NDF Convention 2024
July 16, 2024
From July 15 – 16, 2024, the annual UFCW National Defence Fund (NDF) Convention took place in Ottawa. The two-day convention, the largest in NDF history, saw UFCW delegates from the across the country take part in large group meetings as well as smaller breakout sessions.
On Monday morning, the group enjoyed a humourous morning message and teaching from UFCW Elder Eric Flett, followed by a warm welcome from UFCW Local 175 President Kelly Tosato. As one of the host Locals for this year’s convention, alongside UFCW Local 633, Local 1006A, and Local 12R24, President Tosato thanked everyone for attending and wished all delegates a wonderful conference. In addition, President Tosato thanked the approximately 230 members of UFCW Local 175 who work at the Westin Ottawa for their hard work throughout the convention.
UFCW Canada National President Shawn Haggerty took to the podium to open the convention, thanking UFCW members in the room and across the country for their resilience and hard work in the face of the many challenges they face in the workplace, the bargaining table, and on the picket line.
Members attended sector meetings for:
- beef, pork, and poultry packinghouse, and food production;
- soft drink and warehouse;
- retail;
- hospitality;
- flour milling, and;
- an education workshop.
In plenary sessions, delegates heard panel discussions on migrant workers and a one-on-one chat between Broadbent Institute Executive Director Jen Hassum and former Alberta NDP Premier Rachel Notley. Other guests included former UFCW Canada President Paul Meinema, International Secretary-Treasurer Milton Jones, MLA Jenny Kwan, and IUF Secretary-General Sue Longley.
Thank you to all our members who attended this year for your participation and dedication.