The labour movement has played a critical role in fighting injustice and inequity here in Ontario and around the world. We believe that work needs to continue to help foster an equitable, barrier-free society where ensure everyone can reach their fullest potential.
In the Workplace and Beyond
As a union, we believe in advancing fairness and equity for ourselves and for all workers.
At the bargaining table, through our dispute resolution process, and in our communities, we defend, negotiate, and advocate for:
- strong employment standards,
- pay equity,
- workplace accommodation,
- the elimination of harassment and grounds-based discrimination, and
- more.
Within our union
AMAPCEO Equity Statement
AMAPCEO members, volunteers, and staff commit to eliminating discriminatory, exclusive, and racist behaviour, policies, or practices that prevent or undermine the full and equitable participation of all union members.
Together we will work to build a culture in which anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, equity, and safety are fundamental and we will:
- Respect each member equally;
- Ensure a diversity of voices are heard;
- Listen with intent;
- Speak with purpose;
- Be accountable, hold others accountable;
- Ask questions, be curious, engage with other members;
- Collaborate; and
- Allow disagreements, but work through them with care and kindness.
Board Equity Committee
This volunteer body provides important analysis and advice on equity and diversity issues within the union.
Equity Caucuses & Circle
The equity caucus model is designed to create a space for demographically and culturally similar AMAPCEO members to build community, support other members, and provide alternative routes into activist roles for under-represented equity groups.
AMAPCEO Equity Lens: Moving from Commitment to Action
Adopted in 2020, the AMAPCEO Equity Lens is a practical tool to support our efforts to be consistent and deliberate in moving equity and inclusion forward in in our member engagement and services, through our volunteers and staff, to the benefit of our union and workplaces.
Learning
Learn more about the principles of equity and how we apply them within our union through our online course Equity and Inclusion: Activate Your Power!
This online course is available for free to all signed AMAPCEO members and can be taken at any time.
Equity and social justice calendar
Recognized Equity and Social Justice Dates
January/February
February
- Black History Month
- February 14: Pink Triangle Day
- Last Wednesday of February: Pink Shirt Day (anti-bullying)
March
- March 8: International Women's Day
- March 20: International Francophonie Day
- March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
April
- April 12: Equal Pay Day
- April 12: Day of Pink (anti-bullying and queer)
- April 28: National Day of Mourning for Injured Workers
May
- Asian and South Asian Heritage Month
- First week of May: National Mental Health Week
- May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
June
- Indigenous History Month
- Pride Month
- June 1: Injured Workers' Day
- June 6: Anishinabek Nation Holiday (Anishinaabe Chi-Naaknigewin)
- June 21: National Indigenous Peoples' Day
- June 27: Canadian Multiculturalism Day
September
- First Monday in September: Labour Day
- September 25: Franco-Ontarian Day
- September 30: Orange Shirt Day for Indigenous Reconciliation
October
- October 10: World Mental Health Day
- October 18: National Persons Day
November
- November 7: Inuit Day
- November 16: Louis Riel Day
December
- December 1: World AIDS Day
- December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
- December 10: Human Rights Day
Equity committee
The Equity Committee is an advisory body to the Board of Directors consisting of one representative from each of AMAPCEO's Equity Caucuses and Circle. The Board appoints up to two liaisons to the Committee, one of whom serving as Chair.
The Committee:
- recommends actions to the Board on a variety of equity and diversity issues within the union,
- provides advice to the Board on employer initiatives and policies related to equity,
- brings together a broad group of grassroots members to increase the spaces available for equity-seeking groups’ participation in the union,
- encourages networking and partnering with other equity-seeking groups,
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encourages and supports safe spaces for all AMAPCEO members,
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encourages and promotes the participation of members from equity-seeking groups within activist roles in AMAPCEO, and
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provides a forum for AMAPCEO to seek input and reactions on equity and inclusion initiatives.
Equity Committee terms of reference (sign-in required) »
Equity Committee Meeting Minutes (sign-in required)
Equity Committee Minutes - August 21, 2023
Equity Committee Minutes - May 9, 2023
Equity Committee Minutes - November 21, 2022
Equity Committee Minutes - October 11, 2022
Equity Committee Minutes - May 3, 2022
Equity Committee Minutes - May 16, 2022
Equity Committee Minutes - March 4, 2022
Equity Committee Minutes - January 24, 2022
Leadership
Committee Chair: Cynthia Watt (AMAPCEO Vice-President)
Board Liaison: Frank Tang (District Director, Jarvis/Yonge)
Chair, Asian, Arab and Latinx Caucus: Iain Shao
Chair, Black Caucus: Bonnie Wiltshire
Chair, Disability Caucus: Elizabeth Janz
Chair, Francophone Caucus: Vincent Lavigne
Chair, Indigenous Circle: Maggie Kavanaugh
Chair, LGBTQ+ Caucus: Lina Cimarrusti
Chair, Women’s Caucus: Zahra Bolouk
The equity caucus model is designed to create a space for demographically and culturally similar AMAPCEO members to build community, support other members, and provide alternative routes into activist roles for under-represented equity groups.
