March 31 is Trans Day of Visibility 

"We aspire to a world made in the image of everyday people" 

Statement from BCGEU's Executive Vice-President and Chair of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Committee Tristen Wybou 

Quality, universal healthcare; secure, affordable housing; respectful workplaces; jobs that pay the bills (without breaking our backs and spirits). What do all of these goals have in common? 

They're central to the transgender rights movement!

This answer might surprise some of you because no doubt, as a working person and a unionist, you likely see your own values reflected in these aspirations even if you don't personally identify with gender diversity. 

That's because the labour movement's fights and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community's fights are fundamentally linked. They have always been intertwined and continue to strengthen each other. In fact, facing some of the highest barriers to dignified working and living conditions, queer people have often been forced to speak on these shared issues the loudest, for the benefit of all.

We transformed our marginalization into a megaphone, and when the powers-that-be failed to listen, we turned to each other, making a kiln of our community's own fire to forge creative solutions that decision-makers could never devise. Just look at the transgender changemakers who radicalized the streets of 1970s New York with S.T.A.R - the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries. Their community was facing a housing crisis, and in the absence of state support, they found a grassroots solution and acquired a dilapidated building, creating their own shared housing. 

Unions were born out of a collective fight and spirit as well. Forced displacement (literal and figurative) is abhorrent - it also ignites tenacity. Unsurprisingly, the battles we've fought from the margins have often led to the most meaningful wins.

But what happens when the state, its pundits, and employers try to erase a people from the page entirely? 

This is the threat Transgender people currently face. While fighting for their very right to exist, trans workers - exhausted and rightfully fearful - are forced to make difficult and brave choices about their visibility on the frontlines of the many causes they support, as well as within their daily lives. The BCGEU insists that everyone deserves liberation from the struggle for survival so that no one is robbed of opportunities to participate equally in activism (including unionism), pursuing passions, building community and finding fulfillment in jobs. We aspire to a world made in the image of everyday people – one where all can thrive. To get here, trans rights must be centered in our union's fights, and trans members must be protected so they can safely amplify their voices. 

We stand against any government incentivized by corporate interests to wield trans issues as a wedge issue. Such tactics are just a cover for dividing workers and weakening our power so that it's harder for us to win better wages, respect in the workplace, health & safety resources, funding for affordable public services and more. 

The disturbing attempts to divide us often go together with broader anti-worker agendas, austerity budgets, increased privatization of healthcare, profit-over-people models, and more. Attacks on our most underserved communities are a part of a war on every working person and their neighbours. For instance, in the United States Donald Trump's crusade against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts are drawing the ire and concern of scientists who say this will impact the entire country's health. 

BCGEU members know that the workplace remains a potent terrain of struggle on which to win justice. We cannot win if we curry favour to the class that seeks to divide us. They want us punching at each other to distract from the real cause of our struggles, which should be our shared target. When the working class remains united - where we build community through compassion and a righteous indignation with one another that sparks the desire to fight for all our rights, needs and vitality - we will not be defeated.

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BCGEU pleased with government appointment of Special Mediator in ferries dispute

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) bargaining committee representing workers at Western Pacific Marine (WPM) is pleased that the Ministry of Labour has assigned a Special Mediator to work with the two parties to reach a fair agreement in their labour dispute.
 
"Our union bargaining committee has been working hard to reach a new collective agreement that provides the pay and benefits needed to attract and retain staff for this vital public service. We're pleased that government has recognized the importance of resolving this situation quickly by agreeing to appoint a Special Mediator," said BCGEU president Paul Finch. "Workers have been engaging in job action since October, and want to get back to work under a fair agreement. Our union will provide all of the information necessary for the mediator to perform their role, and we encourage Western Pacific Marine to do the same."
 
Under the terms of the government announcement, the two parties will work with Special Mediator Vince Ready for up to 14 days to reach an agreement.
 
Special Mediators are appointed by the Ministry of Labour when requested by both parties in a labour dispute and report back directly to the ministry. They have expertise and more authority in addressing challenging labour disputes. The two parties have engaged a mediator through the BC Labour earlier in negotiations.
 
The BCGEU requested a Special Mediator from the Ministry of Labour early last week after WPM agreed with the union's proposal to engage one.

