This weekend, more than 80 IAM delegates from across Ontario came together in North Bay for the 62nd Annual Convention of the Ontario Provincial Council of Machinists (OPCM).
United in solidarity and driven by a common purpose, delegates engaged in meaningful discussions, gleaned knowledge through interactive workshops, nominated and elected officers for the new term and charted a path forward for our Union and its members.
Day 1
Opening remarks by President Dean O’Reilly and Land Acknowledgement statement by the Host committee kicked off the convention to a great start. This was followed by a enlightening speech by none other that our dynamic GVP of the Canadian Office, Dave Chartrand, who thanked all the officials and delegates for their hard work and dedication. He gave some astounding information that 28 new workplaces were organized since the last OPCM and 75% of those were organized in the province of Ontario. He also offered full-hearted support from the Canadian Office, to all the locals organizing committees. He also commended Local 1231 for having a fully functional organizing committee.
Special mention was made about the great work done by Senior Research Analyst from the Canadian office, Roya Rismankar. Her assistance was offered to locals and districts who may need her help with the bargaining industry they work on, with respect to speaker notes, etc.
GVP Chartrand also announced the launch of the New Mentorship Program that will educate and groom future leaders.
This was followed by an informative speech by the knowledgeable Chief of Staff Ralph Martin, who updated delegates on what the Canadian office is working on, which includes branding and revamping of the IAM Canada website by the talented team from the Communication Department, Vanessa Breidy and Lucie Morillon. Newsletter templates are now available and it was exciting to know that the new website is just weeks away from being launched. Ralph Martin also informed delegates about the great work that the Canadian Counterpart of the Guide Dogs of Canada Tender Loving Care (GDCTLC) was doing and that the Annual Dave Richie Golf Tournament raised CAD 125,000 last year.
Recording Secretary Marcia Stone presented the Norm Court award to the President of District 78, Mike Edwards .
Day 2
- Presentation by Chris Carpenter from the Workplace health and Safety Committee. Instructor Training will be held in Hamilton at their premises on October 12, 2026.
This was followed by a loaded Political Action Workshop by Paul Hicks and Derek Ferguson. They educated members about the dangers of Misinformation and Information Overload, and ‘when Satire gets mistaken for news.’
Rootisha Rampat Sukhu, District 78 organizer true to her form, kept delegates engaged and informed with her interactive workshop on Organizing, alongside Scott Jackson, Territorial Organizing Leader and District 78, Business Representative Roy Bhansingh.
The afternoon ended with a comprehensive and detailed report from Rick Sansom on Ontario Workplace Harassment Investigations – from a Union Representative’s Perspective
Day 2 concluded with a fun and festive boat trip across Lake Nippissing. Delegates were treated to a sumptous dinner and live music.
Special thanks to International Representative Kim Valliere. Kim’s dedication, knowledge and tireless work behind the scenes was evident in the smooth manner in which the convention was managed. Thank you Kim for all that you do!
Day 3
As the 62nd Annual OPCM Convention drew to a close, delegates reflected on three productive days of learning, collaboration, and union solidarity.
The Humanitarian Award was formally presented to Nipissing Transition House by Locals 2412 and 1295 in recognition of its outstanding service and commitment to supporting members of the community.
The convention concluded with the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected OPCM officers, marking the beginning of a new term of leadership.
Congratulations to all those elected, and best wishes for a successful term as they continue to serve and represent IAM members across Ontario.
Occasions like the OPCM conventions provide Union members an opportunity to educate, empower and grow together, with a common goal to create a better future for all.
Special thanks to the Host Committee Local 1295 and Local 2412 for their hospitality. Thank you to the delegates, officials and all those who participated to make the 62nd Annual OPCM Convention a great success. Looking forward to the next convention!
Special moments caught on camera!
Local 1231 Delegates reports :
Stefania Maratta – Vice President Local 1231 :
The OPCM conference that was held this weekend for 2026, united all locals again this year. Our local union continues to inspire and empower our abilities to raise standards. However when we unite with other locals and districts it strengthens our values and beliefs on what we as a union can do for our members to give them fairness, equality and ameliorate our working environment
Always a great experience to be a part of!
Jennifer Vuurman :
June 5-7 th OPCM 62nd annual conference was very interesting. Dave Chartrand Canadian GVP gave an update from the Canadian office. Friday evening had a great way to visit and chat with our members of other locals at the lakeshore room. Saturday Rootisha had a great interactive discussion with a QR code quiz about organizing. Rick spoke at length about harassment in the workplace. Was my first OPCM conference. Dinner cruise was quite the experience rain on the way had a magnificent view with dinner after the rain ended. Received a beautiful IAM mug and a litre maple syrup as a gift from the host of north bay.
