SEIU Healthcare proudly endorsed Patty Coates as the first woman president of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), who was just elected to this role today during the OFL 2019 Power of Many Convention. SEIU Healthcare also congratulates Ahmad Gaied, who was acclaimed as the OFL Secretary-Treasurer, and Janice Folk-Dawson, the newly elected OFL Executive Vice-President.
Prior to this position, Patty was elected as Secretary-Treasurer at the OFL’s biennial Convention in November 2015 and 2017. Patty is a fighter for equity, a feminist, a labour council activist, and a community builder. She is an educational assistant and proud longtime member of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (OSSTF) where she served as the President of the Educational Assistant Bargaining Unit of OSSTF District 17 in Barrie and the surrounding area.
“I would like to congratulate Patty for being the first women President of the Ontario Federation of Labour,” says Sharleen Stewart, President of SEIU Healthcare. “I look forward to continuing to work side by side with the OFL to ensure a better future for the working people of Ontario.”
SEIU Healthcare’s Executive Vice-President Mina Amrith has worked closely with Patty over the years to advocate for women’s rights by both serving on the OFL Women’s Committee, the Canadian Labour Congress Women’s Committee, and as delegates for the United Nations Status of Women.
“Patty has always been a supportive ‘femtor’ to me and I am thrilled that she has been elected as President of the OFL,” says Mina. “She has always been passionately committed to equality, which has earned her a reputation as a mentor for young women who are new to the labour movement and political activism.”
Patty Coates, OFL President Ahmad Gaied, OFL Secretary-Treasurer Janice Folk-Dawson, OFL Executive Vice-President