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, March 28, 2025

Striking LifeLabs workers to hold rally for fair deal


LifeLabs workers on strike in Kamloops aren't just picketing for fair wages. They're fighting to stop the constant turnover of staff and long wait times at Patient Service Centres, and the negative impact this has on patient care.

"LifeLabs workers receive 4-16% below what others in their industry get paid and they are struggling to make ends meet," said BCGEU president Paul Finch. "The union is seeking wage increases that close the gap with those in the public sector doing the same work, solutions to short-staffing and workload issues, and improvements to health and safety benefits."

About 35 people work at five LifeLabs locations in Kamloops. Over the last year they've seen 12 lab assistants quit – leaving them with only 16 to service all of Kamloops – which is why it can take weeks to get an appointment.

"People in Kamloops probably don't realize how much workers are struggling behind the scenes to keep up with demand and deliver test results on time," said Wendy Cummer, Medical Laboratory Technologist and member of the LifeLabs Bargaining Committee. "As professionals we struggle to keep things going, and this comes at a great cost to our physical and mental health."

Understaffing means workers are skipping meal and washroom breaks, and working forced overtime to keep up with workload.

"I doubt most people picture their essential medical testing being done by workers under this kind of strain, but this is what our workdays look like," Cummer continued.

Unsurprisingly, workers are quitting due to overwork, exhaustion and unfair compensation. The burnout that results for those who remain makes the expected level of service unsustainable. If this continues, patients in Kamloops and surrounding areas will experience diminishing levels of service unless LifeLabs takes meaningful action to address working conditions.

LifeLabs is owned by Quest Diagnostics, a billion-dollar Fortune 500 U.S. healthcare giant. A recent poll by the BCGEU showed a majority of people (74%) in British Columbia oppose for-profit American companies owning and controlling health care services in the province.

Workers believe part of the problem is that too many of our public health dollars are being turned over to CEO profits. B.C. taxpayers give LifeLabs $300 million each year for their services and those health dollars should stay in B.C. to pay fair wages and maintain services.

"I've lived in Kamloops since 1986 and have worked at LifeLabs for 33 years. Current working conditions no longer reflect the LifeLabs I once knew," said Cummer.

Workers in Kamloops will hold a solidarity rally on March 30 where media are invited to attend:

WHAT: LifeLabs strike solidarity rally in Kamloops.

WHEN: Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. PST. 

WHO: Striking BCGEU members working at LifeLabs joined by supporters in Kamloops. LifeLabs bargaining committee members will be available for interviews. 

WHERE: 321 Nicola Street, Kamloops, B.C. 

VISUALS: Rallying LifeLabs workers and supporters with colourful union flags and signs. 

CONTACT: Please send requests for interviews to Erin Sikora by emailing [email protected] or calling 604-291-9611.
 

The BCGEU represents about 1,200 workers at LifeLabs throughout the province who have been on strike since February 16, 2025.

The BCGEU is one of the largest unions in British Columbia, with over 90,000 members in almost every community and economic sector.

www.handsoffourhealthcare.ca

UWU/MoveUP

Why is an American company sucking millions of public health dollars out of B.C.? Take action here: https://www.handsoffourhealthcare.ca 

Did you know that BCGEU members working at LifeLabs are up against an American Fortune 500 company as they strike for a fair contract? After buying LifeLabs last summer for $1.3 billion, Quest Diagnostics now owns the lab testing services we all need to take care of our health. 

We pay LifeLabs $300 million each year for their services. All of those health dollars should stay in B.C. to pay fair wages and maintain the quality and sustainability of our health services – not get scooped up by an American company as profit. In fact, a recent poll by the BCGEU showed a majority of people (74%) in British Columbia oppose for-profit American companies owning and controlling health care services in the province. 

That's why we're asking the provincial government at www.handsoffourhealthcare.ca: Why is an American company sucking millions of public health dollars out of B.C? 

Show your support for LifeLabs workers and join us in calling on the government to tell us why an American corporation is allowed to profit off our healthcare – especially while we're in a trade war with the U.S! 

Almost 2,000 people in British Columbia have already had their say at handsoffourhealthcare.ca – will you send a message to the provincial government and add your voice today?

UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 21, 2025

BCGEU Files Complaint Against Western Pacific Marine for Bad Faith Bargaining 

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) – After weeks of extensive bargaining in an attempt to reach a fair agreement, the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) is filing a formal complaint of bad faith bargaining against Western Pacific Marine (WPM) with the Labour Relations Board. The complaint stems from what the union considers a significant breakdown in negotiations following the company's recent actions. 

For the past several weeks, BCGEU representatives have spent countless hours at the bargaining table with WPM, hopeful that an agreement could be reached to ensure the sustainability of essential ferry services in the Kootenays. Despite these efforts, WPM's conduct throughout the process has been deeply troubling. 

"After weeks of productive discussions and continued hope for a resolution, WPM's recent actions in offering a drastic cut to wage proposals demonstrate a clear lack of good faith in the bargaining process," said Paul Finch, president of the BCGEU. "The company's decision to change its position at the final hour – cutting its offer on wages by more than 60 percent from previous offers – leaves us no choice but to pursue charges of bad faith bargaining with the Labour Relations Board." 

In the official complaint being filed with the Labour Relations Board, the BCGEU has stated that the Employer attempted to frustrate the bargaining process by delaying negotiations so that it could ultimately advocate for government-imposed binding interest arbitration. The BCGEU is highlighting several key issues: 

1. Lack of Sufficient Bargaining Authority – For months, WPM sent individuals to the bargaining table who did not have the authority to make decisions, which severely hindered productive dialogue and the ability to reach a fair settlement 

1. Receding Horizon Bargaining – The union also asserts that WPM engaged in receding horizon bargaining, by leading the union down the path of potential settlement, only to abruptly remove the settlement opportunity at the last possible moment, undermining the entire process 

1. Refusal to Provide Financial Information – Another serious concern raised in the complaint is WPM's refusal to provide the union with essential financial information. This information is critical to fostering rational and informed discussions at the bargaining table and ensuring that any agreements made are based on realistic financial considerations. 

The union had worked diligently through numerous meetings, including multiple Labour Board hearings, and temporarily paused plans for expanding job action in the hope of reaching an agreement. BCGEU members had demonstrated their commitment to finding a resolution, only to be blindsided by WPM's final offer, which not only undermines workers but also threatens the future of ferry services in the region. 

"The reality is that WPM has failed to live up to its obligations in these negotiations. Their actions represent a betrayal of the workers and the communities that depend on ferry services," Finch added. "It is clear that WPM is more focused on short-term profits than addressing the real issues facing ferry workers. As a result, we are left with no choice but to hold them accountable." 

The complaint filed with the Labour Relations Board will address what the union perceives as a violation of fair bargaining practices, specifically citing WPM's failure to engage in meaningful negotiations in good faith. 

BCGEU members have been engaged in job action since October 2024, and WPM's recent wage offer stands in stark contrast to the agreements reached by other inland ferry operators, who agreed to industry-standard contracts in November 2024. 

"We've put in the time and effort to try to reach a fair deal with WPM, but their actions have made it clear to us they are not willing to negotiate in good faith," Finch said. "We will continue to advocate for the workers who are the backbone of these essential services and will pursue every avenue to ensure their rights are protected." 

-30- 

For more information contact: BCGEU Communications – [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP

Reminder: if you have flu-like symptoms, please do not visit BCGEU area offices or attend BCGEU related activities (including bargaining meetings, rallies, etc.) until your symptoms are gone.

Symptoms may include cough, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, fever, sore throat, difficulty breathing, muscle aches and pain.

Until your symptoms resolve, avoid close contact with others and stay home unless seeking medical help.

Thank you for your cooperation in preventing the spread of the flu and flu-like viruses.

We are just extending a reminder that if you have not registered for this year's Activist Appreciation Banquet you have until Friday, March 14^th at 5 pm to RSVP using the link below.

As a "Thank You" for your dedication and commitment to the membership of our Union, you and a guest are cordially invited to attend the 2025 Activist Appreciation Banquet. We hope you will take the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful evening with your fellow activists, special guests and Area Office staff.

When: Saturday, March 22^nd, 2025

Where: Victoria Conference Centre
              720 Douglas Street, Victoria

                                                                Doors Open/Registration: 5:30 pm
                                                                Welcome/Speeches:          6:15 pm 
                                                                Dinner:                                7:00 pm
                                                                Live Band! / Dancing:        8:30 pm

This year's theme: Steampunk! (feel free to dress however you would like)

Please RSVP to complete your registration:

http://events.bcgeu.ca/area_01_activists_appreciation_banquet_march_22_2025

Please RSVP by Friday, March 14, 2025 at 5 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I cannot afford the deposit or don't have a credit card?: Please contact us at [email protected] as we don't want this to be a hardship for our activists.

