Congratulations to Ontario NDP MPP and Labour Critic Jamie West on this important win for workers with the passing of Bill 118 to officially recognize June 1 as Injured Workers Day in Ontario!
This week, the OFL joined affiliated unions, community groups, and ONDP MPPs Jamie West and Lise Vaugeois at the annual Injured Workers’ rally to call out Doug Ford’s decision to hand the workers’ compensation surplus to employers. Workers’ compensation is funded by workers’ labour and wages—there’s no surplus until injured workers are fully compensated.
Recognition of Injured Workers Day is just the beginning, we will continue our fight until the rights as outlined in the OFL Injured Workers’ Bill of Rights: https://ofl.ca/action/injured-workers-bill-of-rights/ are realized.
On this World AIDS Day, we pause to honour the memory of the millions of lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses while standing in solidarity with the nearly 40 million people living with HIV worldwide.
UNAIDS reminds us that ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is within reach, but only if we act boldly, decisively, and urgently.
Treatment has expanded dramatically, with over 30.7 million people accessing life-saving HIV medicines. And the number of new infections has declined since the 1990s, however, the rates of new infections are still high with 1.3 million people becoming newly infected with HIV in 2023, bringing the number up to 39.9 million people living with HIV globally. Three times the target set for 2025 .
And though the annual number of deaths from AIDS has also declined, 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023, making a total of 42.3 million people having died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic.
In Canada, marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and newcomers, face disproportionate risks due to systemic barriers and persistent stigma. Cuts to public healthcare and social services in Ontario deepen these challenges, making it harder for people to access prevention, care, and treatment services.
Join us in calling on the provincial government to increase support for public services, healthcare, educational efforts, and expanded testing and treatment services. Adequate funding and resources are crucial to maintaining and expanding these vital programs. We also urge the implementation of stronger policies to protect the rights of individuals living with HIV/AIDS and to ensure non-discriminatory practices in all sectors.
Take action today!
1. Fight Stigma: HIV-related stigma remains a barrier to prevention, testing, and treatment. We urge Ontarians to educate themselves and challenge misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. Start by listening to the experiences of people living with HIV and amplifying their voices.
2. Advocate for Increased Funding: Canada must increase support for HIV/AIDS programs, particularly for community-based organizations that deliver prevention and care. Governments at all levels must address healthcare inequities by funding harm reduction services, comprehensive sex education, and mental health support.
3. Hold Leaders Accountable: The federal and provincial governments must prioritize meeting the 2030 targets by increasing access to affordable medications and services while addressing the social determinants of health that heighten vulnerability to HIV.
The AIDS pandemic is not over. It will take our collective effort, breaking down stigma, supporting human rights initiatives, and ensuring no one is left behind. By working together, we can create a future without HIV/AIDS.
For more information, resources or to get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, see below for a list of organizations that offer culturally relevant services and programs, support, education, and advocacy, and actively work to combat HIV/AIDS stigma and systemic inequities.
OAN is a coalition of 45 member agencies dedicated to supporting people living with HIV/AIDS in Ontario. Their work focuses on advocacy, education, harm reduction, and reducing stigma.
AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT)
ACT offers various services, workshops, support groups, one-on-one counseling, and outreach programs like the Positive Youth Outreach (PYO) program, which provides a safe space for HIV-positive youth aged 16–29. They also provide resources on prevention, harm reduction, and testing.
Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy (OAHAS)
OAHAS provides culturally relevant services and programs and advocacy for Indigenous communities in Ontario, focusing on education, harm reduction, and stigma reduction.
2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations
Based in Toronto, this organization supports Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ people, focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention, health education, and culturally appropriate services. It also provides counseling, peer support, and outreach tailored to the needs of urban Indigenous populations.
Black CAP (Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention)
Based in Toronto, Black CAP is dedicated to reducing HIV/AIDS infections within Toronto’s Black, African, and Caribbean communities. It also provides support for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
ACCHO (African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario)
ACCHO focuses on improving the health and well-being of African, Caribbean, and Black communities in Ontario through advocacy, education, and support services tailored to these groups.
