In April 2023, Steelworkers from across Canada came together for the 55th USW National Policy Conference.
The result was 56 resolutions ranging from industrial policy and climate action to international trade justice and 2SLGBTQIA+ pride. It was the responsibility of the Canadian National Office, the districts and the Wood Council to enact those resolutions. As we look toward the next conference in 2027, what progress have we made so far?
The USW has been hard at work. Here are three highlights:
Development of Industrial Policy – Resolution A1 called for the USW to advocate for the development of an industrial policy for Canada and promote a North American green industrial policy. The USW was already pushing for an industrial strategy that protected vital Canadian sectors and helped meet climate challenges. Since the start of the tariff crisis in 2025, our union has only expanded our efforts: lobbying government, responding to consultations, educating our members and the public. We will continue to do so.
National Pride Working Group – Resolution H7 called for a national Pride working group. The first meeting of the group took place in December 2023. Since then, the group has organized discussions on mental health, health and safety at work and organized delegates to attend the ILGA in Cape Town, South Africa.
Enforce the Westray Law – Resolution I1 highlighted the need for constant effort to enforce the laws that keep Steelworkers and all workers safe. Thirty-four years after one of the worst industrial disasters in Canadian history, I1 demands that the USW ramp up the Stop the Killing, Enforce the Law campaign. In the two years since, we have continued to campaign and educate police and all levels of government about this vital law.
This article appears in the Summer 2026 issue of USW@Work magazine.
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