2022 was an intense year, from rising inflation and continued pandemics to widespread concerns about our public education and healthcare system. Through it all ACLA has sought to continue to organize and build up the power of Asian Canadian workers and all workers so we can fight and win a better future for all.
In the summer of 2022, the re-election of Doug Ford in Ontario and the rise of Pierre Poilevre nationally illustrated the risky political environment that we exist in, and also reflect the deep apathy that many regular working people have with our political systems and parties. Such developments also ultimately reflect the inadequacies that must be rectified by the political left.
Education workers in Ontario showed us the way this fall, facing down one of the most anti-labour laws we have seen in recent history. Education workers lead the way and with the backing and renewed solidarity of the labour movement defeated this anti-worker law. As we move on from 2022 and stare down three and a half more years of a Conservative government in Ontario we must remember that it is solidarity between workers and communities that will allow us to build the critical mass to win the world that we deserve.
As we look forward to 2023, let us look back on the year and recommit ourselves to building a world of economic, racial and gender justice, a world free where migrants have justice and all can live without the fear of war and imperial oppression, a world where indigenous sovereignty is the norm, a world where young people don’t have to worry about the future of climate collapse and a world where no one goes unhoused and uncared for.
We want to thank each of you for your continued efforts and contribution to our collective efforts, it truly wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
Below are highlights of ACLA Ontario’s activities for 2022:
McMaster University Labour Studies Speaker Series Winter 2022: Panelist on Interrogating the Union Politics of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity: A Roundtable Discussion assessing the enduring barriers to equity, diversity and inclusion in unions, and discuss the actions that will deliver racial equity for workers in their own organizations – January 18, 2022
Uprooting The Racism In Our Ranks – CCPA’s The Monitor: ACLA BC and ACLA Ontario co-wrote an article titled Uprooting The Racism In Our Ranks in The Monitor published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – May 1, 2022
“A Time To Rise” screening at Hot Docs Festival: ACLA along with Justice for Migrant Workers (J4MW) organized a large contingent to attend the “A Time To Rise” film screening at Hot Docs Festival – May 3, 2022
Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism – Ontario Anti-Hate Plan Round Table: Participation in a virtual roundtable discussion with Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Michael Ford providing recommendations on the development of a provincial Anti-Hate Plan – October 6, 2022
PSAC Ontario’s Solidarity Through Racial Justice Series: ACLA joined PSAC Ontario’s online education event to talk about the history of Asian workers organizing. Panelist discussed how BIPOC workers have fought for racial justice and worker solidarity, you can revisit the webinar here. – November 9, 2022
ACLA Social Gathering: ACLA Ontario members held a gathering to reconnect over food and drinks. We look forward to organizing more social gatherings in 2023! Please come out!! – November 22, 2022
ACLA Supports rally for injured migrant farm workers: ACLA supports community rally organized by Injured Workers Action for Justice (IWA4J) and Justice for Migrant Workers (J4MW) calling for the government and WSIB to abolish the practice of “deeming” since it was introduced in the mid-1980s. – November 26, 2022
WSIAT Hearing for Migrant Workers
ACLA had the opportunity to witness a significant and very important hearing at the WSIAT regarding injured migrant workers and the WSIB’s discriminatory practice of deeming – December 16, 2022.
ACLA Travelling Exhibit Coming Soon: In the coming months, ACLA is excited to release a travelling exhibit featuring stories about the struggles and organizing victories of Asian Canadian workers. The display will be available for unions and community organizations to use. Contact us at info@aclaontario.ca for more details!
With Peace, Love & Solidarity
Asian Canadian Labour Alliance, Ontario Chapter