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Colourful costumes and beats of masquerade bands came together to create magic at the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival on Aug. 2, 2025, at Exhibition Place.
“The energy of this event–this celebration of diversity, community, and joy–is incredible and inspiring,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Our union is proud to walk and dance in solidarity with our members and their families in the Grand Parade.”
This year, Unifor National donated $20,000 to Unifor Local 40 for Sunlime Canada as a participant in the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. Unifor National has supported and sponsored the Toronto Caribbean Carnival and Festival since 2016.
The union teamed with Sunlime productions to design floats for the parade and create Canadian-made costumes offered to members at cost.
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, history, and resilience, attracting nearly two million people annually. It’s more than just a parade, but a celebration of emancipation, rooted in Caribbean history.
“Carnival has always been a community-building event, bringing millions together, and creating stronger connections within the community where the union’s members live, play and work,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi.
“It’s a powerful expression of identity, unity, and pride that brings people together from all walks of life.”
The Grand Parade was the final event of the four-week festival that celebrates Caribbean culture and traditions through music, cuisine and entertainment.
It is an opportunity for all participants, referred to as masqueraders, in colourful, striking costumes, and steel pan bands, to march along Toronto’s waterfront.
This year, the Ontario Regional Council was proud to donate $18,000 to Sunlime’s participation in the Junior Carnival and Grand Parade.
“For Unifor, standing in solidarity with the Caribbean community means recognizing the importance of cultural heritage and the ongoing fight for equity and liberation,” said ORC Chair Shinade Allder.
“The Carnival creates space for voices that have long been underrepresented, and reminds us all of the strength that comes from honouring our roots.”
Sunlime Canada event coordinator and Unifor Local 40 President Dwayne Gunness said Unifor’s support allows communities to come together and celebrate the Carnival events.
“The combination of our efforts, with Unifor’s support, goes a long way,” he said. “In and around the community, Unifor is now widely known and now, other major unions have joined other bands. They have recognized that supporting the community and the event during the carnival season is a good touch.”
See more photos from the Caribbean Carnival here.
