“I’m grateful and I’m humbled to receive an honorary degree from this important institution,” said Yussuff in his Convocation address to graduates from Ryerson’s Ted Rogers School of Management and the Yeates School of Graduate Studies.

Shortly after immigrating from Guyana, Hassan became a union member in 1976. He was elected union chairperson in his workplace at the age of 19. He climbed through the ranks of the Canadian Auto Workers union (CAW) before becoming the organization’s first Human Rights Director. He went on to serve 15 years as Executive Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress before being elected in 2014 as the first person of colour to lead Canada’s labour movement. His lifelong commitment to human rights has defined his work as a labour activist.

Yussuff reminded graduates that great leaders work to transform the society we all live in, rather than just operating within it.

“You are the new generation of Canadian leaders. I encourage you to prioritize diversity and inclusion, and to engage in public affairs,” he said.

He referred to the recent examples of the #MeToo movement, Idle No More and Black Lives Matter to highlight the impact of working together in the pursuit of progressive change.

“Progress happens when we work for it together,” said Yussuff. “Believe me when I say never give up because that’s how you will change the world. Thank you for letting me be part of your special day.”

Congratulations, Hassan!

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“It’s an honour to be here, and I am humbled to stand on this stage, at this great institution, and receive an honorary degree,” said Yussuff in his Convocation address to Brock’s Faculty of Social Sciences graduates.

He went on to challenge the young leaders in the room to get engaged in Canada’s democracy, and to fight for change.

“Democracy is not a spectator sport. Progress doesn’t happen if we leave things to other people. Figure out what you’re really passionate about and find an issue that speaks to your core beliefs, that inspires you and that motivates you,” said Yussuff.

Shortly after immigrating from Guyana, Hassan became a union member in 1976. He was elected union chairperson in his workplace at the age of 19. He climbed through the ranks of the Canadian Auto Workers union (CAW) before becoming the organization’s first Human Rights Director. He went on to serve 15 years as Executive Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress before being elected in 2014 as the first person of colour to lead Canada’s labour movement. His lifelong commitment to human rights has defined his career.

Yussuff encouraged graduates to fight for the change they want to see by working collectively with others who share their values. He also reminded them that there will inevitably be setbacks, but that great leaders never quit.

“Nothing worth fighting for ever comes easily. Those in power are not going to serve up the solutions you want on a silver platter. But true leaders know that it’s important to push on and never to give up. Progress is always possible,” said Yussuff.

Congratulations, Hassan!

Photo: Brock University

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I was deeply disappointed by today’s news that Unifor has decided to disaffiliate from the Canadian Labour Congress.

This evening the CLC held an emergency meeting of our Canadian Council, the CLC’s highest decision-making body between conventions. At this meeting, our affiliates reaffirmed their unanimous support for the CLC and a strong labour movement.

In turn, I stressed that as CLC president, I am committed to resolving this issue and reuniting Canada’s labour movement, and that I take my responsibility to do that very seriously.

I also emphasized that we will not let this development distract us from our important work to improve the day-to-day lives of all Canadians, including:

• Our campaign for a universal prescription drug plan for all Canadians
• Winning proactive pay equity legislation
• Winning fair labour laws and a $15 minimum wage across Canada
• Negotiating a worker-friendly NAFTA

The CLC has a 61-year history, and is more than just one affiliate – we are 55 international, national and provincial affiliates. We will come out of this stronger than ever.

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