IAM Canada – ELECTION RESULTS ARE IN: TOGETHER, WE MOVE FORWARD

The election results are in, and it is with great pride that we also congratulate the incumbent Executive Council members and international officers, who have been nominated and elected to a new four-year term, beginning July 1, 2025. For the first time in nearly two decades, there will be no need for runoffs in the international officer elections, a clear reflection of the strong unity and trust our members have shown in their leadership.

We are also excited to announce the re-election of David Chartrand for his second term as General Vice-President of IAM Canada, along with the election of Christy Slauenwhite as Canadian Labour Congress Delegate and Eric Johnston as a member of the Law Committee.

On behalf of all three of us, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for placing your trust and confidence in us. Without your support, none of this would have been possible. Every step of the way, it has been your commitment, dedication, and belief in our mission that has driven us forward, and for that, we are incredibly thankful.

Looking to the future, we are more determined than ever to work together towards our shared vision of bringing justice. Justice that is fair and accessible, now and always. With your continued partnership and support, we know that we can achieve this goal and create a brighter, more just tomorrow for all workers.

We understand the responsibility you have entrusted us with, and we want to assure you that your faith in us will never be misplaced. We will work tirelessly, with integrity and passion, to ensure that we meet and exceed the expectations you have placed on us. We are committed to the cause, to each of you, and to the values we hold dear. Together, we will continue to fight for what is right, and we will make sure your vote was not only heard, but acted upon.

You will not be disappointed. The road ahead may have its challenges, but we know that together, there is nothing we can’t accomplish.

Thank you once again for your trust, and we look forward to achieving great things together. The best is yet to come!

In solidarity always,

David Chartrand – GVP IAM Union Canada
Christy Slauenwhite – Canadian Labour Congress Delegate
Eric Johnston – Member of the law Committee

IAM Canada – Workers Together: Inspiring Moments from the 2025 CLC Political Action Conference

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Political Action Conference, held on January 20-21 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, brought together union members from across the country for two days of inspiration, collaboration, and political action. The event focused on uniting workers to fight for change and celebrate their collective strength ahead of the upcoming elections.

A diverse range of speakers set the tone, including Hon. Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, who emphasized the importance of voting to drive change. Laura Walton, President of the Ontario Federation of Labour, reminded attendees that “workers save workers” and are vital to shaping the province’s future. CLC President Bea Bruske spoke about recent victories, such as the Canada Pension Plan increase, national childcare program, and anti-scab legislation, while stressing the potential for even greater gains in the upcoming election.

Hon. Matthew Green, MP for Hamilton Centre, and NDP Labour Critic, called out corporate greed and its devastating impact on workers, urging unity and action to combat it. Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the NDP, outlined his party’s pro-worker vision, promising to address the affordability crisis and prioritize workers’ rights under an NDP-led government.

In addition to the powerful speeches, the conference featured practical training sessions, helping participants to strengthen their political messaging and campaign strategies. Attendees learned how to push back against conservative talking points, reframe key issues, and communicate effectively to support workers’ rights. With a focus on strategic collaboration, the conference laid the groundwork for a united, strong campaign that aims to make a meaningful difference for workers across Canada.

IAM Canada – We Cannot Afford Ford Anymore: Unions Unite Against Unnecessary Elections

On January 27, more than 30 labour leaders from Ontario’s private, public, and trades sectors came together to urgently demand action from Premier Doug Ford in response to the threat of U.S.-imposed tariffs. The coalition is calling for the establishment of a dedicated tariff taskforce and a unified strategy to safeguard workers, families, and industries throughout Ontario and Canada.

Doug Ford’s decision to shut down the legislature—destabilizing the province in favor of heading to the polls for his own political gain—is opportunistic, reckless, and irresponsible,” said Laura Walton, President of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL). “It’s not Doug Ford who will pay the price; it’s Ontario workers and their communities.

The diversity of sectors the IAM represents and the kind of damage tariffs would wreak on the Ontario economy if we don’t focus on that threat is clear,” said Kim Valliere, IAM union’s International Representative. “We don’t need the distraction of a provincial election right now.

The union leaders criticized Ford’s decision to call an election, saying it is a reckless diversion from the real issue at hand. “This election is not what we need right now. We need to focus on the tariffs that threaten half a million workers. If we don’t act, it will have devastating consequences on Ontario’s economy,” said Kevon Stewart of the United Steelworkers (USW). Tariffs threaten vital industries like steel, aluminum, auto, and manufacturing, which could cost thousands of jobs.

Further, workers from all sectors, including healthcare, education, and trades are already struggling, and the tariffs could worsen their challenges. In healthcare, there’s a severe shortage of nurses, with hospitals overwhelmed and patients waiting hours or days to be admitted. More than 1.5 million Ontarians have no access to a primary care doctor or nurse practitioner. The education sector is also under strain, with teachers and staff facing increasing pressures and already struggling to meet the needs of students.

Labour leaders are urging Ontarians to stay focused on the immediate crisis. “We cannot afford distractions like elections right now. If the elections do go forward, we urge people to vote for workers’ rights and economic stability,” said Fred Hahn, President of CUPE Ontario. “We need a government that works for us and with us. One that prioritizes the well-being of workers, families, and communities.”

“Bad governments are elected by people who don’t bother to vote.”

The IAM union was also present, standing together with workers across sectors in the fight to secure jobs, families, and communities from the growing tariff threat.

Kim Valliere, IAM union’s International Representative, also had an interview with Marit Stiles, Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP), where they discussed the importance of voting in the upcoming provincial elections. “We need a government that’s going to stand by workers, that’s going to fight for everyday people.” Stiles said.

Both Valliere and Stiles emphasized the crucial need to get out the vote in the upcoming election. “We’re going to be talking to our members, to communities. We need an Ontario that fights for workers, not for the interests of the wealthy and powerful,” Valliere said. “This election is about changing the direction of this province and fighting for the future of all Ontarians.

The labour leaders also highlighted the troubling fact that more than $200 million is being spent on an election, money that could have been used to address urgent matters like the healthcare and tariff crises. “We need elections that are done for the people, not for personal gain.” said a union spokesperson.

If the elections do proceed, unions are urging everyone to vote wisely, as the future of Ontario’s workers is at stake. Together, workers are stronger, and it’s time for leadership that prioritizes the well-being of everyone.