2. Why is our Union charging a deposit for this event?: We have made the difficult decision to charge a deposit as we have had many no-shows to this event in the past and this costs our Union money and prevents other committed activists from attending.

3. How can I nominate someone for the Cathy McCallum Award?: You can nominate a fellow BCGEU activist using  the form here by March 6, 2025. You can nominate a steward, Local Executive Member and/or an OHS representative who embodies the qualities of Cathy's spirit including commitment, sacrifice, service and making a difference.

4. Union Expenses: As per the BCGEU Financial Manual, hotel accommodation will be provided for those out of town members, if needed, and you will be reimbursed for mileage incurred to and from the event and dependent/family care expenses. For those members living in the greater Victoria area, taxis will be reimbursed, but not ride hailing services. 

5. Dependent/ family care expenses form: Will be sent to those who identified needing a form when registering.

6. Parking: Will be available at the Conference Centre, 720 Douglas Street, you will need to provide payment upfront. When leaving you must identify yourself to the attendant that you are with the BCGEU event and request a receipt. Please submit your receipt on an expense claim form.

The Union will reimburse eligible expenses once your expense claim is received and approved.

If you have any questions/difficulties registering, kindly contact the Victoria Area Office at 1-800-667-1033 or 250-388-9948 or email to [email protected]

Please note that registration will require a deposit of $10.00. The deposit will be refunded to those who attend the event or cancel by Wednesday, March 19^th.

In solidarity,

Area 01 Cross Component Committee

MoveUP
FA-572
UWU/MoveUP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Western Pacific Marine pulls the rug out on BCGEU members and Kootenays community
Ferry operator slashes wage offers in latest bargaining session, below previous offers

BURNABY, B.C. (Coast Salish Territories) - Following weeks of seemingly productive bargaining between Western Pacific Marine (WPM) and the B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) bargaining committee, union members were shocked today when WPM's owner joined bargaining for the first time to table a final offer that slashed the wage increases previously offered to workers. Just last week, the union negotiating team was reassured by WPM's team that they were close to a deal with terms similar to those agreed to by B.C.'s other inland ferry operators in the fall.

Despite staff retention concerns that frequently leave the ferries unable to sail – as was the case last night –WPM's final offer cut more than 60 per cent of the increases they put forward in October, before job action had even started. Workers at WPM are already paid up to 20% lower than similar roles at BC Ferries, and if this offer were accepted, it would result in even more WPM staff to being poached by BC Ferries or other inland ferry operators.

"Western Pacific Marine's latest offer and the manner in which it was delivered is a flat-out insult to ferry workers and the Kootenays community they serve. To engage in months of bargaining, through job action and multiple Labour Board hearings, only to drastically change their position at the final hour shows that WPM never cared for anything other than their short-term profits," said Paul Finch, president of the BCGEU. "Inland ferries are a vital public service in B.C. that connect otherwise isolated communities, and it's time that government evaluated how suitable WPM – a private, profit-seeking business – is to run this service."

"Other ferry operators have set sustainable wage standards, and WPM is hurting community members by seeking higher profits off of their government contract. WPM was already at threat of losing essential workers to other ferry operators, but now with a wage offer so far below the industry standard WPM is creating a dangerous situation"

During the period of productive negotiations in recent weeks, BCGEU members stood down plans for expanding job action, hopeful of a deal. The two sides met multiple times and had worked through a number of important terms in the collective agreement. In the coming days, the bargaining committee will meet with members to discuss what has happened at the bargaining table and determine their next steps.

"Over the past few weeks, the BCGEU bargaining committee was hopeful of reaching an agreement that would ensure the sustainability of the ferry service, but today Clarke pulled the rug out from under our committee by parachuting in and slashing the wage offer. In our union's opinion, their latest actions constitute bargaining in bad faith, and we will potentially be filing charges at the Labour Board," said Finch.

