National Indigenous Peoples Day

This coming Saturday (June 21) is a day of great spiritual, cultural and political significance for the First Peoples of Canada.

It is the day of the summer solstice, a time to celebrate and give thanks for the bounty and beauty of this time of year and for having survived another winter. For many nations, it was a time to leave the interior and head to summer areas closer to water, where they often would meet up with relations they had not seen since the last gathering time.

June 21 is also a day for all communities to honour the Indigenous Peoples of Canada and their lands on which this country was built, a time to acknowledge and respect Indigenous and Treaty rights. Sadly, those rights appear to be forgotten in the current discourse over fast-tracking development in the interests of spurring Canadian economic development.

Indigenous Peoples will not accept such a disrespecting of their rights, nor should any citizen of Canada. The fight to protect land and culture began with the arrival of the Europeans. It will continue, no matter how inconvenient that might be for politicians trying to make haste.

Latest posts

Charlie Angus speaks at COPE Ontario's 2026 AGM

COPE Ontario hosted their Annual General Meeting on May 2-3, 2026, bringing together members from across the province. A highlight of the meeting was this powerful speech from former NDP MP Charlie Angus, now a leading voice in the resistance movement and host of a popular podcast.

Angus delivered a passionate call for Canadian unity in the face of rising authoritarianism south of the border, urging members to recognize the historic significance of Canada's collective economic boycott of the United States. A movement largely overlooked by mainstream media, Angus argued it represents a defining moment for Canadians, and one that labour must lead.

National Day of Mourning

Today (April 28) is National Day of Mourning, a solemn day where we remember the many workers killed or injured on the job.

Every year, more than 1,000 die because of workplace injury and illness.

But we also remember the countless others who live with the scars — mental and physical — of unhealthy workplaces.

As is becoming ever clearer, the workplace can impact the mind and soul of a worker, and frequently on-the-job stressors are brought home and impact family life.

Employees have a right to a workplace that's safe in every way — physically and psychologically.

Let's keep that right top of mind on this very special day.

Young Workers Committee at COPE Ontario

Big Wins For Local 468 Members

Congratulations to the more than 400 members of COPE Local 468 who work at London Health Sciences Centre.

Last week, they overwhelmingly ratified a new collective agreement that provides significant salary increases retroactive to 2024 and going forward for two years.

There were also benefits improvements and changes to the vacation approval system.

Thanks to the bargaining team of Local 468 for a job very well done!