Later is Too Late: Act now to confront environmental racism on Earth Day!

April 22^nd, 2025 is Earth Day. The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Ontario Canada (CBTU), the Enrich Project and the Toronto Environmental Alliance call upon labour and the community to reconnect with and build a relationship to the earth. Why? It’s simple – the extraordinary benefits of time spent outdoors should be available to all. Outdoors, is a great big, beautiful earth, where children and adults can learn about themselves through the experience of exploring in nature. One cannot love what one doesn’t know. If we want children to become adults who will care for and protect the earth, we must encourage a strong relationship with the natural world.

The environment is a labour issue because the environment and the workplace are inextricably connected: “There are no jobs on a dead planet.” We must learn from Indigenous practices and teachings to become stewards of the land and water then re-commit through workplace advocacy to confronting the systems of environmental exploitation impacting upon our communities.

Later is Too Late! So, on this Earth Day act by:

recognizing Indigenous stewardship of the land and water for thousands of years by advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action https://nctr.ca/about/history-of-the-trc/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada/

completing an Enrich Project Climate Justice survey to support research into climate change preparedness within Black Communities across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas https://form.jotform.com/250864776817068

supporting the heat stress campaign to raise awareness of the impacts of heat stress upon working class, Black and racialized workers who often work in industries with higher rates of heat exposure. Demand justice for Caribbean migrant farm workers who are literally dying on the job with no legislative protections. https://ofl.ca/action/the-heat-is-on/

learning more about the impacts of Environmental Racism upon the Black Community across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area by watching or hosting a film documentary ( https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NptN_MWexvw ) or review the final report ( https://www.enrichproject.org/projects-2/climate-change-preparedness-in-black-communities-in-the-greater-toronto-and-hamilton-area-a-capacity-building-project/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJsxcpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHus8bCPInyIDQffQIFGlz620oisf5fp4yR8bdXrN7H0Kj2LmuYfoV4gmUZtK_aem_-eWkGiGPSaZnDbAgEzZUIQ )

making Environmental Justice a ballot issue when casting your ballot in the Federal Election. ( WorkersTogether.ca )

host a CBTU Environmental Racism workshop or Let My People vote workshop in your workplace and/or Union by contacting CBTU cbtu.ca

Donate to a Black led environmental organization such as Kids in the Woods Initiative https://www.kidsinthewoodsinitiative.org/ , Black Eco-Bloom https://www.instagram.com/blackecobloom/ and/or the Enrich project https://www.enrichproject.org/ or another community based organization in your area.

Learn more about how to take local environmental action, by subscribing to the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) e-newsletter https://www.torontoenvironment.org/newsletter_signup

Attend a Seniors for Climate Justice event in your area https://seniorsforclimateactionnow.org/ or join the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC) “Plant-A-Tree” campaign to protect and restore the planet through this sustainable solution. gfoundation.ca

Confronting the Climate Emergency demands our collective effort – join in the struggle to promote Climate Justice in our workplaces and communities.

In solidarity,

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists – Canada Executive Board

Latest posts

Canada must reckon with its role in the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans

(Français ci-dessous / French below)

Hello CBTU members and allies,

Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) – Canada is reaching out because we know you share our commitment to justice, equity, and historical truth.

On March 25, 2026, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans a crime against humanity. 123 voted in favour and 3 against. Canada abstained and has declined to issue an apology despite repeated House of Commons Petitions.
That abstention was a choice and it sent a message to the 1.5 million Black Canadians who live with the consequences of that history every day.In recognition of Emancipation Day on August 1^st, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU)-Canada has launched a national campaign calling on the federal government to formally apologize for Canada's role in the trafficking and enslavement of Africans.

Here is how you can help right now:

1- Email your MP using our template

Email your MP

2- Share this campaign with your networks and members

The UN has declared this the Second Decade of People of African Descent. Canada must not sit on the sidelines of history—again.

In solidarity,

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists - Canada

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Le Canada doit composer avec le rôle qu’il a joué dans la traite des Africaines et Africains réduits en esclavage

Bonjour, membres et alliés de la CBTU.

La section canadienne de la Coalition des syndicalistes noirs (CBTU-Canada) vous demande de l’aider parce qu’elle sait que vous partagez son engagement à l’égard de la justice, de l’équité et de la vérité historique.

Le 25 mars 2026, l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies a adopté une résolution déclarant que la traite des Africaines et Africains réduits en esclavage est un crime contre l’humanité. 123 pays ont voté en faveur et 3 ont voté contre. Le Canada s’est abstenu et a refusé de publier des excuses malgré les pétitions présentées à la Chambre des communes à maintes reprises à cette fin.

L’abstention du Canada était délibérée et transmettait un message aux 1,5 million de Canadiennes et Canadiens noirs vivant au quotidien avec les conséquences de cette page d’histoire.

Pour marquer le Jour de l’émancipation le 1^er août, CBTU-Canada a lancé une campagne nationale incitant le gouvernement fédéral à présenter des excuses officielles au sujet du rôle qu’a joué le Canada dans la traite et la réduction en esclavage d'Africaines et d’Africains.

Voici ce que vous pouvez faire dès maintenant pour l’aider :

1- Envoyez un courriel à votre députée ou député fédéral à l’aide de notre modèle :

Envoyez un courriel à votre députée ou député fédéral

2- Faites connaître cette campagne à vos réseaux et membres

L’ONU proclame la deuxième Décennie internationale des personnes d’ascendance africaine. Le Canada ne doit pas rester sur la touche de l’histoire—encore une fois.

En toute solidarité,

La section canadienne de la Coalition des syndicalistes noirs (CBTU-Canada)

CBTU Canada Statement on Juneteenth

CBTU Canada recognizes Juneteenth as a powerful milestone in the ongoing journey toward freedom, marking June 19, 1865, commemorates the arrival of Union troops in Galveston, Texas, who announced the Confederacy's defeat and enforced freedom for enslaved people in the state and the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation

As we honour Juneteenth, we also recognize August 1st, Emancipation Day in Canada, a time to reflect on the legacy of slavery in our own history and the enduring strength, resistance, and contributions of Black communities.

The struggle for freedom, racial justice, and equity transcends borders. As educators, activists, and community leaders, we stand together in collective solidarity, committed to challenging anti-Black racism and building a future where justice, dignity, and opportunity are realized for all.

In solidarity,
CBTU Canada

CBTU Membership letter

March 1st, 2026

Greetings, CBTU Family:

As Black History Month comes to a close, the work of celebrating, uplifting, and advancing Black history does not end for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU). Black history is not confined to a single month; it lives in our communities, our workplaces, our struggles, and our victories every day of every year.

Over the past months, we have witnessed many inspiring moments across our movement. Black leaders have stepped forward to serve in new roles, some have retired after years of dedicated leadership, and others have begun new journeys that continue to shape our communities and labour movement. Each transition reflects the strength, resilience, and ongoing legacy of Black leadership within CBTU and beyond.

At the same time, our community has also experienced profound loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of CBTU Region One President Sharon Lovelady-Hall. Her leadership, commitment, and impact will be remembered and honoured throughout our organization.

We also send our heartfelt sympathies to all members of our CBTU family who have lost loved ones in recent weeks. Please know that you are not alone; our community stands with you.

The CBTU family remains rooted in solidarity and care. In moments of celebration and in times of grief, we continue to support one another. Together, we will keep building, organizing, and advancing the lives of Black people in our workplaces, our communities, and across the globe.

As we move forward, let us remain committed to the mission that unites us: empowerment, justice, and progress for Black workers everywhere.