While broader in its health mandate, this organization addresses HIV/AIDS and related health inequities in Black communities across Ontario.
Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA)
Provides services that include access to treatment, income support, and health promotion for people with disabilities and others living with HIV/AIDS. Their programs emphasize accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with diverse needs.
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC)
Runs the Open Closet program. A weekly drop-in group that supports LGBTQIA+ youth and addresses HIV prevention, sexual health, and stigma through education and community building. They ensure services are available for individuals with disabilities, including provisions for those with hearing impairments through technologies like TTY.
Women and HIV/AIDS Initiative (WHAI)
This initiative is part of the Ontario AIDS Network and works with community-based organizations across Ontario to improve services and programs for women affected by HIV. WHAI also focuses on addressing the social determinants of health that increase women’s risk of HIV and creating women-centered care spaces.
Provides inclusive services and programming for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. They offer HIV prevention education, access to resources, and other health-related supports.
Trellis HIV and Community Care (Kingston)
Supports Trans and non-binary individuals through their Gender Affirming Assistance Program (GAAP), which helps with gender-related costs like name changes and offers other supports for the LGBTQIA+ community, including HIV prevention and care programs.
A peer support service for LGBTQIA+ youth, providing confidential support and resources, including education on HIV prevention and stigma reduction across Ontario.
Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS)
Supports East and Southeast Asian communities in Ontario. Their services include HIV prevention, education, counseling, and support programs tailored to cultural and linguistic needs.
Provides support, advocacy, and educational programs for Spanish-speaking individuals and families living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. It also promotes awareness and fights stigma within the Latin American community.
Africans in Partnership Against AIDS (APAA)
Focuses on African communities in Ontario, offering culturally appropriate HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and support services. Their work addresses stigma and helps clients navigate healthcare systems.
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On Monday, US President-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian products, which would blatantly violate the terms of Canada’s free-trade deal with the U.S., threaten good unionized jobs, and undermine the economies of both nations.
Ontario, as the U.S.’s third-largest trading partner, is at the heart of this issue, with trade between the two totaling hundreds of billions of dollars annually. These reckless threats from the incoming President directly endanger Ontario’s workers, industries, and the communities that rely on this crucial economic partnership. However, the stakes are not just economic—they are deeply personal for the millions of workers who rely on these industries to support their families and build their futures.
At this critical juncture, complacency from our federal and provincial governments is not an option. While the specifics of these tariff threats remain unclear, the potential damage is undeniable.
Ontario Premier, Doug Ford took to social media to decry the tariff threat. “The federal government needs to take the situation at our border seriously. We need a Team Canada approach and response—and we need it now”, said Ford.
The Ontario Federation of Labour, as Canada’s largest Federation of Labour, has outreached to the Ford Government to offer assistance with an ‘all-hands-on-deck response’ to the impending threat. Our elected leaders must stand firm against harmful trade policies that undermine Ontario’s industries and the unionized jobs that sustain our communities. As federal and provincial leaders meet today, they must put workers and their families at the centre of their discussions.
The labour movement will not stand idly by while workers and entire sectors of the economy are put at risk. The OFL is calling on federal and provincial leaders to work in collaboration with representatives from Canadian labour when addressing threats against workers and their communities in every province, territory, and region of our country.
In the long term, governments at all levels, including Ontario’s, must prioritize the development of a robust industrial strategy that creates more good union jobs, grows and expands key sectors of the economy, and that builds on the expertise and recommendations of Canada’s labour movement.
(November 25-December 10)
Violence against women, girls, transfeminine folx, gender diverse, and 2-Spirit people remains the most widespread human rights violation around the world.
In Canada, 44% of women who have ever been in an intimate relationship reported experiencing violence by a partner at some point, often experiencing severe forms of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), such as being choked, assaulted with a weapon, and or sexually assaulted.
59% of Trans and gender diverse people in Canada have experienced violent victimization and are more likely to experience inappropriate behaviors in public, online, and at work than their cisgender counterparts.
