Patty is a lifelong activist who has been a trailblazer in the labour community for decades. She is a dedicated union leader who puts the rights of workers at the forefront of her agenda. Sister Coates also values collaboration and open conversations, and she embodies the phrase “nevertheless, she persisted.” I fully support Patty Coates for the position of OFL President, and I believe she will continue to lift up workers from Windsor to Ottawa to Thunder Bay and everywhere in between.
Karen Littlewood
President, Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF/FEESO)
I am proud to endorse Patty Coates for President of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL). Patty is a tireless, lifelong labour activist whose community-based approach continues to unite union members across all levels and sectors, championing issues of equity and diversity in pursuit of social and economic justice for all. As Ontario’s house of labour continues to fight for better working and living conditions, and a just pandemic recovery for all Ontarians, Patty Coates is the woman to lead this charge. Patty, you have OECTA’s full support!
Barb Dobrowolski
President, Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA)
I am endorsing Patty Coates for President of the Ontario Federation of Labour. Patty is a tireless and dedicated union advocate, and a champion for women and issues of equity and social justice. Sister Coates and the United Together team have done great work in creating a vison for a just recovery from COVID-19, and they have my full support!
Karen Brown
President, Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO)
It gives me great pleasure to endorse Patty Coates in her candidacy for President of the Ontario Federal of Labour (OFL). I have served on the OFL Executive Board with Patty for the last two years. Sister Coates makes a point of listening to and making room for workers of all walks of life. She ensures that their stories are heard, and she advocates for the issues that are important to working people. Patty’s tenacity and dedication to the labour movement make her the best choice for President of the OFL, and I believe she will continue to demonstrate excellent leadership if re-elected.
Ronda Allan
OFL Vice-President, Smaller Affiliates
Treasurer, COPE Local 343
Patty Coates’ commitment to union activism is deep and longstanding, as she worked in several representative and leadership roles with the OSSTF, NDP, and Barrie and District Labour Council before being elected as President of the OFL. Sister Coates is a committed feminist who has mentored and paved the way for other women in the labour movement. She has built a cohesive team of officers and staff at the OFL and has stood strong against a reckless provincial government. I am very pleased to support Patty Coates as President of the OFL and I know she will continue to stand up for workers across this great province.
Maureen Weinberger
President, Oakville and District Labour Council
I have been involved in the OFL Women’s Committee and the OFL Pride and Solidarity Committee for several years now and I have witnessed first-hand Patty Coates’ unwavering commitment to women’s issues and LGBTQI2S rights. While serving as President of the OFL, Patty has demonstrated amazing allyship and solidarity with marginalized groups and has worked diligently for worker’s rights across Ontario. Sister Coates fights for unionized and non-unionized workers alike, and her track record on diversity and inclusion is second to none. I know Patty will continue to work hard for all Ontarians, and I am proud to endorse her for re-election as President of the OFL.
Ticha Albino
Human Rights Business Representative
IBEW Local 353
Patty is an incredible leader in Ontario’s labour movement. She is a tireless fighter who is determined to get results for workers across the province. Our union was so proud to have Sister Coates by our side when we took on Doug Ford’s government and their devastating cuts to education. It is my honour to endorse Patty for re-election as President of the OFL.
Liz Stewart
Past President, OECTA
