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

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UNITED NATIONS (UN) INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT

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.

That is why CBTU Canada launched its campaign calling on the Government of Canada to formally acknowledge Canada’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and issue a federal apology.

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

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition — August 23

(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