The convention heard from Brother Wayne Samuelson, the president of the Ontario Federation of Labour. Brother Samuelson reminded the convention that we need to support our fellow brothers and sisters in these tough economic times. He also warned the convention to be mindful of attempts by various governments that may attempt to pit worker against worker. Brother Samuelson reminded the convention of a line from the song “Solidarity Forever”:

“In our hands is placed a power greater than their hoarded gold.”

The convention also debated the BC Fed Executive Council report. The convention discussed raising the minimum wage to $10/hour, climate change and the impact of global warming, Occupational Health & Safety, the need for access to universal, accessible, quality and not-for-profit child care, and the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement between Alberta and British Columbia that will be coming into full effect on April 1, 2009.