Progress Summit 2026 examines democracy, trade, and workers’ future
Ottawa – March 11, 2026 – UFCW Canada activists joined leaders from labour, politics, and progressive movements in Ottawa for the annual Broadbent Institute Progress Summit 2026. This year’s theme, “Defending Democracy Across Borders,” focused on the growing need for international cooperation rooted in social and economic rights as progressives work to strengthen democracy in Canada and around the world.
Traditionally the largest annual progressive politics conference in Canada, the summit brings together leaders from labour, politics, academia, and community organizations for discussions, analysis, and leadership development. Each year’s gathering focuses on a different theme, exploring pressing challenges facing progressives in Canada and around the world through panels, keynote speeches, and strategy sessions.
At the summit, UFCW Canada National President Barry Sawyer, participated in a panel discussion examining how global economic change and shifting trade politics are affecting Canadian workers. The panel was hosted by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, and also featured Magali Picard, President of the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec.
The conversation explored the impacts of evolving economic policies shaped by Trump-era trade dynamics and ongoing geopolitical shifts. From manufacturing to public services, workers across Canada are already experiencing the consequences of decisions about jobs, industry, and investment that are often made without worker input.
Panelists discussed the growing pressures facing workers today, including job loss, privatization, and the urgent need to create stable, well-paying jobs in both the public and private sectors. At the centre of the discussion was the role of the labour movement in shaping a different economic future that prioritizes workers and communities.
When asked what success would look like for workers, National President Sawyer emphasized the importance of investing in sustainable workplaces and ensuring workers are directly involved in shaping economic policy.
“It means making workplaces more sustainable by investing in clean and renewable technologies and training workers through union, employer and government partnerships that leverage the skills and abilities of Canadian workers,” said Sawyer. “Most importantly it ensures workers have a seat at the table in shaping our economic future.”
UFCW Canada National President Barry Sawyer also introduced keynote speaker Andrés Arauz, General Secretary of the Citizen Revolution Movement in Ecuador and a senior research fellow at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, whose remarks highlighted the global importance of defending democracy through economic justice and international solidarity.
The Broadbent Institute is Canada’s leading progressive, independent organization championing change through the promotion of democracy, equality, and sustainability. Workers at the Broadbent Institute and its media outlet, Press Progress, are proud members of UFCW Local 1006A. To learn more about the Broadbent Institute, visit their website.
