IFPTE Symposium Examines Global Pressures and Local Impacts

The Honourable Jamie Moses, Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation (back centre - right) along with guests and delegates.

IFPTE members from TEAM/IFPTE Local 161, and WAPSO/IFPTE Local 162, along with guests from the Regina Civic Middle Management Association (RCMMA), gathered this week in Winnipeg for a full day of discussion and action at the 2026 IFPTE Professional Workers Symposium. 

The symposium brought together union leaders, policy experts, academics, and elected officials to examine how global economic instability, trade tensions, technological change, and shifting public policy are shaping the day-to-day realities of professional and technical workers. At its core was a clear question: how are these pressures affecting our lives and workplaces — and how do we respond collectively? 

Opening remarks from IFPTE President Matt Biggs, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning Tracy Schmidt, Winnipeg Labour Council President Melissa Dvorak, and Manitoba Federation of Labour President Kevin Rebeck emphasized coordinated advocacy and solidarity in uncertain times. 

Chris Roberts of the Canadian Labour Congress outlined the CLC’s recent work, including its affordability campaign and advocacy related to public-service transformation, workplace AI, interprovincial labour mobility, and retirement security. 

Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Jamie Moses spoke to Manitoba’s economic outlook amid ongoing global uncertainty. Panel discussions throughout the day examined the broader forces driving instability and how global and national decisions translate into real impacts on professional workers and public services. 

Through facilitated discussion and a hands-on action-planning session, participants identified shared challenges and prioritized concrete next steps. 

The message at the close of the day was clear: global forces may feel distant — but their impacts are local, and professional workers are strongest when we respond together. 

See the full event agenda here.