The CBTU 47th International Convention was held in Orlando, Florida from May 23 to 28, 2018. The Canadian delegation grew to a historic 50 participants this year; its largest delegation of all time heralded Canadian Chapter President Yolanda McClean on the convention floor.
As has grown customary, the CBTU Canadian Chapter placed several resolutions on the floor of convention, varying in topics from childhood labour education to Black Votes Matter to seeking an apology from the government for slavery, each of which were passed by the delegates. Various members of the Chapter also participated in the convention proceedings as well. Chris Wilson and Jawara Gairey participated as panelists on the topic of environmental racism. Mark Brown participated as a speaker in the Organizing Through the Storm townhall meeting. Isabelle Miller moderated a panel on the aftermath of the 2017 hurricanes in the Caribbean which Roxanne St.Hill participated in as a panelist. Yolanda McClean presided over the Awards Banquet on the Sunday evening, where she was honoured with an award for her excellence.
Yolanda McClean was also elected as Trustee, and Isabelle Miller and Chris Wilson were elected as Executive Members at Large, to the CBTU International Executive Board.
The Chapter would like to thank all delegates from the Canadian Chapter who attended and who helped make this convention a great success!
April 22nd, 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 Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU)-Canada stands in solidarity with all Canadian workers affected by the 47th US President’s recent application of 25% tariffs on all automobiles and auto parts made in Canada.
