UFCW Ontario activists unite to champion workers’ rights and affordability

Toronto – October 31, 2025 – Over 40 UFCW Canada activists from across Ontario gathered at Queen’s Park for a UFCW Canada Ontario Lobby Day, meeting with MPPs and key decision-makers to advocate for the issues that matter most to working people. Over the course of more than 30 meetings, activists addressed key priorities including affordability, workers’ rights, health and safety, and solidarity with Indigenous communities.

A highlight of the day included a meeting with Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and MPP Jamie West, where UFCW activists shared the challenges facing workers across the province. The ONDP leader expressed strong agreement with UFCW’s priorities and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to supporting policies that protect workers and make life more affordable.

As affordability challenges continue to affect families, activists urged action on living wages, affordable housing, and stronger collective bargaining rights. These discussions built on UFCW Canada’s national campaign, Affordability for All: Taking Action on Canada’s Affordability Crisis

Health and safety was another key focus. Across Ontario, workers are being put at risk by chronic understaffing, isolation, and rising workplace violence. UFCW activists called for stronger laws and enforcement to keep workers safe and ensure everyone returns home unharmed.

Activists also voiced strong opposition to Bill 5, recently passed into law, which gives Cabinet broad powers to create Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that can override laws protecting labour rights, the environment, municipalities, and Indigenous consultation. UFCW Canada warned the bill threatens democratic governance, workers’ rights, and Indigenous sovereignty, and called for its repeal.

As Canada’s leading union, UFCW Canada recognizes that meaningful political action is key to building a better life for workers and their families. The union engages in advocacy because the decisions made by governments and elected officials directly shape the realities of members in their workplaces, homes, and communities. To learn more about UFCW Canada’s ongoing advocacy and engagement with policymakers, visit the UFCW Canada Political Action webpage.