December 1, 2025
Today, on World AIDS Day, the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) unites in solidarity with people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. We honour the lives lost, celebrate the progress made, and recommit to ending HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination in every corner of our society.
HIV-related stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to prevention, testing, treatment, and care. It is a process of devaluation that isolates individuals, denies them services, and perpetuates fear. Too often, people are more afraid of the stigma than the disease itself.
This climate of prejudice leads to discrimination in workplaces, health care settings, and communities, violating human rights and undermining public health.
The labour movement knows that stigma kills. It prevents people from accessing life-saving care and threatens job security for workers living with HIV/AIDS. That is unacceptable.
The OFL and its affiliates call for:
- Robust supports and protections for people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, including access to health care, employment security, and mental health resources.
- Comprehensive education and awareness in workplaces, schools, health care settings, faith-based organizations, and the media to dismantle myths and challenge discrimination.
- Stronger laws and policies that uphold the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of HIV status.
We urge governments, employers, and communities to join us in creating a world where no one faces stigma or discrimination because of HIV/AIDS. Together, we can build safer workplaces, inclusive communities, and a future free from HIV-related prejudice.
On this World AIDS Day, the OFL and the workers of Ontario reaffirm: HIV stigma and discrimination must end. Human rights must prevail. Solidarity is our strength.
Cope343
