More than 320 Union stewards and staff gathered in Markham on September 19, 2026 for Local 1006A’s 9th annual Stewards’ Conference.
The conference theme was Stronger Than Any Moment as participants marked the 10-year anniversary since Local 1006A was established through a historic merger in 2016.
President Wayne Hanley addressed stewards and highlighted the many accomplishments members achieved together over the past decade.
“Our members have made us what we are today… by working together and supporting each other, we are now 46,000 members strong and growing,” said Hanley. Addressing stewards directly, “Each of you in this room have been and are an important part of our Union’s past, present and future – you have been instrumental in the success of our great Local.”
The 1006A Stewards’ Conference is our annual event that recognizes, recharges and educates our amazing steward volunteers who tirelessly help their fellow union members at work.
Attendees were provided with a National update from UFCW Canada President Barry Sawyer and a Local Union financial report from Local 1006A Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Benn.
“We have the financial stability, resources, and power to take on any employer, large and small, at the negotiating table,” said Benn. “With our strong and stable financial foundation, we can continue to protect and improve our members’ rights and take on government leaders who seek to gut workers’ rights and the public services that working families depend on.”
Executive Assistant to the President Dan Gilbert moderated the conference, introducing stewards to two-time Olympic gold medalist Cheryl Pounder who inspired the room with stories of resilience while underscoring the importance of teamwork to overcome life’s most pressing challenges.
"I loved Cheryl’s speech and appreciated all the updates from union leadership,” said Frank Richardson, a steward who works at the Hilton Meadowvale. "It is very important to meet up with stewards from other hotels and industries to understand how they handle workplace issues – it was awesome and very helpful."
Local 1006A Recorder Glacier Effs-Samuel facilitated a member panel that included David Farrell (Knights on Guard Security), Rick Jordan (Loblaws Great Food), Drucila Joseph-Edgar (Hampton Inn), Michelle Wilson (Frulact) and 1006A Health & Safety Representative Rick Young. Panelists shared their unique health and safety insights and challenges in their respective sectors.
The 2026 Member Achievement Awards were also presented during the conference:
- Health and Safety: Comol Campbell from Aspect Logistics in Pickering
- Eliminating Barriers for Human Rights: Rowan Martineau from Johnny’s No Frills in Ottawa
- Fundraising for a Cause: Wendy Shirley from Darling International in Dundas
- Leadership and Advancement of the UFCW: Frank Richardson from Hilton Meadowvale Hotel in Mississauga
- Contributions to the Community: Dianne McLeod from WonderBrands in Etobicoke
Congratulations to the recipients who were acknowledged with a $500 award and will be honoured with their name on a plaque at the Local 1006A Union office.
Closing out the conference, stewards were encouraged to continue to get more involved in their union and communities. Jennifer Huang from the Fund Our Schools campaign addressed the room, followed by a political action presentation from Union Representative Kevin Bacon. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada highlighted their unique partnership with UFCW Canada and invited stewards, along with all members to join Local 1006A at Light the Night fundraising events in October.
Thank you to all the stewards who volunteered to spend their weekend with us. Looking forward to seeing everyone again next year!