Bargaining between the two parties began in May 2024 and workers have been engaged in some form of job action since October 12, 2024, with the strike beginning on November 3. BCGEU members at WaterBridge Ferries and WaterBridge Equipment – the other inland ferry operators – ratified new, industry standard agreements in November 2024 with wages that brought their workers in line with comparable roles at BC Ferries.

For more information contact: BCGEU Communications – [email protected]

UWU/MoveUP

Saturday, March 8th is International Women's Day, and this year's theme is #AccelerateAction.

For well over a century, IWD has been a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day is also a call to action for all women, two-spirit, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people to accelerate equality, dismantle barriers and challenge harmful stereotypes.

The origins of International Women's Day are in the international suffrage movements and the labour movements and it is now a day of activism for a variety of issues including pay equity, economic opportunity, legal rights, reproductive rights, child care and prevention of gender-based violence.

Our union and the broader labour movement has worked hard to make progress on many of these issues and continues to advocate for workplaces safe from violence and intimidation, affordable child care, paid sick leave and pay equity for all.

From early strikes to modern victories, including a national child care program, the ratification of ILO C-190, which commits to a world free of harassment and violence in 2023, to significant gains in pay equity. While we are proud of this work and these are steps in the right direction, we have so much further to go.

Right now, the political landscape has shifted dramatically with the administration to the south of us actively dismantling decades of hard-fought gender rights, reproductive rights, and safety. In our own communities, many of these issues, including the attacks on the trans community mean that we need to re-commit to a just and safe world.

"Accelerate Action" is a reminder that any of the gains that our social movements have made are entirely because of collective action. If we are to continue the work to achieve gender and women's rights, activism and specifically collective action must be front and centre.

We hope you'll take time on March 8 to participate in an IWD event in your home communities. We've included a list of some known to us, and we encourage you to search online, or contact your local labour council, women's organization, shelter/transition house or sexual assault centre to ask about other events.

We also encourage you to share photos from the events on social media along with your own encouraging thoughts about what Accelerate Action means to you. You can also share the BCGEU messages from our social media channels.

In the meantime, please check out the events and resources listed below. Together we can forge women's and gender equality, raise awareness about discrimination, take action to drive gender parity and #AccelerateAction.


Happy International Women's Day!

In solidarity,

Maria Bennett

BCGEU Treasurer and Chair of the Women and Genders Rights Committee

IWD 2025 Events List


Vancouver and Lower Mainland

IWD Vancouver March

Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 pm

Location: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square (Vancouver Art Gallery, North Plaza).

International Women's Day March Vancouver works to celebrate, amplify and fight alongside the diversity of women in our community to achieve equity and create awareness of issues self-identifying women in Vancouver face. 2025 speakers list has been announced!


Vancouver & District Labour Council IWD Dinner 2025 

Voices of Power: Women Taking Political Action

Date: Saturday, March 8, 4:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (dinner buffet at 6:00 p.m.)

Location:South Hall Event Centre, 8273 Ross St.Vancouver.

Hosted by the VDLC Women and Gender Rights Committee. Speakers include Jenny Kwan, MP, Niki Sharma, Deputy Premier, Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. MC Karen Ranalletta, President CUPE BC and Yukon Division.


ILWU Canada's International Women's Day event

Date: Friday, March 7, 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Education session Noon-3:00 p.m., Dinner 4 – 10 p.m.)

Location:Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver

Join us at ILWU Canada's International Women's Day event to celebrate and empower women! Come early and join us for a fun education session on women in leadership. Dinner will be served at 6:30, event starts at 5 p.m. Women's Day swag for sale at door. Tattoo artists will be onsite.


GEM Fest Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver

Date: March 8, 10:30 a.m.

Location: VIFF Centre Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour St., Vancouver

GEMS is hosting a panel on advocacy in film, showcasing organizations whose work drives social change and funders who are working to better their approaches to equitable access. Moderated by Natasha Tony, Chief Executive Officer, Elevate Inclusion. Presented in partnership with Elevate Inclusion Strategies. Free or by donation.

Give Me Peace 2025 Дай мені миру Fundraiser

Date: March 9, 1-3pm 

Location:Princeton Pub & Grill, 1901 Powell St. Vancouver

Celebrate & Support Ukrainian Women and Children in honour of International Women's Day! Join us at Give Me Peace 2025 Дай мені спокій, a fundraiser with the Ana Bon-Bon Trio! Let's make a difference in war-torn Ukraine where our contributions give hope and service.


