The OPSEU/SEFPO Provincial Young Workers Committee (PYC) invites you to submit your application to attend the 2026 Young Workers Conference! It will take place from November 6 to 8, 2026, at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel and Suites in Richmond Hill. In addition to welcoming previous conference participants, we would like to extend a special invitation to those who have not attended in the past. We welcome all members who identify as young workers, 35 and under. Do not miss this opportunity to network, learn, share experiences and have some fun!
This year’s conference theme is “Digital Activism: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work.” The goal will be for conference participants to respond to the increased use of AI in workplaces across the province and to look at its impacts on young workers. The focus will be to take back control of the future of work which includes organizing in the digital age and developing modernized communication structures. By participating in scheduled workshops and engaging in discussions with guest speakers and fellow young workers, we want to develop tools that will respond to the potential threats of AI. We are embracing this new way of working in the digital age and we want to ensure that human rights and dignity remain central to any technological changes to how we work and communicate.
Event participants will be selected by the PYC with assistance from OPSEU/SEFPO’s Member Equity Unit. The selection process will try to achieve a diverse group of attendees, representative of the young workers, within our membership. All applicants will be contacted by late August and will be advised of the status of their application.
Please submit your application no later than end of day on August 14, 2026, by completing the online application form. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For any additional requirements, please contact the Member Equity Unit directly at [email protected]
We look forward to meeting you!
In solidarity,
Provincial Young Workers Committee (PYC)
Authorized for distribution by:
JP Hornick – President
About the 18th Annual Young Workers Conference: “Digital Activism: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work”.
In recognition of the PYC’s motto, this event will EDUCATE, MOTIVATE and MOBILIZE young workers into action whether it is in their local communities, workplaces or in the labour movement.
The event is open to all OPSEU/SEFPO members in good standing, regardless of their union experience, who identify as 35 or younger. Members of equity-deserving groups are especially encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED
Tentative Conference Agenda
Friday, November 6, 2026
- 5:00 to 7:00 PM Registration (dinner on your own)
- 5:00 PM Smudging Ceremony (optional)
- 5:30 to 6:30 PM Participant Orientation
- 7:00 to 7:30 PM Welcome, Conference Logistics, Meet the PYC
- 7:30 to 7:40 PM Icebreaker – Ultimate Rock Paper Scissors
- 7:40 to 8:00 PM OPSEU/SEFPO President, JP Hornick and
OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer, Laurie Nancekivell Conference Opening Remarks and Welcome - 8:00 to 8:55 PM Networking Activity
- 8:55 to 9:00 PM Wrap-up and Adjournment
- 4 :30 to 9 :30 PM Childcare
Saturday, November 7, 2026
- 8:00 to 9:00 AM Breakfast (not provided), Registration Re-opens
- 9:00 to 9:20 AM Morning Announcements & Trivia
- 9:20 to 10:25 AM Guest Speaker #1 (Keynote)
- 10:25 to 10:40 AM Break
- 10:40 AM to 12:00 PM Workshop
- 12:00 to 1:45 PM Lunch (not provided)
- 1:45 to 3:00 PM Guest Speaker #2
- 3:00 to 3:15 PM Break
- 3:15 to 4:30 PM Workshop
- 4:30 PM Wrap-up and adjourn, (dinner not provided)
- 8:00 PM to 11:00PM Social Event at the Markham Room
- 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and
- 7 :30 to 11 :30 PM Childcare
Sunday, November 8, 2026
- 8:00 to 9:00 AM Breakfast (not provided)
- 9:00 to 9:20 AM Morning Announcements / OPSEU/SEFPO
Young Worker of the Year Award Information - 9:20 to 10:30 AM Guest Speaker # 3
- 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Solidarity Project, Wrap-Up, Evaluation
Reminder, and Traveling Song - 12:00 PM Adjournment
- 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM Childcare