AMAPCEO's Board of Directors is committed to advancing equity and inclusive representation in our governance structures and throughout all aspects of our union. Equity caucuses are a way to cultivate recognition, support, and understanding for diverse constitutency groups—ultimately helping AMAPCEO become a more equitable organization.
Interested in joining one or more of the equity caucuses or circle? Fill out an application form below!
You must be a signed AMAPCEO member to join an equity caucus or circle. Not a signed member? Join today!
Want to start a new equity caucus? Please contact Labour Relations Specialist Timna Ben-Ari.
Asian, Arab & Latinx Caucus
Mission
Promote equity and diversity in AMAPCEO through the celebration of Asian, Arab, and Latinx culture and heritage and engagement through representation in leadership positions.
Vision
AMAPCEO Caucus will have an equal and inclusive culture and members are represented in leadership positions.
Leadership
Chair: Iain Shao
Co-Vice Chairs: Jamie Ngo
Black Caucus
Mission
The Black Caucus works toward the elimination of barriers, including racism, to Black members full participation and equitable representation in the union and workplace.
Vision
Enabling systemic change within AMAPCEO and our workplaces for the full inclusion and participation of Black members, allowing them to reach their full potential.
Leadership
Chair: Bonnie Wiltshire
Vice-Chair: Jerusha Richards
Disability Caucus
Mission
The Disability Caucus will advocate and champion for the rights, accommodations and full participation of members with disabilities.
Vision
Members with disabilities will receive fair and equitable treatment and will discover their power to make a difference.
Leadership
Chair: Elizabeth Janz
Vice-Chair: Debra Churchill
Francophone Caucus
Mission
To help AMAPCEO meet the needs of Francophones today so they become more engaged in the Association tomorrow.
Vision
AMAPCEO meets the needs of Francophones and they feel a strong sense of belonging to the Association.
Leadership
Chair: Vincent Lavigne
Vice-Chair: Mohamed Boudjenane
Indigenous Circle
Mission
The Indigenous Circle seeks to facilitate positive transformation of the workplace and larger membership through creation of a network of Indigenous members for the purpose of support, information sharing and Indigenous representation.
Vision
An increased Indigenous membership and participation in AMAPCEO governance as well as an effective network for information sharing and provisions that supports Reconciliation as per the Truth and Reconciliation Commission call to action #571.
Leadership
Chair: Maggie Kavanaugh
Vice-Chair: Elizabeth Robertson
LGBTQ+ Caucus
Mission
To advocate for LGBTQI2S AMAPCEO members by promoting activities and events that foster inclusion, understanding and respect.
Vision
LGBTQI2S people in AMAPCEO and the workplace have enhanced and sustainable health and well-being.
Leadership
Chair: Lina Cimarrusti
Vice-Chair: Noémie Bergeron
Women's Caucus
Mission
The Women's Caucus values the diverse intersectional identities and experiences of members and champions engagement, education, advocacy, and collaboration on issues relevant to women in the union, the workplace, and the community.
Vision
An Ontario where individual and systemic barriers to participation of women in the union, the workplace, and the community have been eliminated.
Leadership
Chair: Zahra Bolouk
Vice-Chair: Sancgeetha Kulaseharan
Other Caucuses
AMAPCEO also has caucuses designed to promote awareness, inclusion, and participation of retirees, and young workers within our union.
Interested in joining one or more of these caucuses? Fill out an application form below!
You must be a signed AMAPCEO member to join one of these caucuses. Not a signed member? Join today!
Retirees Caucus
Mission
- Protect and enhance the benefits, and promote the interests, of retired AMAPCEO members who are in receipt of pensions from the Ontario Pension Board or H.O.O.P.P.
- Advocate against proposals and policies that could be detrimental to retired AMAPCEO members’ interests.
- Provide information and assistance, as necessary, to retired AMAPCEO members.
- Engage with retired AMAPCEO members with a focus on encouraging participation in the Retirees Caucus.
- Liaise and cooperate with other senior and pensioners organizations on matters of mutual interest.
Membership
When you retire from your AMAPCEO-represented position, become a retired member to continue your involvement in the union, receive ServicePlus benefits, and participate in the Retirees Caucus.
There is a one-time fee of $25 to become a retired member.
Young Workers' Caucus
Purpose
The Young Workers Caucus will work to promote the inclusion and participation of young workers in AMAPCEO through advocacy, awareness raising and leadership development.
Terms of Reference (sign-in required) »
Membership
Open to any signed AMAPCEO member who is 35 or younger at the time they join the Caucus.
Leadership
Chair: Chris Cully
Vice-Chair: Devraj Ray
1 "Professional Development and Training for Public Servants
57) We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism."