Canada’s unions adopt action plan to fight extremism and rebuild democracy

WINNIPEG, MB — As rising inequality, affordability pressures, and political alienation fuel the growth of extremism in Canada and around the world, more than 2,000 delegates to the 2026 Convention of the Canadian Labour Congress have adopted a sweeping action plan to rebuild democratic participation, strengthen working-class political power and confront authoritarian politics. 

The action plan recognizes that growing insecurity, declining trust in institutions and frustration with politics have created fertile ground for anti-democratic and extremist movements. The plan argues that strengthening economic security, fighting inequality, and expanding democratic participation are essential to building a healthy, inclusive, and resilient democracy. 

“When workers feel ignored, insecure, and shut out of political and economic 
decision-making, extremism fills the vacuum,” said Bea Bruske. “This plan is about rebuilding democratic participation from the ground up by strengthening workers’ voices, raising living standards, and ensuring ordinary people have real power in shaping Canada’s future.” 

The action plan commits Canada’s unions to advancing a good jobs strategy at the core of a broader democratic agenda to combat growing disaffection with politics and the rise of extremist political activity. It champions worker-centred economics, an affordability agenda, and steadily rising working-class living standards. 

Canada’s unions will continue to demand tax fairness, and expand public investment, including investment in public services, and concrete measures to reduce inequality and insecurity as part of a broader effort to address political frustration and alienation. 

The action plan also commits the labour movement to revitalizing democratic participation and accountability through greater transparency, civic engagement, and political participation and representation. 

Delegates are further committed to intensifying efforts to organize and mobilize workers politically, defend collective bargaining and the right to strike.  

The plan calls for stronger protections for human and labour rights in global supply chains, worker-centred trade policies, and continued solidarity with workers and social movements fighting for democracy, equality, and human rights around the world. 

“Democracy cannot survive when working people are left behind,” said Bruske. “Canada’s unions are committed to building a country where workers have security, dignity, and a real voice in shaping the future.” 

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