2023. Once we receive your dues, we will submit your name and contact information to CBTU International. You will receive your official CBTU membership card from Washington headquarters. If you have already paid, please ignore this request.
Please note, if you are attending the International Convention in New Orleans, the Canada Chapter has an agreement that if you register before the early registration date of March 17, 2023, your registration fee will be at par - $375.00 CDN. If you are utilizing this agreement, you MUST mail your registration form and money order to CBTU International Office, P.O. Box 66268, Washington DC 20035-6268, before March 17.
Otherwise, your registration fee will be payable in U.S. funds. A copy of the mail-in registration form is attached for your convenience.
The CBTU’s mission is to encourage and support the full participation of Black workers and Workers of Colour in their unions and to organize to maximize our political influence with the labour movement and other stakeholders. The Coalition must play a significant role in educating and mobilizing members to create the type of workplace and society we want and need for present and future generations.
UNDER 40 COMMITTEE DRIVE
The Under 40 Committee for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists for March 2023 is collecting sanitary menstrual items for women experiencing homelessness.
Drop-off Dates and Times:
Should you have any questions, please get in touch with Juanita Forde at
MEMBERSHIP, DUES, & SPONSORSHIP
Please forward your dues and donations, along with a copy of your completed membership form, to the following:
Attention: Christine Maclin – CBTU
115 Gordon Baker Road, Toronto, ON M2H OA8
Payments can be made by cheque or money order payable to CBTU or by e-transfer to Christine Maclin at [email protected].
This year we are determined to build this organization to be stronger and more influential than ever. We encourage you to attend our meetings and events, join one of our Committees, and participate in the change. We look forward to communicating with you, and please do not hesitate to pass on ideas, suggestions, and comments.
Peace and Solidarity,
CBTU Canada Chapter Executive
(Le français suit / French follows…)
To Allies,
September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists - Canada (CBTU) community stands in solidarity with Indigenous Nations across Turtle Island. We honour the survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never returned home, and recognize the enduring strength, resilience, leadership, and sovereignty of Indigenous communities.
We also recognize that the history of Indigenous peoples and Nations has never been defined by the borders imposed through colonization. Long before the creation of Canada and the drawing of colonial boundaries, Indigenous Nations had their own territories, laws, governance, cultures, languages, and relationships with the land. These imposed borders are part of a colonial system that disrupted and continues to impact Indigenous peoples, communities, and Nations.
As displaced peoples of African descent, we acknowledge the generations of Indigenous peoples who have cared for and stewarded these lands for thousands of years. We recognize that reconciliation requires more than words—it demands truth, accountability, justice, and meaningful action.
The adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) by the UN General Assembly on September 13, 2007, affirmed the rights of Indigenous peoples and provides an important framework for advancing reconciliation. When the declaration was first adopted, Canada voted against UNDRIP. Canada changed their position over time through advocacy.
The Grassy Narrows River Run protest on September 23, 2026, reminds us that environmental justice and Indigenous rights remain urgent and ongoing concerns.
As we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, CBTU-Canada acknowledges that, a decade after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its 94 Calls to Action significant work remains to be done. Many of those calls are not yet fulfilled, underscoring the urgent need for governments, institutions, and the labour movement to move beyond words and take meaningful action.
We encourage our members and allies to learn, listen, and take action in support of Indigenous rights and justice. We also recognize the importance of resources such as the Canadian Labour Congress Indigenous Rights and Justice Resource Center in strengthening education and solidarity within the labour movement.
Truth must lead to justice. Reconciliation must lead to action.
In solidarity,
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) - Canada
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À nos alliés,
Le 30 septembre, en cette Journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation, la communauté de la Coalition des syndicalistes Noirs (CBTU) exprime sa solidarité avec les nations Autochtones de toute l’île de la Tortue. Nous rendons hommage aux survivants des pensionnats, nous nous souvenons des enfants qui ne sont jamais rentrés chez eux et nous reconnaissons la force, la résilience, le leadership et la souveraineté inébranlables des communautés Autochtones.
Nous reconnaissons également que les peuples et les nations Autochtones n’ont jamais été définis par les frontières imposées par la colonisation. Bien avant la création du Canada et le tracé des frontières coloniales, les nations Autochtones avaient leurs propres territoires, lois, modes de gouvernance, cultures, langues et liens avec la terre. Ces frontières imposées font partie d’un système colonial qui a bouleversé et continue d’avoir des répercussions sur les peuples, les communautés et les nations Autochtones.