Downhill International Women's Day Celebration

Date: March 8, Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Collins Park & Downhill Patio, Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver

Join us for our International Women's Day Celebration! This special event brings together our vibrant community of female-identifying riders and skiers for a day of adventure, connection, and empowerment. Don't miss this opportunity to hit the slopes, make new friends, and celebrate the spirit of women in snow sports! 

International Women's Day Self-Defense Class

Date: Saturday, March 8, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Location: The Space at Lonsdale Quay (second floor), 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver

Join us at The Space at Lonsdale Quay for an empowering Women's Self-Defense Class with Jess from @ariseprograms! This class is designed to help you build confidence, learn practical self-defence techniques, and connect with a supportive community. This event is open to women and non-binary folks, ages 13+-no experience needed! Just bring yourself and a readiness to learn and feel empowered.


Art + Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon 

Date: March 8, Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Surrey Art Gallery, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey 

Art + Feminism is an international initiative that builds a community of activists committed to closing information gaps related to gender, feminism, and the arts, beginning with Wikipedia. Participants are invited to browse the gallery's permanent collection, library books, and research material to develop and deepen content on topics related to BIPOC, gender nonconforming artists, and feminisms. Free, drop-ins welcome.


Girls in STEM Seminar

Date: March 8, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location:Surrey City Centre Library, 10350 University Dr., Surrey

KPU's Pre-Med Club is hosting a panel of successful women studying and working in STEM fields to share their career journeys. Free, RSVP online.


Richmond Women's Resource Centre's 2025 International Women's Day Celebration

Date: March 8, Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Location: Richmond Olympic Oval, 6111 River Road Richmond 

Richmond Women's Resource Centre (RWRC) has been making a difference in the lives of women & girls in Richmond for 50 years. This year's IWD event will be in the Richmond Olympic Oval's Legacy Lounge. The theme is #AccelerateAction – highlighting the need for swift & decisive action to achieve gender equity. Lunch, guest speakers, presentations & more! 

Vancouver Island 

Building a Circle of Care for Vancouver Island Panel Discussion 

Date: March 8, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location: Craig Street Brew Pub, 25 Craig St. Duncan 

What can be done to support people with the right to choose and make informed decisions regarding childbirth? Join independent local news outlet The Discourse and Cowichan IWD for a panel discussion for International Women's Day 2025 to discuss how we can lift support at the community, institutional and family level. Attend in person or virtual. Registration required.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - Live Trivia Game Show 

Date: March 8, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Location: The Old City Station Pub,150 Skinner St., Nanaimo 

🧠 This is an intellectual game that is played in a group format. It is played for about 2 hours and includes three rounds with one half hour break. Most of the questions are logical, and not on direct knowledge, which makes it accessible to a wide range of people.😍 Teams with highest scores will receive an amazing gift from our wonderful sponsors! 🎁You can bring your own team of 2 or more people or if you are single come and we will build team right before the Game! 🎉 Before the game, we will have live music performance and great social time with many interesting surprises! All proceeds will be donated to a non-profit foundation of choice from the winning team! 

IWD Solidarity Brunch

Date: March 8, 10:00 a.m. - Noon

Location: PSAC Office – Victoria, 503 Park Pl #202, Victoria 

In honour of International Women's Day, the Victoria Labour Council invites all delegates who identify as women to a Solidarity Brunch. Join us to celebrate the women activists of our Council. Following the brunch, delegates are invited to attend the International Women's Day Society event at the Ambrosia Centre. You must RSVP HERE to attend the Women's Day Solidarity Brunch. 

Women Working for Changes: Our Stories Our Voices 

Date: March 8, 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Ambrosia Banquet & Events, 638 Fisgard St., Victoria 

Come join us on International Women's Day at the Ambrosia Centre in downtown Victoria for an empowering event where women from all walks of life come together to share their stories and amplify their voices. This is a celebration of strength, resilience, and unity as we stand together to create positive changes in our communities. Special guests include women of international, Indigenous, trade union and transwomen backgrounds. 

International Women's Day Weekend

Date: March 7 – 9

Location: Oaklands Community Association, 1-2827 Belmont Ave, Victoria

3 days of women-led events including: Pinot & Paint night, Kids Movie Night fundraiser, International Women's Fair, Women's Day run, bike maintenance clinic, and a Victorian Women's Fashion presentation. Some events require registration.

