VP ON OFL REPORT 20-25 NOV 05

Every two years the OFL holds its Convention to set policy as Ontario’s central ‘House of Labour’. This year it was held in Toronto, during the week of 20 to 25 November 2005. The Convention delegates debated action plans and policies on Public-Private-Partnerships, Pensions, Equality, Health Care and Apprenticeship.

During the week we had many guest speakers, such as: John Cartwright, President, Toronto & York Region Labour Council; David Miller, Mayor of Toronto; Jack Layton, Leader, New Democratic Party of Canada on Tuesday 22 November; Howard Hampton, Ontario New Democratic Party Leader; Jackie Chic, Executive Director, Income Security Advocacy Centre; and Ken Georgetti, Canadian Labour Congress President. We also were honoured by many talented delegates who performed throughout the convention.

Sunday evening actually started off the convention with a PSAC Caucus to go over some of the resolutions and policies that could be hitting the floor throughout the week. To go over the agenda and fill everyone in on the other Election Caucuses that would be held at various times throughout week. (Labour Council Caucus, Smaller Affiliates Caucus, Persons with Disabilities, Aboriginal Persons, Gay, Lesbien Bisexual & Transgender, Visible Minority and Youth Caucuses). As well to introduce and meet the other PSAC Delegates from the Region.

Monday morning saw the opening with the Aboriginal Greetings and Blessings for a good convention, followed by President Wayne Samuelsons opening remarks. We also had speaches from John Cartwright, President Toronto and York Region Labour Councel, and the Mayor of City of Toronto, David Miller. In the afternoon, we started in on the resolutions and debates on the Public-Private-Partnerships Action Plan. We adjourned around 5 pm.

Tuesday morning after the moving and motivational speech by NDP Leader Jack Layton, the elections for the positions of OFL President and executive were then conducted, which saw Brother Wayne Samuelson acclaimed as President of the OFL.

Throughout the week several resolutions and policy papers were discussed and debated, some at great length lasting more than an hour, and passed with either a clear majority or unaminously. One such heated topic discussed was the boycotte of the blueman Group, the resolution below, passed unaminously.

The following Resolution was approved by the Delegates to the Ontario Federation of Labour 8th Biennial Convention held in Toronto Nov. 21-25/05.

WHEREAS it has just come to the attention of the delegates to this OFL Convention that the Sheraton Centre has not complied with Brother Samuelson's request to have the Blue Man Group literature removed from the welcome package placed in the guestrooms;

AND WHEREAS the OFL and its affiliates have sanctioned the boycott of the Blue Man Group;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the OFL, on behalf of all delegates to this Convention, demand that the Sheraton Centre remove all reference to the Blue Man Group from its promotional material, including materials placed in guestrooms.

Another resolution heatedly discussed and debated was the P3s – Public Private-Parternships. During the debate it was mentioned from one of the Delegates from NorthBay, that there had recently been a vote on the privatization of its hospitals to which a majority of the constituents there voted no.

BE IT RESOLVED that the OFL makes these attacks on jobs and services to Canadians an election issue by:

. Distributing information to affiliated locals about what is at stake;

. Mobilization of affiliate support for PSAC action;

. Make these cuts an election issue by public statement and at public forums.

Another resolution to be passed unaminously was in reference to Violence in the Streets.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the OFL and its afiliates:

. Support the Summit called by the Coalition of African Canadian Organizsation;

. Lobby Government to repair he social infrastructure in low-income neighbourhoods and promote meaningful job creation.

. Encourage affiliates to establish mentoring and internship programs; create apprenticeship and career development opportunities for racialized groups in private and public sectors.

On Wednesday at lunchtime, many Delegates from the convention braved the cold to march up to Queen’s Park to participate in a demonstration.

On Thursday, the policy document on Rebuilding Health care was pationately debated and discussed and passed unamiously. The convention adjourned early Thursday afternoon, in order to set up for a special concert being given that evening by the musical group Blue Rodeo. The group performed for 2 hours singing many of their old songs and some of their newer releases. It was an amazing evening.

On Friday the convention adjourned early, and by noon delegates were headed for home.

It was an amazing week of work and networking with other Delegates from other components in the Region. Many resolutions were passed which will make the lives of all of us in the Labour Movement a better place to work.

Fraternally

Debra Nadeau
VP ON Region