Lystra Mohammed – Secretary Treasurer :
First time going to North Bay the drive was very scenic , it gave you a cottage vibes, exciting atmosphere for the convention .Meeting and Greeting new faces and familiar ones.
The convention started with a moment of silence for IAM members who have passed on, it shows the respect and compassion the OPCM stands for. Dave Thompson was one of the member who have passed on and has been with the IAM for over 30 years.
GVP OF CANADA Dave Chartrand updated the OPCM of how many new workplaces the IAM have organized. In the last year, 28 new workplaces have joined the union and 75% of those workplaces is right here in Ontario,” hats of to the organizing committee” The Canadian office is developing all kinds of templates for members with the IAM logo, he spoke about Roya from the Canadian office who did an excellent Job on her submission on last week staff conference.
Chief of Staff Ralph Martin updated the members on the projects, revamping all the website coast to coast with all the new branding so that he IAM will have consistency all over the country. The Canadian office website is weeks away from being launched. Also Revamping basic steward training and the letter head templates. He spoke about the Guide dogs of Canada . The cost of training a guide dog up to $60,000 and that last year the GDC raised $125,000 at the golf tournament .
The Norm Award went to Mike Edward from district 78.(President)
Day 2 WHSC Chris Carpenter had a booklet about WHSC very informative Training for what Matters most and to focus on the Hazards. Mental health training and all of the labour education courses. The Organizing Workplace was a hit again, they did an amazing job and had the members answering questions to be on the Podiem on screen. It was exciting and fun. Political action workshop how to spot and answer misinformation another great workshop for members to look out for fake information .Health and Safety another great training for the members of the IAM Rick talk about JHSC and collective agreement and the role of the union. It was very informative.
The boat cruise was very scenic the weather held up well , we could go outside to get some pictures and socialize with the members. It was a great conference.
Highlights Our very own Nneka Abosede was selected Area 2 Vice President for the OPCM.
Drupati Bazil : Recording Secretary
Ontario Provincial Council of Machinists (OPCM) IAM Union 62nd Annual Convention
North Bay, Ontario | June 5–7, 2026
The Ontario Provincial Council of Machinists (OPCM) held its 62nd Annual Convention in North Bay, Ontario, from June 5–7, 2026. Delegates from IAM locals across the province, including Local 1231, came together to share experiences, discuss key workplace issues, and establish priorities for the year ahead.
The convention provided a valuable forum for networking, leadership development, and strengthening solidarity among IAM members. Delegates participated in presentations and discussions on a range of important topics, including Workers’ Health and Safety, Political Action, Organizing, and Workplace Harassment Prevention.
A major highlight of the convention was the election of OPCM Executive Board members. Local 1231 proudly congratulates:
• Sister Nneka Nwachukwu on her election as Area 2 Vice President
• Sister Sabiha Khan on her re-election as Communicator
• Sister Lystra Mohammed on her re-election as Trustee
The convention also offered opportunities for fellowship and camaraderie. On Saturday evening, delegates were welcomed by Local 1295 and Local 2412 for an enjoyable social event that included dinner, a scenic boat cruise, and live entertainment. The event provided members with an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate the strength and unity of the IAM family.
Overall, the 62nd Annual OPCM Convention was a resounding success, showcasing the dedication, accomplishments, and collective strength of IAM members across Ontario. The discussions, elections, and shared experiences reinforced the union’s commitment to advancing the interests of its members and building a stronger future for working people throughout the province.
Reazul Haque – Steward Toronto branch
It was a great opportunity to attend the 62 Annual Convention of OPCM at Best Western Hotel at North Bay. It started on June 5 and continued until June 7 in the morning. Thanks to the madam president, secretary and other EB members for giving me the opportunity.
It was a huge gathering of more than 80 brothers and sisters from different locals under district 78. Had a very cross learning environment. Besides, so many learning issues were discussed like political action, health and safety issues.
There was a boat cruise for 4 hours with delicious dinner that was enjoyable.
Dave Chartrand, GVP Canada and Ralph Martin, Chief of staff Canada also attended in the convention that make the convention a great one.
Arrangement of nice accommodation, entertainment and food are also appreciable
Special thanks to the organizers for their hard work to make the successful OPCM.
Nneka Nwachukwu – Chief Steward York Branch
I attended the 62nd Annual OPCM Convention in North Bay Ontario as a third time delegate. Delegates from across the province gathered to discuss union business, participate in educational workshops, and elect new officers.
Highlights included presentations on political action, organizing, health and safety, and the impact of misinformation on workers and unions. The Organizing Workshop was particularly engaging and concluded with an interactive Kahoot! quiz that reinforced key learning points.
On Saturday evening, delegates also enjoyed a boat cruise and dinner, which provided a great opportunity for networking.
The convention concluded with the swearing-in of newly elected officers. Overall, the experience was informative, engaging, and a valuable opportunity to learn and connect with members from across the province.