CBTU Canada Statement on the Christchurch Mass Shootings

It is with broken hearts and extreme dismay that once again the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canadian Chapter stands with those affected by the recent mass shootings of Muslim women, children and men in Christchurch, New Zealand. These victims were targeted by white supremacist terrorists as they prayed in their mosques. Our heartfelt condolences goes out to the families and to those affected by this most recent terrorist action. Far too often, Canadian Society has been forced to shed collective tears resulting from the manifestation of this form of hate throughout the world. The Islamic Center in Quebec City, Quebec, Mother Emanuel AME Church in in Charleston, South Carolina and the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are a few examples of some of history's darkest hours.

It is our view that in the midst of those dark hours, some of our greatest duties come to light. The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists in Canada believes that we all have a duty to stand against the rise of hate in all of its manifestations. Whether hate reveals itself blatantly and violently as in the examples above or discreet and targeted as is the case with carding and workplace racial discrimination, we believe that our collective responsibility remains the same. Today those who embrace hate have placed their attention on who they portray as "the others". While stoking the flames of islamophobia they target those who are racialized, Muslims and/or immigrants. The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists believes that if the seeds of hatred in society are permitted to grow, so will an unsatisfiable appetite for new outlets to target with that hate.

We further believe that as a society everyone has a duty to condemn the rise of hate at all levels and in all of its forms. As such CBTU's Canadian Chapter embraces the philosophy that through the collective condemnation of extreme hate and terrorism, we can make racism wrong again. That is why The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists in Canada continues to stand with those who stand against discrimination and extreme hate in all of its forms.

Latest posts

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!