In Honour of Megan Whitfield

We are truly devastated by the loss of Sister Megan Whitfield who peacefully transitioned on Sunday May 24th 2020.  As the first Black President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers Toronto Local, Megan was the backbone for the largest local in Canada. As a leader, she represented the core values of trade union activism. Her work touched tens of thousands of workers across the country. Along with leading the Toronto Local for many years, Megan also served as the Equity Vice President of the Ontario Federation of Labour, and was a core member of many other boards and committees including the Executive Board, Executive Committee, and the Co-Chair of the Resolutions Committee at Convention.  The trailblazer she was, Megan was passionate about advocating for minority workers.  This devotion led to her active involvement with the Workers of Colour Committee as well as the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. She was a long-time CBTU member and board member of CBTU's Women's Committee and International Constitution Committee. In January of 2020, Megan Whitfield was recognized as one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women. Always a dynamic leader and powerful voice, Megan was instrumental in fighting for social justice and the work to end racial discrimination. No matter the circumstance, Megan treated everyone with love. Her activism was inspired by her deep passion for unity, solidarity and togetherness.

Megan was a loving and dedicated mother to three young men. Cody, Chevon, and Corey and two beautiful grand-daughters, Maya and Sophia. When she wasn't tirelessly representing workers rights, she loved spending time with her boys and little ladies. She would go to the greatest of lengths to ensure that their every need was provided for.  As a single mother, she was the pillar of her family, raising all three boys on her own to be aspiring young men. She always encouraged them to have their own voice and whenever possible, to kill them with kindness. She preached to her grand-daughters about female empowerment and would frequently uplift them by singing the famous Beyonce quote "Girls Run The World"!  

This campaign is to provide financial support and security for Megan's children and grandchildren during this time of crisis. For all of the hard work and dedication Megan has committed to the labour movement throughout the years, we now have the opportunity to pay it forward. This financial assistance will help to fulfill Megan's wishes of providing stability and a bright future for her loved ones. All funds donated will be given directly to Megan’s three sons as they are her listed beneficiaries. 

Megan Whitfield was a tenacious activist and an inspiring presence in the labour movement. Her work must continue as we push to achieve solidarity and unity for all workers.

Megan was a loving daughter, sister, mother, and grand-mother. She will be greatly missed by her extended family, friends and the sisters and brothers she inherited from her commitment to the labour movement. The family appreciates all of your prayers, donations and words of comfort during this difficult time.