Posted: Thursday, 12 May 2011

Delegates to the CLC convention in Vancouver debated a political action policy paper aimed at labour’s mobilizing for the future. Delegates repeated the refrain that when working people stick together they have power. Many speakers recalled the success of the CLC’s Retirement Security campaign and how it mobilized members across Canada.

The policy paper “Building on Our Success”, builds on a plan drafted at the 2005 CLC convention that would build political capacity, visibility and ultimately lead to political power. Delegates at the 2011 convention describe the election of a Conservative majority government as a major challenge but also see an opportunity with an NDP as official opposition.

The policy paper describes a multi-dimensional approach to political activism and an engagement of labour and its social allies. The CLC, the paper says, must build on its success in municipal and school board elections and expand its lobbying efforts at all levels of government. The paper emphasizes the importance of working more closely with young workers and retirees, and a commitment to incorporate social media and new technologies into political work.

Finally, the convention committed to organizing a national political gathering to bring together all components of the CLC to develop political strategies for the next several years.