Young women, particularly those aged 15-24, are at higher risk of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Indigenous women are significantly more likely to experience both GBV and IPV compared to non-Indigenous women. 2SLGBTQIA+ women report higher rates of IPV and GBV than their heterosexual counterparts. Black and racialized women are more likely to experience GBV and IPV than non-Black or non-racialized women. Additionally, women with disabilities are more likely to experience GBV and IPV than non-disabled women.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for continued efforts to address and prevent gender-based violence and intimate partner violence.
Impacts of Gender-Based Violence and Intimate Partner Violence:
Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence:
And in this time of rapidly expanding technology, increased security risks and shrinking privacy, we are faced with Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence (TFSV) which is the harmful sexual behaviours that occur via digital technologies. TFSV creates emotional and psychological harms, infringement on privacy, bodily autonomy, and sexual integrity.
Forms of TFSV:
This must end. The time to act is now! The devastating impacts of gender-based violence, intimate partner violence and technology-facilitated sexual violence demand our immediate attention.
#16Days Movement:
Join the #16Days movement to create a culture of consent, respect, and equity for all women, girls, transfeminine folx, gender diverse, and 2-Spirit people. From November 25 to December 10, let’s unite and take simple, powerful actions each day to end this violence and build a safer, more just world for everyone. Your voice and actions matter. Together we can make a difference!
Actions to Take:
Call on the Federal Government to commit to preventing and addressing third-party harassment and violence at work as part of its implementation of C-190. The current National Action Plan to End Gender Based Violence here. This action plan must include a commitment to closing gaps in existing legislation and regulation. This work should include a high-level meeting of union, employer, and government leaders to further understand the impact of this form of violence and to demonstrate a commitment to urgently addressing it.
Access Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and Western University Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children research report here.
Start Important Conversations: Advocate on social media for women, girls, transfeminine folx, gender-diverse, and 2-Spirit peoples’ rights to their own bodies, support women/trans/2-Spirit owned businesses in your community, sign petitions to support bodily autonomy, and more.
Tell Someone About It: Discuss abuse with friends, family, and co-workers. Break the silence, show your support, and build a community that is ready to end gender-based violence and intimate partner violence. Share why ending GBV and IPV are important to you.
Educate Yourself on GBV, IPV and TFSV: Learn more about GBV, IPV and TFSV to understand why it’s perpetuated and why it continues to be such a widespread global issue. There are many resources available, including articles, books, podcasts, movies, etc., including this booklet the OFL produced on bargaining domestic violence leave into collective agreements called, Domestic Violence Goes to Work Every Day: A Bargaining Guide. Share what you learn with others, both online and through conversations with your friends, family, community members, and co-workers.
Become an Ally: The roots of GBV and IPV are all around us – in sexist jokes that demean women, media messages, toxic masculinity, and rigid gender norms. Learn how you can take immediate action to prevent GBV, IPV, and join the online conversation.
Update Workplace Policies to Include TFSV: Educate staff and the public about workplace sexual harassment involving technology, including reporting options for victims and bystanders and procedures for responding to tech-based sexual harassment.
Spread the Word: Share ways we can help stop GBV and IPV, including teaching young children about consent and engage men in the movement. We can all work to create societies where someone who has experienced gender-based violence or intimate partner violence feels empowered to come forward, knowing they will be believed, protected, and not blamed.
Listen and Believe: Shame and stigma prevent many from coming forward. Listening and believing them is a big step forward towards changing attitudes and for healing.
Acknowledge/Celebrate a hero: Acknowledge and celebrate someone working to end GBV and IPV and moving the world toward gender equity.
Promote Leadership and Participation: Advocate to increase the ability for women, girls, transfeminine folx, gender-diverse, and 2-Spirit people to engage in decision-making processes affecting their lives and their communities. Do this by promoting their leadership and participation in political, policy-making, and decision-making spaces, making space for them on committees and review boards, etc.
Host a Guest Speaker: Invite an expert from a women’s, 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, Black or Racialized organization to talk about the challenges facing survivors of GBV and IPV, as well as the programs and resources available. Arrange to have a question-and-answer period following the presentation.
