On November 26, 2024, as part of a larger Lobby Day event in Ottawa, 300 union members from across Canada met with over 140 politicians to advocate for workers’ rights and the need for greater investment in healthcare, affordable housing, and better living conditions. Among the most significant moments of the day was the townhall organized by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) at the National Arts Centre, where NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and CLC Executive Vice President Siobhan Vipond addressed key issues facing workers and their families.
During the townhall, Singh highlighted his commitment to policies that prioritize workers, focusing on areas such as healthcare, affordable housing, and improving the overall living standards for working Canadians. He emphasized the NDP’s progress on key initiatives like dental care, pharmacare, and anti-scab legislation—important wins for the labor movement under his leadership. However, Singh made it clear that while these achievements are vital, there is still much more to be done. He urged the audience, saying, “It is impossible until it isn’t,” encouraging union members to continue pushing for change. He stressed that with unity and collective action, labor can overcome challenges, fight for more, and ultimately win.
Singh also took the opportunity to discuss the importance of political engagement for workers, encouraging them to make informed choices when it comes to voting. He emphasized that the NDP is the “home of labour” and the only political party that truly stands up for workers’ interests. In contrast, he pointed out the limited benefits workers can expect from voting Liberal or Conservative. Singh underscored the NDP’s unique role in supporting labour, saying the party is dedicated to building a fairer, stronger future for working Canadians.
The townhall was not only a moment for speeches, but also an opportunity for direct engagement between union members and political leaders. The event featured a lively Q&A session, where union members were invited to the stage to ask Jagmeet Singh questions. This interactive discussion allowed workers to voice their concerns and gain a deeper understanding of the NDP’s policies. Singh responded thoughtfully to each question, emphasizing the importance of keeping workers’ voices at the forefront of political discussions and decision-making.
One of the central points of Singh’s speech was the need for labour to have a direct role in shaping policy. He stated, “In the law, labor should have a seat at the table,” advocating for greater inclusion of unions in the political process. Singh explained that too often, decisions that directly affect workers are made without their input. To ensure policies that truly benefit workers, labor must be involved in decision-making, he said, not just politicians and corporate leaders. By ensuring that workers have a seat at the table, Singh believes that more equitable, worker-friendly policies can be crafted.
The townhall also emphasized the importance of solidarity within the labor movement. Singh’s message was clear: a better future for workers is possible, but it requires collective action and a commitment to fighting for what workers deserve. The NDP’s support for labour was evident throughout the day, and the event served as a powerful reminder that workers’ rights must remain a top priority in political discourse.
As the day came to a close, Jagmeet Singh’s words resonated with the union members: “If labour comes together, we can fight and we can win.” His vision for a better future for workers, and his determination to be the first labour prime minister of Canada, was a rallying cry for continued activism and political engagement. The hope for a more just and equitable society for workers is strong, and with events like the November 26 townhall, the labor movement in Canada continues to show its power and influence in shaping the future.