International Women's Day Run

Date: March 8, 10:00 a.m.

Location: Oaklands Community Centre, 1-2827 Belmont Ave, Victoria

Celebrate International Women's Day with a community run! Meet your friends at Oaklands Community Centre on Saturday March 8th for a relaxed 6.7km run around the neighbourhood. Women and gender diverse runners of all levels are welcome to join. Refreshments, women's fair and good times to follow.

Create Your Own Flower Crown Workshop

Date: March 7 – 9

Location: Mayfair Centre Court, 3147 Douglas St., Victoria

🌸💫 Celebrate International Women's Day with spring blooms and creativity! 💫🌸 This March 7-9, join Flowers Canada Growers at Mayfair Centre Court for a FREE and fun hands-on flower crown workshop. 💐 Unleash your inner artist and craft a custom flower crown to take home! Perfect for all ages and a wonderful way to mark International Women's Day weekend. 

Okanagan

International Women's Day Concert 

Date: March 8, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Location: Firehall Brewery, 6077 Main Street (Downstairs), Oliver 

The Firehall Brewery is celebrating International Women's Day with a 3-band concert, prizes, and a special beer! Sponsored by Respect Record & Skate. The three bands coming your way: Mother Sun (Kamloops), Jared Jackel's Bad Vibrations (Penticton), and The Jazz Implication (Salmon Arm). RSVP required.

Sip of Self-Love 

Date: March 8, 4:30 p.m. 

Location: The Sweet Magnolia, 248 Shuswap St Ne, Salmon Arm 

We're proud to share this special collaboration for International Women's Day – an intimate high tea event designed to celebrate self-love, connection, and creativity ☕️✨ Sip of Self-Love will be held at The Sweet Magnolia in Salmon Arm, where you'll be guided through a meaningful experience of self-care and creativity. 

The Hub Drag Brunch - International Women's Day Celebration

Date: March 8, 11:00 a.m. 

Location: The Hub On Martin, 260 Martin St, Penticton 

In celebration of International Women's Day, join The Pod at The Hub for brunch with all your besties!! Featuring some amazing women in drag, Aria Reddy and Syren Call, along with Wanda Lust and hostess Freida Whales. Enjoy delicious food and create lasting memories together! Let's embrace and uplift the power of women! 19+ show. Doors at 11:00 a.m., show starts at 12:00 p.m. A portion from the first 100 tickets sold will be donated to the South Okanagan Women in Need Society.

International Women's Day! 🎉💃🍸 

Date: March 8, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Location: Bar One, 2130 Harvey Ave, Kelowna

Join us at Bar One for an evening filled with great drinks, good company, and a vibrant atmosphere. Let's honor the amazing women in our lives with laughter, music, and unforgettable memories. Welcome appy and a champagne toast on us for all women from 3 to 6 pm. It's a toast to strength, empowerment, and good times! See you there! 🥂💖 #WomensDayCelebration 

East Kootenays

International Women's Day Weekend

Date: March 7 – 9

Location: The Arts Station, 601 1st Ave, Fernie

An inspiring weekend filled with live music, empowering workshops, and vibrant dance events to celebrate and uplift women, brought to you at the Arts Station in partnership with the Fernie Women's Centre. Programs include a mix of free and paid events. Come together to honour strength, resilience, and the power of women. 

Northern BC  

Crafternoon: Glow Play Dough 

Date: March 8, 11:00 a.m. – Noon

Location: Fort St. John Public Library, 10015 – 100th Avenue, Fort St. John

Let's celebrate International Women's Day with Community Bridge by learning all about a famous woman in science: Marie Curie. We will be making play dough that glows – just like the radium she discovered. For kids and families, all ages welcome! Free! Drop-in, no registration necessary. 

International Women's Day Afternoon Tea 

Date: March 7, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: 1566 7th Ave, Prince George

Community Futures, in partnership with WeBC, would like to invite you to join us for an Afternoon Tea to celebrate International Women's Day! This event will feature a panel of local women entrepreneurs Bobbi Carpino (Rooted in the River) and Shannon Wright (The Pepper Tree Hair Salon) and Jeni Arnott of Origins Kitchen. Theme: Accelerate Action. 

UWU/MoveUP