National Council reviews political action work, support for members

UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema with federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh at the UFCW Canada National Council meeting

Jennifer Hassum, Executive Director of the Broadbent Institute, addresses the council

Toronto – May 25, 2022 – UFCW Canada’s national executive board recently held its bi-annual meeting to review the union’s programs and strategies and discuss the upcoming National Council Convention.

Comprised of UFCW leaders and representatives from across the country, the UFCW Canada National Council meets in person twice a year to assess the state of the union, decide on approaches for empowering members, and develop plans for helping more workers join the union.

As part of the meeting, council members heard from federal New Democratic Party (NDP) Leader Jagmeet Singh, who explained that UFCW’s unwavering support for the party was critical in helping the NDP secure the Supply and Confidence Agreement with the federal government.

Widely seen as a major victory for working people, the Supply and Confidence Agreement promises action on issues that UFCW Canada has been championing for years, including pharmacare, dental care, a just transition to a green economy, reconciliation, and anti-scab legislation.

Later in the day, council members heard from Jennifer Hassum, Executive Director of the Broadbent Institute, who provided updates on the institute’s education and outreach work and efforts to train progressive political candidates.

Throughout the meeting, UFCW Canada leaders also heard an economic report from the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and explored our union’s workplace rights, women and gender equity, young workers, training and education, diversity and inclusion, and political action programs. In addition, the council reviewed strategies for assisting members as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The next UFCW Canada National Council meeting will be held in the fall of 2022.