In Canada, Black History Month was officially recognized in 1995 through the leadership of Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to Canada’s Parliament, whose advocacy ensured Black history would be formally acknowledged nationwide.

This year’s theme, “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations - From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries,” reflects the enduring legacy of Black trailblazers in Ontario such as Dr. Jean Augustine, the Honourable Lincoln Alexander - Ontario’s first Black MPP and Lieutenant Governor - and Bromley Armstrong, whose lifelong activism helped advance human rights and equity protections across the province.

On December 10, we mark Human Rights Day, a global reminder that fairness, dignity, and justice are not optional; they are fundamental rights. For the labour movement in Ontario, this day is more than a commemoration. It is a reaffirmation of who we are: workers standing together to defend human rights in every workplace, for every member, every day.

Unions were built on the belief that no worker should face discrimination, harassment, or inequity alone. Our power lies in collective action, and our responsibility is to ensure equity is woven through every local, every committee, and every decision we make.

Welcome to the CEIU Ontario 2025 Presidents’ Conference and Training page.

This year's conference will be taking place in Toronto, Ontario at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto from September 14th to 19th, 2025.

Application Due Date for Registration:          APPLICATION REGISTRATION WINDOW HAS NOW CLOSED

Deadline for Receipt of Resolutions:             RESOLUTION SUBMISSION WINDOW HAS NOW CLOSED

Link to the 2024 Presidents' Conference Page

The Young Workers Committee for CEIU Ontario will host a coffee hour event on Thursday June 26th from 6:30 to 8pm. We want to make the focus on you the members and doing the best we can for you. If there's any questions or topics you'd like us to cover please let us know through the email below.

• Socialize!
• Tell the union what we can do for you! 
• Learn about your union and our committee!
• Get involved!

Zoom link: https://ceiu-seic-ca.zoom.us/j/89026270911

The CEIU National Vice-Presidents, Julie Nanquil and Lisa Prescott, along with Alternate NVP Lyle Gall, Indigenous Representative Corrina Gavan, and the entire CEIU Ontario Regional Council, stand in full support and solidarity with the statement released by PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President Craig Reynolds in firm opposition to Bill 5.

We echo his concerns and strongly oppose this legislation, which threatens Indigenous rights, environmental protections, and democratic processes across Ontario.

We encourage all members and allies to take a moment to write to your local MPP and to Premier Doug Ford to express your opposition to Bill 5 and to call for legislation that respects Indigenous sovereignty, treaty obligations, and environmental stewardship.

In Solidarity,

Julie Nanquil and Lisa Prescott, 

National Vice-Presidents, Ontario Region

During the month of May in Canada, we observe Asian Heritage Month. For 40 years now, it has been a time to reflect on and recognize the past and ongoing impact and engagement of people of Asian origin.  

First let’s talk about geography: Asia is the largest Continent on earth, but what we know of its history relies on what has been documented largely by cultures from beyond the continent.  

So today, I thought I would talk about Asia from the perspective of someone who is from that continent: myself, Bernadette D’Souza, one of two HRRR Representatives. 

CEIU Ontario is pleased to announce the recipients of the Roy Page Scholarship for 2024. We received five submissions from across Ontario and are awarding two outstanding applicants with $1,500 each in recognition of their impactful essays.

Last week as I lay on the couch, having come down with an illness, I switched on the TV to watch something to help pass the time while I recovered. I ended up watching a TV Series called “The Porter”. It was so engaging that even though I felt weak and tired, I ended up watching the whole series  in one go. I bet some of you have seen it as well, but it helped inspire in me some new thoughts on how to mobilize and re-invigorate our labour movement. I saw examples in that show of true, rank-and-file engagement and mobilization in the face of seemingly impossible odds… and I went on to research more about the show. Here’s some of what I found:

On behalf of CEIU Ontario Regional Council, the Human Rights and Race Relations (HRRR) Representatives Bernadette D’Souza and Camar (Cece) Cameron, would like to extend our warmest well-wishes to all our members and their families who are observing the Lunar New Year. Many cultures around the world are celebrating within their communities.

Please see information regarding regional standing committee vacancies with positions set to begin their terms on January 1, 2025.