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
November 1st, 2025
Greetings, CBTU Family:
As we reflect on this challenging season, we are reminded of the strength and solidarity that define our movement. Across Canada and throughout the African diaspora, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) remains a collective voice for justice, equity, and unity.
This issue of our newsletter is dedicated to our brothers and sisters in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and all the countries affected by Hurricane Melissa, and to our students pursuing higher education through CBTU scholarship opportunities. We extend gratitude to all members, allies, and communities who continue to lift one another during difficult times.
Friday October 31st, 2025
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canada extends our deepest sympathy, solidarity, and support to the people of Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. We are holding close in our hearts all those who have suffered loss, displacement, and damage to their homes, communities, and essential services.
We especially acknowledge the emotional toll being felt by Jamaican families both on the island and here in Canada, as many continue to wait for information about the safety of loved ones due to widespread power outages and interruptions to telecommunications systems. To everyone living in uncertainty we see you, we stand with you, and we are praying alongside you.
Even in the face of hardship, the Jamaican spirit remains resilient, courageous, and rooted in community care. And just as Jamaica has always lifted nations with its culture, leadership, and unwavering strength, we now rally to lift Jamaica.
CBTU Canada strongly encourages members across the country to support organizations and initiatives currently involved in recovery and rebuilding efforts. Donations can also be made directly to the Government of Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Donation Fund.
In Unity and Solidarity,
CBTU Canada Chapter Executive: President: Yolanda McClean, 1st Vice President Juanita Forde, 2nd Vice President Lineisha Bernard, Treasurer Christine Maclin, Recording Secretary Coleen Houlder, Communications Secretary Isabelle Miller, Communications & Social Media Officer Mark Brown, Membership Secretary Chris Campbell, Member At Large Mark Austin, Under 40 Representative Jordan Forde, Trustee Dennis Williams, Trustee Sharon Paris, Retiree Member Representative – Andrea McCormack
Sharon Lovelady-Hall, CBTU Region 1 Director Andrea McCormack, Secretary
Nina Manning, Treasurer
Ursula Howard, Women’s Committee Chair
Vacant, Men’s Committee Chair
LaNette Murphy, Youth Committee Chair Juanita Forde, Younger Workers Committee Chair
June 2025
Dear CBTU Brother and Sisters:
I am excited to announce that the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Annual Region 1 Conference will be held August 15-17, 2025, at Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12211. Continuing the celebration of the International CBTU 54th Anniversary, our theme is also “Preserving and Building on Our Legacy: Unbought, Unbossed, Unstoppable.” The agenda will consist of education and information that will give us an opportunity to reflect on our power and influence in the labor movement and our communities in the fight for social and economic justice.
