The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Statement on the Passing of Bromley Armstrong

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canada Chapter adds its voice to those of countless others mourning the recent passing of Bromley Armstrong.

A core value of CBTU Canada is to seek to "fulfill the dream of Black trade unionists, both living and deceased, who throughout our labour history in Canada have courageously and unremittingly struggled to build a national movement that brings our collective strength and varied talents to bare in an unending effort to achieve economic, political and social justice for all". This passage taken from our mission statement can accurately be surmised through the life and the legacy of our brother Bromley Armstrong.

While Bromley Armstrong's passing means he is no longer with us, that legacy will shine on for generations to come.

Bromley Armstrong is survived not only by his personal family but by his extended Labour community family, as well as by the recipients of the "Bromley Armstrong Award" established in 2004 by the Toronto and York Region Labour Council.

His struggle for access and against discrimination in Dresden Ontario, his contributions to society through the founding of the Jamaican Canadian Centre, his receiving of the order of Ontario and more, all speak to the character of an activist who shares CBTU Canada's core values; values that include the construction of a fairer and more just society throughout Canada.

While serving as a Union side person at the Ontario Labour Relations Board, he ensured that workers' perspectives informed important industrial relations decisions.

Recognized as a leader in the struggle to establish Canada's anti-discrimination laws, Bromley Armstrong helped to bring about change in Canada at a time when both discrimination and segregation were accepted and embraced.

As such, CBTU Canada both mourns the loss and salutes the legacy of a great activist and our brother, Bromley Armstrong.


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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.

Dear CBTU chapter members,

We are 30! This year marks 30 years of being a chapter of the International CBTU. To celebrate our history and the contributions of our members towards the Canadian Labour Movement, past and present, we invite you all to a special CBTU General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, December 16 in the evening. Location TBD and will be included in our newsletter coming out within a week. Yes, of course there will be food, it wouldn't be a proper celebration without it☺️
We look forward to seeing you there!