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!
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
