"Agenda for the 1970s": A Genealogy of Organized Labour's Environmental Activism in Ontario
This article explores how Ontario’s labour unions, particularly through initiatives like the Conservation and Pollution Control Committee and various environmental conferences, played a significant role in the environmental movement. It highlights the dynamic relationship between labour rights and environmental activism, detailing efforts to incorporate environmental concerns into union activities and policies. By tracking key events, such as the Experiential Wilderness Conferences, the article emphasizes the unions’ commitment to balancing job security with environmental responsibility. This historical examination challenges conventional narratives, portraying labour unions as proactive and innovative in tackling environmental issues, countering the idea that economic and ecological goals are inherently in conflict.