YIP Phase 2 inspires young activists in Ottawa

Ottawa – November 14, 2023 – The UFCW Canada Young Workers Internship Program (YIP) recently returned, where UFCW Canada young worker activists gathered for Phase 2 of Canada's leading youth labour program.

Over the course of the program, young UFCW Canada members spent their time developing new skills and building solidarity. Participants engaged in various training activities where they learned about different facets of the labour movement, including taking a deeper look into labour communications and workplace organizing.

This session of YIP Phase II had a particular focus on political action: participants learned about how to lobby elected officials and advocate for matters that were important to them.

On the last day of the program, participants sat down and met with a variety of elected officials on Parliament Hill, to talk about some of the issues that concern young workers today, such as affordable housing and pharmacare. YIP participants were also given the opportunity to observe Question Period in Parliament.

The UFCW Canada Young Workers Internship Program (YIP) Phase 2 gives participants the experience of political campaign building and political lobbying. While Phase 1 of the program is focused primarily on in-class training and education, Phase 2 gives more hands-on experience throughout different facets of the labour movement. Follow UFCW Canada’s YIP on Instagram here.