Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Visible signs of union pride are extremely important for smaller towns and communities across Ontario. Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) identified workers and their families are very often invisible or, if out, at serious risk of harassment in their workplaces and their communities.
Labour unions have played a vital, if mostly unknown, role in securing the workplace rights of LGBTQ workers. Long before provinces and the federal government adopted laws prohibiting discrimination, unions bargained fair practices into their contracts.
These practices served as the leading edge of wider efforts toward societal and workplace equality. Over the past forty-five years, the labour movement can be proud of our work to ensure full legal rights for the LGBTQ workers and their families. We fought for collective bargaining rights and stood with our members through legal battles in achieving legislative equality.
The power of a strong and vibrant Labour movement has been a critical piece to advancing full equality for LGBTQ workers, families and communities. Our shared struggle is one of the most critical movements. The right to work, get paid a living
wage, and share in the fruits of your labour is being eroded by outdated employment laws. Collective rights are the only tool in our tool belt that allows us to push back against this tide of income inequality and demand our fair share of the economic pie.
Ontario labour laws and employment standards laws are outdated. It’s important that unions and the LGBTQ community continues to stand alongside all workers in their fight for economic justice and a voice in their workplace.
The more unions that assist members in creating a visible presence at picnics, marches and parades the better. This support is crucial, particularly in the smaller towns. Unions are strongly encouraged to work with local labour councils and contacts wherever possible and to distribute the OFL “Make It Fair” campaign materials at Pride events.
Scroll down or click here for a list of LGBTQ Pride dates and events across Ontario (as of early-May). Please note that some of this information may change and we will do our best to post updates as they become available. If you would like to add or update
events listed, please contact: Carrol Anne Sceviour: CSceviour@ofl-org.flywheelsites.com Please share your events and photos online and on social media.
In solidarity,
PATTY COATES
Secretary-Treasurer
Ontario Federation of Labour
2016 LGBTQ Pride Ontario Event Listing
Throughout the course of the summer, LGBTQ Pride events will be held in cities and towns across Ontario. Reach out to your union local or your regional labour council to get involved in labour pride activities in your area.
Apr. 29 – May 8: Guelph Pride
www.guelphpride.com
May 27 – May 29: Elliot Lake Pride
www.elpride.ca
May 28 – Jun. 4: Pride Niagara
www.prideniagara.com
Jun. 18: Kingston Pride
www.kingstonpride.ca
Jun. 1 – Jun. 5: Pride Durham
www.pridedurham.com
Jun. 4: Barrie Pride
www.barriepride.com
Jun.6 – Jun. 11: Timmins Pride
www.timminspride.com
Jun. 11 – Jun. 18: Thunder Bay Pride
www.thunderpride.com
Jun.11 – Jun. 19: York Pride
www.yorkpridefest.com
Jun. 18: Hamilton Pride
www.pridehamilton.ca
Jun. 18: Brantford Pride
www.brantfordpride.ca
Jun. 24 – Jun. 26: Kenora Pride
https://www.facebook.com/Kenora-Pride-844056955680261/?fref=ts
Jun. 24 – Jul. 3: Pride Toronto
www.pridetoronto.com
Jul. 16 – Jul. 23: Belleville Pride
www.bellevillepride.ca
Jul. 18 – Jul. 23: Sudbury Pride
www.sudburypride.com
Jul. 15 – Jul. 24: Muskoka Pride
www.gaymuskoka.com
Jul. 11 – Jul. 16: Peel Pride
www.peelpride.ca
Jul. 16: Brockville Pride
https://sites.google.com/site/brockvillepride
Jul. 14 – Jul. 24: Pride London
www.pridelondon.ca
Jul. 28 – Aug. 6: Simcoe County Pride
www.simcoepride.com
Aug. 3 – Aug. 7: Windsor-Essex Pride Festival
www.wepridefest.com
Aug. 15 – Aug. 21: Capital Pride (Ottawa)
www.capitalpride.ca
Sep. 17 – Sep. 24: Peterborough Pride
www.peterboroughpride.ca
