Congratulations to Jennifer Horsley and Josh Peterson, who recently completed their studies at the Labour College of Canada. The Labour College of Canada, a program delivered and administered by the Canadian Labour Congress, delivers in-depth, university level courses on issues related to work and the rights of workers in Canada.
LCC graduates are equipped with new skills and knowledge to take on the challenges of today as well as new leadership roles in their union, their labour council, and the wider labour movement for the benefit of all workers.
Jennifer, center, graduating from the College 
Josh, left, at a recent rally in Esquimalt
Jennifer is a member of Local 20095, Purolator Courier, where she serves as Local President. Jennifer is also the President of the PSAC Vancouver Area Council, and is one of the Metro Vancouver Coordinators on the PSAC BC Regional Council. She summed up her experience at Labour College by saying
A huge part of the College is making connections and learning from each other. I truly value everyone that I attended with, in both of my cohort sessions. The people I have met along this journey have taught me so much about myself, about my role in the union and about widening my view to the larger world.
The facilitators teach from experience in the movement, and you learn not only leadership and research skills, but also about the issues we should all care about – Reconciliation, racism, the Gig Economy, the true history of Canada and the labour movement, and the problems with the Temporary Foreign Workers Program amongst many others issues.
My Independent Learning Project looked at how we can use Community Organizing methods to improve member engagement, which I came to from my involvement with the Metro Vancouver Alliance.
I really believe that we need to start having real conversations with our members to bring them in.
Josh is firefighter at CFB Esquimalt and a member of Local 21009, where he served on his Local Executive in a variety of positions, including President. Josh is very active in the community, and is currently a member of the Tour de Rock cycling team, helping raise funds for children and their families affected by pediatric cancer. Josh told us
When I applied to the LCC program I was hoping to receive training that would help me to be a better leader in our movement. The Independent Learning Project presentations were all amazing and provided tools for me to use in my future while also giving us an opportunity to create friendships that will last forever.
I am excited to see where all my fellow graduates futures lead them and I wish them well and look forward to seeing them all again one day.
I highly recommend to all members who have the opportunity to apply to the LCC to do so. I am grateful to PSAC for my scholarship and support throughout the program and to the CLC for continuing the program even with the difficulties Covid created.
Visit canadianlabour.ca for more information about the Labour College program .