By Michelle Oulton, Local 649
We want to begin by acknowledging a huge loss to Canada late last year with the passing of Justice Murray Sinclair, who was Manitoba’s first Indigenous judge, led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and served as a senator.
OPSEU/SEFPO Executive Board Member Tina Stevens helped open the conference in Ottawa on Nov 3, 2024, by leading a smudging ceremony. We kicked off the conference by introducing the members of the 2024-26 OPSEU/SEFPO Provincial Human Rights Committee:
- Region 1: Simone Warner
- Region 2: Shannon Nolan
- Region 3: Kris Weatherall
- Region 4: Tina Ouellette
- Region 5: TJ Taylor
- Region 6: Arlene Phillips
- Region 7: Owen Smith
We were then schooled by Fatima Gardaad of Canadian Labour Congress, on the legal side of Human Rights. We learned that The Ontario Human Rights Code (1962) applies to both private and public sectors, as well as conduct between individuals within listed social areas. In contrast, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) primarily focuses on government actions and limitations on provincial powers. More information on the Ontario Human Rights Code (1962).
Megan Carter, Dismantling System Racism (DSR) Co-ordinator, introduced DSR and used the composition of members in the room, as an example of what DSR is trying to achieve. Our very own Dr. Crystal Garvey, who is the Equity Vice-President of OPSEU/SEFPO, also dove into the Dismantling Systemic Racism Program.
We were then re-energized by Jacqui Du Toit, who shared her experience transitioning from life in Africa to Canada. She was joined by Matthew Behrens, a freelance writer involved with Homes Not Bombs and they opened the floor to questions.
Siobhan Vipond, executive Vice President from Canadian Labour Congress, gave us an overview on strategies for building activism, and showcased three current campaigns:
- https://workerstogether.ca/
- https://showwecare.ca/
- https://futurethatworks.ca (A Future That Works campaign pushed for Bill C-50 – The Sustainable Jobs Act that has now received royal assent!)
Next, we heard from Bilan Arte, also of the Canadian Labour Congress, who gave an inspiring speech on human rights and issues in Canada and we practiced structuring our plans of action to put into practice.
A topic that came up organically from this discussion had to do with the numerous water advisories in Ontario, and how long they’ve been in effect. Visit www.WaterToday.ca for more, and add your voice to this petition calling for Canada to Legally Recognize the Human Right to Water.
Finally, we met two courageous women who are fighting the battle in Human Trafficking in the enforcement sector. There are three main types of human trafficking:
- Forced Labour Trafficking
- Organ Trafficking (not really seen in Canada)
- Sex Trafficking.
This week’s focus was on the latter. I have omitted names to protect the integrity of investigations on this one, but we learned that the Ministry of Education’s curriculum now includes initiatives to help educate students, and staff, on the signs of abuse and exploitation.
A small take away that stuck with me is shifting our language from “vulnerable” to “targeted” so we aren’t reinforcing the notion that those affected are weak or powerless.
I will conclude this long summary with a video by Prince EA that was shared illustrating some body issues exasperated by the beauty industry.
