By Lorinda Seward, Local 351, Editor inSolidarityThe Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) held its 18th Biennial Convention from November 17-21, 2025, bringing nearly a thousand delegates from across the province to Toronto for a week of debate, strategy, solidarity, and movement-building. Representing 54 unions and one million workers, the OFL is Canada’s largest provincial labour federation – and this year’s theme, “We Are One,” set the tone for a convention focused on unity, power, and collective action.The Convention opened Monday, Nov 17, with a powerful keynote from Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), grounding the gathering in the realities of colonial violence, northern inequality, and the urgency of partnership with Indigenous communities. Delegates were also welcomed by Andria Babbington, President of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who emphasized the essential role of workers in building an equitable and thriving city.Tuesday began with a keynote address from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, who urged delegates to stay united in the face of mounting political and economic pressures.
Democracy took centre stage
Democracy took centre stage as delegates moved into nominations and elections for OFL leadership. Laura Walton narrowly held onto the presidency with 53.4% of the vote, surviving an off-the-floor challenge from our own inSolidarity committee member, Michael Hamilton.In a surprising upset, Hamilton then defeated former Executive Vice President Jackie Taylor for the role, securing 64.2% of the ballots cast. Ahmad Gaied retained his position as Secretary-Treasurer, overcoming a challenge to his role.Wednesday featured an address from the NDP’s Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition, who reaffirmed her party’s commitment to defending workers and public services.
Worth Fighting For rally
Delegates then filled the streets of downtown Toronto, marching to Queen’s Park for the We Are Worth Fighting For rally. The demonstration highlighted care workers – across community and social services, health care, education, and child care – whose labour forms the backbone of Ontario. With 80% of care work performed by women, this rally emphasized the urgency of addressing chronic underfunding, low wages, and burnout.Delegates marched in solidarity to demand fair wages, dignity, respect, and strong public services – reminding political leaders that care work is worth fighting for because workers are worth fighting for.
Building a Health and Safety movement
Thursday opened with a moving forum titled “Injured, ill, killed: We are one health & safety movement,” moderated by OPSEU/SEFPO Health & Safety Officer Sania Wadalia. The session underscored that health and safety is not an abstract principle – it’s a life-or-death issue for workers across Ontario.Delegates also heard from political strategist LaToia Jones, whose keynote delivered sharp insights into power-building, organizing, and the political realities facing workers in 2025.
We are One Power Plan
Throughout the week, the OFL unveiled its ambitious We Are One Power Plan, a roadmap shaped by surveys, conversations, and town halls with workers across the province. The plan outlines six key building blocks:
- Fair pay, real security
- Good jobs, strong futures
- Public services that work
- Safe workplaces, respect on the job
- Education that builds power
- Building power and keeping us strong
Together, these pillars articulate not just what workers need – but how the labour movement can get there collectively.Delegates also debated and voted on resolutions aimed at improving working conditions for all Ontario workers. These resolutions reflected the urgency of the moment and the determination of workers to shape their future.By Friday’s closing session, delegates left Toronto energized, united, and ready to take action. With new leadership, a bold roadmap, and a shared sense of purpose, the message was clear: We are one movement. We are one voice. And together, we are ready to fight – and win – for workers across Ontario.
