Issue 101 – 26, May 10, 2026
Celebrating 70 Years – CLC Convention
This year, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is celebrating an incredible milestone, 70 years of fighting for workers’ rights across Canada. The CLC was formed in 1956 when two major labour organizations, the Trades and Labour Congress of Canada and the Canadian Congress of Labour, joined together. Their goal was to unite workers and give them a stronger voice.
Over the years, the CLC has grown into the largest labour organization in Canada, representing more than three million workers in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, health care, education, transportation, public services, food processing, and more. The CLC though its unions help workers organize, fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and good benefits. It also works to ensure that workers’ voices are heard in government and society.
Solidarity is the backbone of the labour movement. When workers and their unions stand together, they can win better wages, safer workplaces, and fair treatment. One of the most important goals of the CLC is to build solidarity among all workers and their union. This means bringing together workers from different unions and backgrounds under one big umbrella, the CLC, so that everyone can work together to improve their lives. When workers unite, they are stronger and can more effectively stand up for their rights.
This week, from May 11th to 15, 2026, in Winnipeg, the CLC will hold its biggest convention in recent years, the 31st Constitutional Convention. Over two thousand delegates, labour leaders, and activists will come together to decide what the labour movement’s priorities will be moving forward. This event is very important because it will shape the policies and actions that will help workers across Canada.
During the convention, many key issues will be discussed:
- Protecting good jobs and fair wages for all workers.
- Addressing the housing crisis and making health care accessible for everyone.
- Fighting for more affordable living costs, including food, energy, and transportation.
- Taking strong action to fight climate change and protect the environment through a strong worker adjustment program.
- Improving care jobs, such as health care, childcare, and elder care, which are vital for society.
- Building a strong public education system providing equal opportunities for everyone.
- Defending democracy and workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively.
Speakers from Canada and around the world will share their insights, and parts of the convention will be streamed online so that more people can participate.
The labour movement has a long-standing relationship with the New Democratic Party (NDP), we will hear from the new leader (Avi Lewis) how the relationship will support building a strong movement that supports all workers, fights inequality, and promotes a future where everyone has access to good jobs, good wages, affordable groceries and housing, education, quality health care, and strong social programs.
Another big priority for the labour movement and the party is to protect public pensions and social programs for retirees. Many workers rely on public pension plans to have a secure income after they stop working. It’s essential that governments continue supporting these pensions and programs, so retirees can live with dignity and comfort. The CLC Convention will discuss working together to strengthen these programs and make sure they are sustainable for all generations.
That’s why the CLC is working hard to bring all workers and unions under one umbrella.
Union Retirees Need to Know of the Caregiving Crisis
Family caregivers and care providers are the backbone of Canada’s health and social care systems, help keep our families and communities healthy. But many of them don’t get the support they need to do their jobs well. This causes serious problems for individuals and for our country’s economy.
A new report from the Canadian Caregiver Coalition (CCCE) surveyed over 2,600 caregivers across Canada in summer 2025. The results show that caregivers are facing many challenges, and these issues have not improved since the survey. In fact, more caregivers now find it harder to access the services they need.
Most caregivers (about 77%) say that caregiving negatively affects their well-being. This means they often feel tired, stressed, or anxious. Many also experience financial problems, around 49% have financial hardships because of their caregiving duties. Some caregivers must stop saving money or earn less because they are caring for a loved one.
Many caregivers are working full-time jobs but also providing care. Over half of them (59%) work while caring for someone, and they spend more than 5 hours each day on caregiving tasks. This can make it hard to balance work and family life. Some must work more hours, delay retirement, or get a second job. But caregiving can hurt their productivity at work, and many feel they cannot participate fully in the economy.
The report suggests that caregivers need better support from the government. Right now, many are unaware of programs or tax credits that could help them. Only about 13% have used these supports, even though they could make a difference.
Giving caregivers financial help when they need it, such as making tax credits easier to access or providing monthly allowances.
Offering mental health services, counseling, and respite care to give caregivers a break.
Making it easier to combine work and caregiving through flexible hours and remote work options.
Improving financial help for the people they care for, like increasing benefits and simplifying access to support programs.
Care providers, who work directly with those needing care, face tough working conditions. Many feel they are paid unfairly, work in unsafe environments, or don’t have enough staff to help them. As a result, most of them (73%) have considered leaving their jobs. This shortage makes it even harder for people to get the care they need.
The report recommends paying care workers fair wages and making it easier for migrant workers to stay in Canada and continue working in care jobs.
Many caregivers and care providers do not feel supported by the government. Over half say they are disappointed with how the government is handling caregiving issues. This lack of support is especially hard for families.
Most Canadians believe caregiving policies are very important when they vote. The government needs to make caregiving a top priority by following through on a plan called the National Caregiving Strategy.
The caregiving crisis in Canada affects us all. Without proper support, caregivers and care providers will continue to face hardships, and our health and economy will suffer. It is urgent that the government takes action to improve supports, protect workers, and recognize the vital work of caregivers. Everyone benefits when caregivers are supported and cared for.
Read more -Caring in Canada 2026
CLC Convention - live stream
WINNIPEG — As Canada’s unions mark 70 years of collective strength, thousands of delegates, activists and labour leaders will gather in Winnipeg from May 11 to 15 for the CLC 31st Constitutional Convention. Taking place at a critical time for workers and their families, this Convention will bring together the voices of more than three million workers to set the course for the labour movement amid rising costs, economic uncertainty, and growing pressure on public services. Held under the theme “Canada’s Unions: We Build, We Care, We Fight,” this year’s Convention will take place over several days, bringing delegates together to debate resolutions on the issues that matter most to workers. They will vote on key policy priorities, help shape the direction of the movement for the years ahead.
Discussions throughout the week will focus on the most pressing challenges facing workers today, including protecting good jobs, tackling the housing and health care crises, addressing affordability, advancing climate action, strengthening the care economy, and defending democracy and workers’ rights.
The Convention will also feature a strong lineup of guest speakers and panelists and international guests.
What: CLC 31st Constitutional Convention
When: May 11–15, 2026
Where: RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg
Some key moments will be livestreamed Canadian Labour Congress - YouTube
A full agenda is available at: We build. We care. We fight. | Canadian Labour Congress