Call on Leaders: Urge leaders to criminalize sexual harassment, promote economic rights and justice for women, girls, transfeminine folx, gender-diverse, and 2-Spirit people, and enforce anti-GBV and anti-IPV policies. Make ending gender-based violence and intimate partner violence a national priority and increase funding for GBV / IPV programs.
Host a Vigil or an Event Commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada on December6. Set up informational displays in public areas to raise awareness about gender-based violence and share information about the resources available in your community or local schools.
Host a Film Screening and Panel Discussion: Movies help us talk about difficult topics like gender-based violence. Screen a movie that deals with issues of power, control, and abuse followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session talking about the themes raised in the film and how those things may impact the audience, their family, and their community.
Be Mindful of your Words: How often have comments like “Dude throws like a girl” been laughed off? Gender stereotypes contribute to a world that allows gender-based violence. Commit to changing your language and tell folx who make those types of comments that it’s not okay.
Support GBV/IPV Organizations and Programs: Connect with local women’s shelters, 2SLGBTQIA+, or Indigenous organizations that work to prevent GBV and IPV and support survivors. Explore volunteering opportunities and other ways you can assist those living in shelters. Many shelters often need donations of clothes, food, sanitary products, books, gift cards, PJs, holiday gifts, or other items to provide security and comfort to survivors.
Together we can raise awareness and work towards ending gender-based violence and discrimination.
In Solidarity on behalf of the Ontario Federation of Labour Women’s Committee,
LAURA WALTON
President
Ontario Federation of Labour
JACKIE TAYLOR
Executive Vice President
Ontario Federation of Labour
SOLONGE SCOTT
Vice President, Women
Ontario Federation of Labour
The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), our 54 unions and over one million workers, join in mourning the passing of Wanda Whitebird. Wanda was a fierce warrior for many social justice issues, dedicating her life to advocating for the rights and dignity of Indigenous peoples and marginalized communities.
Wanda’s unwavering commitment to justice was exemplified through her pivotal role in the annual Strawberry Ceremony held at Toronto Police Headquarters every February 14. This ceremony, a cornerstone in the fight for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2-spirit people, stands as a testament to her enduring legacy and tireless efforts.
Her spirit and dedication have left an indelible mark on all who knew her and the many lives she touched through her advocacy. We extend our deepest condolences to Wanda’s family, friends, and all those who were inspired by her strength and passion.
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Statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance
On Transgender Day of Remembrance, the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) stands in solidarity with the Trans community, honouring the lives lost to anti-Trans violence and prejudice. Today, we remember those who have been taken from us too soon and recognize the ongoing struggles faced by Trans people in Ontario.
Trans people are impacted by significant political and social challenges causing marginalization and discrimination. Access to gender-affirming health care remains a critical issue, with many facing long wait times and financial barriers. Employment discrimination and housing insecurity continue to threaten the well-being and stability of Trans and gender diverse people. Transphobia, both systemic and interpersonal, creates an environment of fear and exclusion.
We face profound losses due to anti-Trans bigotry and violence. Each life lost is a reminder of the urgent need for action and change. We must fight for Trans rights and inclusion, ensuring that every Trans and gender diverse person can live with dignity and respect.
Liberal and Conservative governments have failed to address inequities and structural barriers for Trans communities. We need a government that will remove barriers to services and programs Trans and gender diverse people need and promote systems of safety and inclusion.
The escalating anti-Trans rhetoric attacking the rights and safety of Trans and gender diverse communities needs to be stopped. Trans rights are human rights. No person should be subject to discrimination, intimidation, or violence because of their gender expression or identity.
That’s why we are calling on all members of the labour movement and our allies to join us in building a province where every Trans and gender diverse person feels safe, valued, and supported. In demanding justice, equity, and fair treatment of all people no matter what their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression are. In using the power of many to build the Ontario we need!
Join the movement here.
In solidarity,
Ontario Federation of Labour
Looking for other ways to get involved in supporting Trans rights in a meaningful way? Here are some steps you can take:
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