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
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
