Report on the CURC Convention 2025

by

in ,

The Constitutional Convention of The Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC) was held in – Toronto from June 17 to 19

CURC Officers met June 16th to finalize items, put convention packages together, and ensure all was ready for a successful convention.

All guest speakers wove a similar thread through their presentations, that Canada can stay economically strong when we stand together. We have social programs that are the envy of others and now is definitely not the time to let them falter. 

This message was expressed with great candor by Charlie Angus, former MP for Timmins-James Bay who spoke at the Red & White Dinner – Elbows Up / The Resistance Tour with Charlie Angus on Wednesday night. Charlie, always a passionate speaker, is definitely in his wheelhouse speaking about Canada’s resilience, solidarity and strength. If you get a chance to hear Charlie during one of his cross Canada stops, it’s well worth the time and money.

As with any constitutional convention, there were many resolutions that one would consider “motherhood statements”, from protecting Canadian sovereignty, to a call to lobby for better, enforceable long-term care standards, there were 43 resolutions put forward that would protect and provide better standards of living for Canadian seniors, their families and friends. It was quite a feat to get through most, although not all, of these resolutions. By contrast, the resolutions that would result in changes to the CURC Constitution and Bylaws were hotly debated which meant only a few were dealt with.

All in all, it was a successful convention that was well attended affording all the chance to participate fully in the formation of the future and direction of CURC.  

Sam Wiese at the mic, CURC convention 2025. By kind permission of Arnie De Vaan.
Charlie Angus speaks to members of CURC. By kind permission of Arnie De Vaan.
Delegates of CURC in the convention hall. By kind permission of Arnie De Vaan.
Charlie Angus and CURC delegates with elbows up. By kind permission of Arnie De Vaan.