2026 UFCW Women’s Network Convention

At the 2026 UFCW Women’s Network Convention in Montreal, delegates from across Canada and the U.S. too part in two days of education and inspiration.

At the opening reception for the 16th Biennial convention, guests heard warm welcomes from UFCW International President Milton Jones and UFCW Canada National President Barry Sawyer.

Day one of the convention began with a traditional Indigenous welcome from Kahienes Sky, who is a Kenien’keha:ka woman of the Ronathahion:ni/Wolf Clan from the small Kanien’keha:ka community known as Kahnawake (located on the South Shore of Montreal).

Delegates heard from a number of leaders in the labour movement including our own Local 175 President Kelly Tosato, who spoke about her career path from organizing her non-union workplace to her position as President of the largest UFCW Local Union in North America.

“For generations, women have been told to be quiet, to step back, or to follow rather than lead. Yet history proves the opposite: when women lead, communities grow stronger, more compassionate, and more innovative,” said President Kelly Tosato, in her address to delegates on Day 1 of the convention. “A strong leader does not push others down to rise higher. Instead, she reaches back and brings others with her. She listens before speaking, understands before judging, and acts with both confidence and care.”

• Bea Bruske, the newly re-elected President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and a UFCW member, also brought a message of determination and Union power to the group.
• Alejandra Zaga Mendez brought inspiring words to the convention floor from her perspective as an elected member of the National Assembly for Quebec solidaire.
• And Debora De Angelis, Director of Political Action & Member Engagement for UFCW Locals 175 & 633, led a panel discussion on leadership.
• The first morning wrapped with keynote speaker Sandy Gerber, who is a Communication Coach, Emotional Intelligence Trainer, and Best-Selling Author.

Delegates also broke out into workshops for the afternoon and are returning to the group for elections to end the day.

Convention day two saw the swearing in of our Officers – led by past International Chair Rhonda Nelson. All Officers were nominated and elected by acclimation at the end of Day 1.

Guest speakers on day two included:

• Magali Picard, President of the Quebec Federation of Labour;
• Émelie Genin, Professor in the School of Labour Relations at the University of Montreal, and;
• Rachelle Netzer, UFCW International Vice President.

Two panel discussions also took place including one on the organizing drive at an H&M store in Toronto’s Dufferin Mall, and a talk focused on mental health that featured UFCW Local 175 Recorder Karen Vaughan, who is a Registered Nurse.

Delegates also passed numerous resolutions to take action and move women’s healthcare and rights forward across Canada and the United States.

Congratulations to all of our UFCW Women’s Network leadership, including International Chair Deliana Speights, Treasurer Lisa Blackwell-Brown, and Recorder Laurie Mesa, along with all of the Co-Chairs and Co-ordinators that form our incredible UFCW Women’s Network.

Thanks for another wonderful convention.

Find more photos from the 2026 UFCW Women’s Network Convention on Facebook and Instagram.