Ontario Racial Justice and Human Rights 2016 conference, “Moving equality forward, from basics to leadership,” took place in Toronto January 25-28, 2016. This was an information packed event which talked about a variety of topics including Aboriginal education, union development, challenging diversity and diversity and inclusion in the workplace to name a few.
The conference opened with an inspirational speech from Candace Rennick, Secretary Treasurer for CUPE Ontario. She pointed out that CUPE Ontario has the first openly gay president and 1st young worker Secretary Treasurer. She talked about the positive strides that locals in Ontario are making to address issues effecting Human Rights and how it is our role as trade unionists to make sure that we all work in fair and equitable environments.
Fred Hahn spoke to the group about the structure changes that are being brought forth for CUPE to better support locals. It was also brought up by a member on the floor that we are missing an Equality rep at the National level and the need to fight for this position to be filled.
The key-note speaker informed us about the lack if Aboriginal knowledge among people and the need for increased Aboriginal education for people in this country. She also spoke of the hardships that may of the children who were taken out of their homes and put into residential schools.
Anne Lennarson spoke to the delegates about the importance of taking professional development courses and staying up to date on information that affects our memberships. They are going to be increasing the number of PD opportunities. If you are a steward and interested in taking the Steward Learning series please contact a member of the Executive and we can let you know what is available for you to take.
Bargaining to address domestic abuse was an interesting workshop that talked about the importance of trying to get some language into out Collective Agreements around domestic violence, keeping members safe as well as respecting individual privacy.
Election Caucuses were held for delegates who self identified with the groups: Young Workers, Pink Triangle, Workers With Disabilities, Aboriginal and Racialize workers. Each group also presented their committee reports to the delegates in attendance. If anyone is interested in reading the reports I will have them at the General Meeting this weekend.
Ausma Malik, AntiRacism Activist, Carey Oraa, LGBTQ Activist and David Lopofsky, Disability Rights activist had a panel discussion about both the struggles and triumphs that each of them has witnessed in their fight for equal rights.
The film Colour Me was shown. The documentary shows life for blacks in the stereotypes. If you ever get the opportunity to see this documentary you should, it is a really eye-opening perspective on black culture and the new stereotypes they face.
See more pics on Twitter and Facebook
