Where's Our Obama Event a Great Success!

Over 50 people from a variety of communities and unions gathered together to have an inter generational discussion on race and racism within the Canadian political system.

Many thanks to the co sponsors of the event: CBTU Ontario Men’s Committee along with PSAC Workers of Colour Caucus coordinated and hosted the event. Co sponsors were LATUC, ACLA OPSEU’s racially visible Caucus and the OFL. Irwin Nanda, OFL VP, Marie Clarke Walker CLC VP and Sharon DeSousa PSAC REVP and Alvin Curling Special Advisor to Minister of Children and Youth Services were present.  Keynote speaker Mark Brown, a CBTU member, CUPW member and President of the Springdale NDP Riding Association presented the need for us to collectively look at the barriers to our community moving into the political arena but also motivated us to move forward with hope in an amazing presentation.

We want to take this time to especially thank Chris Wilson, Chair of the CBTU Ontario Men’s Committee , the PSAC staff and Lloyd Chair of PSAC Workers of Colour Caucus and their members for providing us with a safe venue where dialogue was open, honest, proactive and hopeful.

We look forward to the action plan results.

Mark Brown's Speech is available here.

The event photos are also available on our Facebook Page.

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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

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.

CBTU 30 Years Logo

Greetings, CBTU Family:

November 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of our organization becoming a Chapter of the CBTU, and the beginning of our year of celebration! Please take a moment to read our Special 30th Anniversary Edition Chapter Newsletter, where we have highlighted to accomplishments of several of our dear chapter members.

On behalf of the Chapter's Executive Board, we wish you all safe, happy, and healthy season's greetings and look forward to seeing and celebrating with you at our General Membership Meeting December 16 at 6pm.