I’m thrilled to share some fantastic news! Our former Grievance Officer, a dedicated advocate for our members of the Toronto Local for many years, has been honored as a trailblazing woman by our National Union. Below, you’ll find the inspiring article from CUPW National celebrating Sister Joanne Leader’s remarkable achievements. Let’s give her the recognition she truly deserves! “Joanne Leader began working for the post office in 1974.
In 1975, she walked her first picket line and has walked every one since then. Joanne became a shop steward in 1976, proudly fighting management on the work floor. In 1981, she participated in the strike that won maternity rights. Thanks to the hard work of our Union and Sisters like Joanne Leader, maternity leave became law. In the violent 1987 strike, a then pregnant Sister Leader, stood toe to toe against police on the front lines. In 1988, she became recording secretary in the Toronto Local, and she held this position with dignity and pride.
In 1990, Joanne Leader was elected as the second vice- president of the Toronto Local, a role she would hold until 2019. It was in this position that she truly distinguished herself as someone special. Very quickly into her new role, she battled the local executive in hopes of forming a local women’s committee. Sister Leader succeeded and the first ever Toronto Local Women’s committee was formed. Delegates to the 1990 national convention voted overwhelmingly to create a National Women’s committee which Sister Leader was elected to. By the 1993 convention, delegates voted to make local women’s committee’s mandatory and approved article 7.59 of the National Constitution, which provided for funding for Sisters to participate in Union educational and other events.
Joanne has always been generous with her time and knowledge, she readily mentors’ members, shop stewards, and elected officers who are eager to learn more about the Union and collective agreement. To this day, members know that Sister Leader is only a phone call away.
Joanne had a vision for the grievance department to streamline the process and be able to readily access crucial information. Joanne spearheaded a database that allowed for grievance searches based on dates, contract changes and even shop stewards. This forward thinking forever changed the grievance department and was commonly requested by locals around the country.
In 2019, Joanne Leader was elected to the Toronto Regional office as the regional grievance officer. She was re-elected once again to the position in 2023. Sister Leader continues to defend the membership, fight against injustice, and exemplify the actions of a true activist.
Sister Leader is the longest serving elected officer in CUPW history, and it’s easy to see why. We thank her for her steadfast commitment, her courage, and her dedication to this Union and all our members. Sister Leader is the true definition of a trailblazer and we are so proud that she hails from the Toronto Local.”
In solidarity
Mark Lubinski
President
Toronto Local CUPW
Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Comrades,
As per Toronto Local, please find below the eligible candidates in the upcoming 2026 - 2029 Toronto Local Executive Elections.
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PRESIDENT: |
1st VICE-PRESIDENT: |
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Zach Avdelopoulos |
Stacey Pritchard |
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Robby Jouhal |
Amit Verma |
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Mark Lubinski |
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Qaiser Maroof |
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Stephen Myers |
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Gerard van Deelen |
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2nd VICE-PRESIDENT: |
3rd VICE-PRESIDENT: |
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Reno Borg |
Rob Guglielmelli |
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Richard LeGendre |
Liz Parry |
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Inderjit Sidhu |
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Donna Leeder |
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5th VICE-PRESIDENT: |
ASSISTANT SECRETARY – TREASURER: |
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Bruno Rossi |
Sandro Petruzzelli |
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Rashmi Mehta |
Victor Santhiapillai |
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RECORDING SECRETARY: |
E.S.S.GATEWAY WEST/INTL./TEO/AMF/NECF/CITYLINKS: |
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Greg Krisa |
Furqan Ashraf |
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Baleswaran Kandasamy |
Sherice Douglas |
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Muhammad Imran |
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Greg MacDonald |
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E.S.S. S.C.L.P.P.: |
E.S.S. GATEWAY EAST/WPDH: |
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Peter Aliyianis |
Rajiv Joshi |
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Janet Kocur |
Nikki Narewal |
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Rana Siddiqui |
Sunny Philipose |
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E.S.S. WEST AREA WICKETS: |
E.S.S. WEST TRANSPORTATION: |
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Celia Bellissimo |
Neil Bolen |
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Nicky Jandu |
Shaka Thomas |
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Dave Khaper |
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Only Members who are listed as Members in good standing shall be eligible to vote. The Elections committee asks that all Members confirm that you have already signed and submitted your Membership application, or immediately contact our Union Office in order to correct and update your Member status.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Toronto Local Elections committee by email: [email protected] or call the Elections Committee at (416) 249-6502. More information about our election process to follow.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish all the candidates luck in this upcoming election.
In Solidarity,
Neeka Morris - Chairperson, [email protected]
2026 CUPW Toronto Local Executive Elections Committee
December 22nd, 2025
In Solidarity,
Abdi Hagi Yusuf
Secretary-Treasurer
CUPW Toronto Local
December 18, 2025
AHY:w
Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends,
Canada Post on December 12th, 2025 has again started to issue 44.11(a) termination letters to temporary workers. If you receive one, it is critical that you act immediately.
WHAT TO DO RIGHT AWAY:
Temporary workers are not disposable. You are essential, you are union, and you deserve fair treatment. Your rights are protected under the collective agreement—use them.
The Toronto Local is defending your rights.
CUPW is filing grievances, challenging violations, and pushing back against unfair treatment.
Solidarity means every worker counts.
We will not allow Canada Post to divide us. We will not remain silent while temporary workers are used, mistreated, or pushed aside.
An injury to one is an injury to all—and the Toronto Local will fight for every single member.
In Solidarity and In Strength
Mark Lubinski
President
Toronto Local CUPW
Sisters, Brothers and Siblings:
With Christmas right around the corner, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you and your families a Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays and a very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year.
The resilience and strength in the face of challenges we have faced truly inspired all Postal Workers and our National Negotiators.
As we spend this Christmas and New Year holiday with loved ones, take a moment to reflect on gratitude and unity.
Mark Lubinski,
President,
CUPW Toronto Local
ML:w
December 23, 2024
