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Friday October 24
The 2025 B.C. Regional Council (BCRC) opened with an acknowledgement about the unceded traditional territories of the Sts'ailes peoples (Harrison) and welcomed Laura Grizzlypaws and her daughter from St'at'imc peoples. She discussed the history of her peoples, their traditions and teachings, and the territory known as Lillooet in the Fraser Valley today.
Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle provided his report to delegates with a comprehensive review of the work undertaken in the region and the severe challenges facing workers. He chastised the provincial government for making lofty promises without executing a plan for change that benefits working people: "Our message to all governments that want to earn (and keep) worker support—live up to your promises. People are hurting—now. Take action—now."
McGarrigle echoed western support for the Protect Canadian Jobs campaign by highlighting the failure of Crowns to use their purchasing power for the benefit of the domestic economy "When BC Ferries and TransLink award contracts overseas, that’s not progress, that’s betrayal. We need procurement policies that reward those who build here. We need to build it here. Build it union. Build it Canadian.
He concluded with a call to action to keep up the fight and build a resilient Canadian industrial and services base.
"Let’s defend every job, organize every shop, and raise every standard. Our message to every government and boardroom is simple: Fighting back makes a difference and remember, to protect Canadian jobs, we need to build it here."
Gavin McGarrigle
In the afternoon delegates heard from former Unifor senior economist and public intellectual Jim Stanford, who helped bust the many myths that the Trump administration repeats on a daily basis about economics, investment, and trade. Stanford made the case for a true "Elbows up" strategy that relies on investment in public infrastructure and job creation, fair taxation, and leveraging unique Canadian strengths.
Unifor researcher Marc Hollin echoed the Stanford analysis and summarized the status of the union's Protect Canadian Jobs campaign and the core messaging and asked delegates to keep up the fight and amplify the campaign at every turn.
Delegates proceeded to vote in support of Western Regional Director Recommendation #2 to mobilize for Canadian jobs and defending domestic industries.
To finish day one of BCRC, members heard a presentation about the latest development in the Save Local News campaign: the worker-owned co-op initiative with Local 2000 to form a news outlet. Called Freshet News, the unionized shop will serve the Tri-Cities communities with professional local news.
Saturday, October 25
Day 2 of BCRC kicked off with a review of finances and internal procedures by B.C. Regional Council Secretary-Treasurer Gord McGrath and National Secretary-Treasurer Len Poirier. Poirier thanked members for the work they've done to build the union's solid foundation, which in turn provides a platform for the advocacy work:
"Our union has been calling for a vision that transforms all of Canada’s industries while leaving no worker behind. Achieving our vision for economic development and good jobs that put working people at the centre will not come easy: it will require bold action from governments at all levels, as well as a commitment from employers. It is an economy rooted in solidarity, sustainability and social justice. An economy built for people."
Len Poirier
Members heard a detailed presentation about public transit from Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Senior Economist Marc Lee. He outlined a vision for province-wide public transit that serves communities large and small and provides good jobs for workers.
Lee's presentation led into a discussion of a Recommendation #3 to step up Unifor's campaign to pressure the B.C. government to live up to the election promise to review the private delivery of public transit.
Following the transit discussion, delegates heard from National President Lana Payne in a video call. She provided an update on the trade crisis and what Unifor expects from the Canadian government's response. She called on Unifor members to do what they do best, which is keep fighting for working people and economic justice, no matter the odds, because our movement is growing:
"Friends, every time we attend an event or rally, every time we vote or meet with our political representatives and every time we refuse to accept less than what we deserve—we grow stronger."
Lana Payne
BCRC delegates welcomed provincial labour minister Jennifer Whiteside for an address about what the B.C. government is doing to defend jobs in the trade war and the pro-active policies that have helped working people, such as the single-step certification legislation that has led to growth in union density in the province.
In the afternoon, delegates got to work discussing resolutions submitted by local unions and recommendations of the regional director, including
- BC Regional Council Resolution #1: Strengthen Occupational Health and Safety Regulations for Vehicle and Crane Cabin Environments
- B.C. Regional Council Resolution #2: Enhancing Enforcement of the BC Mines Code for Worker Safety
- Western Regional Director Recommendation #5: Defeating the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
Sunday, October 26
On BCRC's final day, Women's Department Director Tracey Ramsey led delegates through a presentation about reproductive justice and the threats to women's right to bodily autonomy. Delegates expressed strong support for the campaign and adopted Western Regional Director Recommendation #6: Reproductive Rights.
To close the 2025 BCRC, Unifor members welcomed Director of Innovation from the CedarVia Group Phillip Hannis to discuss colonialism, treaties, and Indigenous Partnership Agreements.
Regional Council Chairperson Leanne Marsh concluded the meeting with a thanks and a call to action for the year ahead, urging members to stay connected and support each other with solidarity.
Read all the resolutions and recommendations adopted at the 2025 B.C. Regional Council.