En tant que peuples déplacés d’origine Africaine, nous rendons hommage aux générations de peuples Autochtones qui ont pris soin de ces terres et en ont assuré la gestion pendant des milliers d’années. Nous reconnaissons que la réconciliation exige plus que des mots : elle exige la vérité, la responsabilisation, la justice et des mesures concrètes.
L’adoption de la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples Autochtones (UNDRIP) par l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies le 13 septembre 2007 a affirmé les droits des peuples Autochtones et fournit un cadre important pour faire avancer la réconciliation. Lors de l’adoption de cette déclaration, le Canada a voté contre l’UNDRIP, puis ont revu leur position pour l'accepter.
La prochaine manifestation « Grassy Narrows River Run », prévue le 23 septembre 2026, nous rappelle que la justice environnementale et les droits des peuples Autochtones demeurent des enjeux urgents et persistants.
À l’occasion de la Journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation, le CBTU-Canada reconnaît que, dix ans après la publication par la Commission de vérité et de réconciliation de ses 94 appels à l’action, un travail considérable reste à accomplir. Bon nombre de ces appels n’ont pas encore été mis en œuvre, ce qui souligne le besoin urgent pour les gouvernements, les institutions et le mouvement syndical d’aller au-delà des paroles et de prendre des mesures concrètes.
Nous encourageons nos membres et nos alliés à s’informer, à écouter et à agir en faveur des droits et de la justice Autochtones. Nous reconnaissons également l’importance de ressources telles que le Centre de ressources sur les droits et la justice autochtones pour renforcer l’éducation et la solidarité au sein du mouvement syndical.
La vérité doit mener à la justice. La réconciliation doit mener à l’action.
En solidarité,
La Coalition des syndicalistes Noirs (CBTU) – Canada
August 31, 2026
Today, August 31, we join people around the world in recognizing the United Nations’ International Day for People of African Descent.
Today is a day to celebrate our history, resilience, achievements and contributions. But it is also a day to confront history honestly.
For the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) - Canada, recognition must be accompanied by truth, accountability and action.
Canada has a history connected to the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and the institution of slavery. That history must be acknowledged—not to assign guilt to Canadians today, but to recognize the truth of what happened and understand its continuing consequences.
An apology cannot undo the past. But it can acknowledge the truth, honour those who suffered, and help establish a foundation for meaningful reconciliation and justice.
The United Nations has made clear that the legacy of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade demands recognition, justice and action.
Nations have a responsibility to ensure the full and equal treatment, dignity and protection of people of African descent in the societies and countries they have profoundly contributed to building and developing economically. This responsibility includes strengthening laws, policies and institutions to eliminate the racial discrimination, inequality and systemic barriers that continue to affect people of African descent, including in countries where they were brought through enslavement, forced migration or other forms of coercion. Recognition of these contributions must be accompanied by concrete measures to protect human rights, advance equality and address the enduring consequences of racial injustice.
Canada should not stand outside that conversation.
On this International Day for People of African Descent, CBTU Canada renews its call:
Canada must recognize its history.
Canada must acknowledge its responsibility.
Canada must apologize.
Remembering must lead to recognition.
Recognition must lead to accountability.
And accountability must lead to action.
CBTU Canada remains committed to the campaign for recognition, justice and an official federal apology.
In solidarity
The Executive Board of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) - Canada
(Le français suit / French follows…)
August 23 is more than a date. It is a day to remember the courage, resistance and determination of those who challenged a system built on the trafficking and enslavement of Africans and their descendants.
The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition reminds us that history is not simply something to be remembered; it is something that continues to shape the societies we live in today. The legacy of slavery is reflected in the institutions, policies, inequalities and experiences that continue to affect Black communities.
Remembrance must therefore be accompanied by recognition, accountability and action. Honouring those who resisted slavery means confronting the historical realities that continue to influence the present and ensuring that future generations inherit a more just society.
This is why the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists–Canada continues to call on the Government of Canada to acknowledge its role in the trafficking and enslavement of Africans and to issue a formal federal apology. Our national apology campaign is part of a broader effort to advance recognition, accountability and reparatory justice.
On August 23rd, we remember those who endured. We honour those who resisted. And we recommit ourselves to the work of building a future grounded in justice, equality and dignity for all.
In remembrance. In recognition. In action.
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canada Executive Board
