Ontario Regional Council – March 9 and 10, 2022

Ontario Regional Council was held virtually March 9 and 10. Naureen Rizvi gave a moving speech about how the pandemic impacted workers the last two years and the current war in Ukraine. The ORC along with several Locals raised more than $300,000 towards the Imagine Build Initiative (partnering with the Oneida Nation of the Thames Band Council) to create four affordable and accessible homes. The research department gave an overview of the Ford government and how they have failed Ontarians. Political action director Josh Coles gave an update on our plans to ”pushback” against the conservatives in the upcoming election. On day two we heard from Dr. Amit Arya on how we can actually fix long-term care and the working conditions for healthcare workers. After Doctor Arya’s presentation we heard from a panel of health care workers that have worked through the pandemic and the struggles they continue to face both physically and mentally. The recipient of the Bud Jimmerfield award (2021) was Edward Steers GM - St Catherines Local 199. We heard about how climate change is affecting workers in Canada and why it is critical for us to support and participate in the National Climate Task Force. There is a need for Local unions to present bargaining proposals around climate-proofing the workplace. Over the two days we passed two resolutions and six director recommendations. All of our standing committees presented their reports to the council.