The CBTU endorsed Marie Clarke Walker as a proud CBTU member and advocate for workers of colour. CBTU applauds Hassan Husseini, who was also endorsed by our Chapter, for having initiated a "Take Back The CLC" movement, which resulted in historic change following the election of Hassan Yussuff as the first racialized President of the CLC (who is also now a CBTU member).
- Larry Rousseau on winning a 2nd term as Regional Executive Vice-President, National Capital Region (NCR) of the Public Service Alliance of Canada following his acclamation today at the NCR Regional Convention. Brother Rousseau's involvement in the GLBT, anti-racist, peace and social activist movements will continue to be an integral part of his engagement and commitment for social justice.
- Pierre-Richard Joseph was elected as a National Officer of the Telecommunications Workers Union at their annual convention. Brother Joseph joins sister Miller, sister Watt, and brother Balan as an unprecedented 4th worker of colour on their national board, and making their Montreal headquarter the only known all-black executive office in the province of Quebec.
- Megan Whitfield was elected CUPW's first black female President elected of the largest CUPW local in Canada, while Abdi Yusuf was elected as the first black chief steward at their Gateway East Postal Facility, and Sharon Paris was re-elected as assistant secretary treasurer. Megan (below) was photographed chairing her first meeting as President.
The CBTU would like to congratulate all its members on their wonderful accomplishments. CBTU looks forward to working in solidarity with each of these newly elected Officers as well as all our other accomplished members to advance the ongoing struggle for racial equality. These are great strides sisters and brothers!
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.
