REMINDER: The Fifth Annual Megan Whitfield Bursary Inspiring a New Generation of Activists

On the fifth anniversary of the passing of Sister Megan Whitfield, CUPW is honoured to offer the Megan Whitfield bursary, two financial awards to encourage aspiring trade union activists to continue the important work Sister Whitfield started before her life was cut short.

Labour leaders are committed to making life better for working people and are undaunted by the challenges they face while pursuing that goal. Sister Whitfield, a long-time postal worker and activist, embraced those qualities, breaking through the glass ceiling many times.

CUPW established the Megan Whitfield bursary to help aspiring trade unionists continue with her legacy. Two awards of $2500 are offered annually to CUPW members in good standing - or their dependents - from an equity-seeking group. They must be studying either Human Rights or Labour Studies at a public post-secondary institution in Canada.

The bursary is intended to alleviate the financial burden for aspiring activists and future labour leaders pursuing their work. 

Sister Whitfield understood that some workers face additional barriers due to systemic racism. As a Black female trade unionist, she understood racism and sexism must be tackled to achieve true equality. Sister Whitfield advocated for a powerful, inclusive, and anti-racist trade union movement. As an inspiration and mentor to so many, it’s important that her work against intolerance continues.

Sister Whitfield would be proud to see so many workers in this country - and around the world, standing together and using their collective strength, engaged in the struggle for fair and equitable treatment from their employers. The energy we are seeing on work floors, on picket lines and at rallies is the same energy Sister Whitfield brought to the movement. We must continue the push forward towards equality. Because of the example Sister Whitfield set for us, we are stronger. Let her memory energize the movement in her honour.

For further details about the bursary and on how to apply, please see:  https://cupw.ca/en/MW-Bursary

Application deadline: June 30, 2025

In Solidarity,