Forward Together

Workers first: The CLC hosts a forum with NDP leadership candidates

October 16, 2025

OTTAWA — On Wednesday, October 22, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) will host a worker-first forum with official NDP leadership candidates, a sanctioned leadership race event officially recognized by Canada’s NDP.

The forum will bring together Avi Lewis, Heather McPherson, Rob Ashton, Tanille Johnston, and Tony McQuail for a series of moderated discussions focused on their vision and leadership approach for Canada’s NDP.

Moderated by CLC President Bea Bruske, each candidate will have the opportunity to speak for ten minutes, offering voters and workers an opportunity to hear, directly and in detail, how the next NDP leader plans to deliver real results for working people.

“Workers built this party, and Canada’s unions are here to make sure it stays focused on delivering for them. This forum is about putting working people at the heart of the leadership conversation.” – Bea Bruske, CLC President

WHAT:
Worker-First Forum with NDP Leadership Candidates

WHEN:         
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – 6:00 to 7:00 PM ET (Doors open: 5:30 PM ET)

LIVESTREAM UPDATE:
Due to significant public interest, with more than 1,500 registrants, the event will now be livestreamed on YouTube rather than Zoom. *Please note the page will only be live tomorrow right before the event. Feel free to share this new livestream information widely.
– French livestream: noustravaillonsensemble.ca/diffusion-en-direct
– English livestream: workerstogether.ca/livestream

MEDIA RSVP:
If you would like to attend in person, please send an email to media@clcctc.ca with your full name and outlet affiliation.

WHO:

Moderator
Bea Bruske – President, Canadian Labour Congress

NDP Leadership Candidates
Avi Lewis – Journalist, Activist, Associate Professor
Heather McPherson – NDP MP
Rob Ashton – President, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU)
Tanille Johnston – Director of Community Programs with the First Nations Health Authority, City Councillor in Campbell River.
Tony McQuail – Huron County organic farmer

-30-

To arrange an interview, please contact: 
CLC Media Relations 
media@clcctc.ca 
613-526-7426

  • Jobs, Economy and Environment
  • Canada’s unions call for stronger action on jobs and public services

    November 4, 2025
    Click to open the link
  • Jobs, Economy and Environment
  • Canadian Labour Congress available for comment on Budget 2025

    November 3, 2025
    Click to open the link
  • Jobs, Economy and Environment
  • Budget 2025 must create jobs by investing in people and infrastructure—not cuts and corporate giveaways

    October 31, 2025
    Click to open the link
  • Jobs, Economy and Environment
  • Bruske on pre-budget measures: When government listens to workers, we see progress

    October 27, 2025
    Click to open the link
  • Jobs, Economy and Environment
  • Statement by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress

    October 23, 2025
    Click to open the link
  • Forward Together
  • Canada’s unions put workers at the heart of NDP leadership race

    October 23, 2025
    Click to open the link
  • Trade and International Affairs
  • Statement by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress

    October 22, 2025
    Click to open the link
  • Trade and International Affairs
  • Progress on trade in Canada must reflect a commitment to Indigenous rights

    September 30, 2025
    Click to open the link
  • Forward Together
  • Postal workers under attack: labour leaders join Ottawa rally for public postal service

    September 29, 2025
    Click to open the link