This award is named in honour of Carol McGregor, an outstanding disability rights activist, member of NUPGE and the CLC Disability Rights Working Group, and who was much loved by all those who worked with her. Carol passed away in 2006, and this award lives on in her name to recognize the incredible disability justice activism in our communities.

2026 marks the fifteenth anniversary of the Carol McGregor CLC Disability Rights Award.

In 2025, the award recognized United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Canada activist Stephannie Leach. 

Stephannie is an inspiring leader in our labour movement who has tirelessly advocated for the rights of workers with disabilities in Alberta and in the Northwest Territories. Stephannie’s leadership in this area spanned both her involvement in her workplace and in her union, UFCW Canada Local 401. Learn more about Stephannie’s dedication and activism on disability rights here.

Criteria for the 2026 award:

Award recipient must be a worker with a disability who:

1. Is active in the labour movement and/or community.
2. Has made a significant and lasting impact in the union and/or community by promoting and defending the rights of persons with disabilities.
3. Has manifested their activism in one or more of the following ways:
   • Strategized and mobilized others around workplace issues and lobbying for the full participation of Canadians with disabilities in all aspects of society.
   • Developed and/or practiced organizing strategies to include tactics aimed specifically at advancing disability justice in the workplace.
   • Represented members to ensure all activities and events are accessible to members with disabilities and promoting employment equity for people with disabilities within the workplace.
   • Educated members about disability justice issues in the workplace and in society.

Any union member or organization may nominate a candidate.

All nominations must be received by the deadline, November 6, 2026. Please complete the online nomination form linked here.

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