YIP wraps up 2026 season with final sessions in Western Canada and Quebec
Calgary, Alta. and Saint-Sauveur, Que. – August 21, 2026 – Young UFCW Canada activists from across Western Canada and Quebec recently gathered in Calgary and Saint-Sauveur for the final sessions of the 2026 UFCW Canada Young Workers Internship Program (YIP), bringing together participants for a week of learning, leadership development, and solidarity.
Held concurrently, the Western and Quebec sessions gave young members an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the labour movement while developing practical skills through interactive workshops, group discussions, and team-building activities. Participants explored workplace rights, organizing, equity, activism, leadership, and the important role young workers can play in strengthening their unions and communities.
Throughout the week, participants shared experiences from their workplaces and learned about the challenges facing workers today. The sessions emphasized the power of collective action and the importance of young members speaking up, getting involved, and helping shape the future of the labour movement.
The Quebec session welcomed UFCW Canada Executive Assistant to the President Anouk Collet, who met with participants and shared insights into the work of the union and the importance of young members becoming active in the labour movement. In Calgary, participants were visited by UFCW Local 401 Southern Director Ricardo De Menezes, who spoke with the group about the role of young workers in building stronger workplaces and a stronger union.
“My YIP experience helped me understand the bigger role young workers can play in the labour movement,” says Jaspreet Kaur, a UFCW Local 401 member who participated in the Calgary session. “I developed my communication and leadership skills, made new connections, and gained a stronger understanding of solidarity and collective action. I’m leaving YIP feeling more confident, motivated, and ready to take action to make a positive difference in my workplace and union.”
Ealiana Riaca, a UFCW Local 1991-P member who participated in the Quebec session, also highlighted the value of connecting with other young workers. “YIP was a very enriching experience that taught me more about union issues and allowed me to meet people with different work and life experiences,” she says. “I leave with a stronger understanding of the challenges facing young workers and the work that needs to be done to improve our future. I am leaving the program enriched and with a stronger union knowledge to support the members I work with every day. Together, we can make a difference.”
Since its launch in 2000, the UFCW Canada Young Workers Internship Program has helped hundreds of members develop into confident workplace leaders, organizers, and advocates. The Calgary and Saint-Sauveur sessions mark the final YIP sessions of 2026, bringing another successful year of leadership development and young worker engagement to a close.
To learn more about the Young Workers Internship Program, visit ufcw.ca/yip and follow the program on social media.
