Teamsters Canada
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) was officially founded in 1903 when two rival organizations, the Team Drivers International Union (formed in 1899) and the Teamsters National Union of America (formed in 1903), united to improve working conditions for drivers and cargo handlers. For a complete history of the origins of the Teamsters, please continue here.
Building up canada every day
We hope you will enjoy this Teamsters Canada retrospective. We have a history to be proud of and a bright future to look forward to.
A Logo that Reflects Who We Are
Our logo has changed over the years to more accurately reflect what Canadian Teamsters are all about.
1976 to 1993
Designed when the Canadian Conference of Teamsters was first founded, this logo reflects our strength and our mission. We drive change in society and in the workplace. The horses are emblems of member unity and the wheel represents our desire to go forward and to build the country.
1993 to 2001
In 1993, we changed our name to Teamsters Canada and modified our logo to reflect our new identity.
2001 to 2013
To visibly establish ourselves as a leader across Canada, we added our name to the right of our logo.
Today
In 2013, the colours and the horses were changed to show the power and strength of our union.
1903
Teamsters Union is formed. Workers from Canada and United States join the Union.
1976
The Canadian Conference of Teamsters is formed within the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in recognition of the needs, interests, and aspirations of its Canadian membership, then numbering 74,000.
1992
A proposal is submitted to the Canadian Conference of Teamsters’ Executive Committee to change the name “Canadian Conference of Teamsters” to “Teamsters Canada” to acknowledge the unique and specific needs of Canadian members.
1994
A Teamsters Canada convention results in changes to the union regulations, granting Teamsters Canada a greater role in administering the affairs of its members and those of Canadian unions affiliated internationally.
1995
The International Constitution regarding Canadian Sovereignty is amended, granting Teamsters Canada more independence and control over issues affecting Canadian members and creating the position of President of Teamsters Canada. Candidates for this position are now elected by the Canadian membership.
2001
A historic agreement between the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Teamsters Canada formally establishes autonomy for members, local sections, joint councils and the national governing body in Canada. In other words, Teamsters Canada is now an autonomous organization affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
2015
François Laporte takes the helm of Teamsters Canada!
François Laporte officially begins his tenure in 2015 as president of Teamsters Canada. He has been sworn in by International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) General President James P. Hoffa. General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall and other members of the IBT General Executive Board.
François Laporte joined the Teamsters Union in 1985. He began at Local Union 1999 and Joint Council 91 and then went on to hold various positions, including communications specialist, organizer, director of government affairs, and business agent. He also sat on the executive boards of Local Unions 931, 1998 and 106.
2019
Teamsters Canada Dedicates New National Office in Laval, Qc
The five-storey building is owned entirely by Teamsters Canada and its members. The union is occupying the top two floors and renting out the bottom three. Tenants include an actuarial firm that manages the Teamsters Canadian Pension Fund, an insurance company that administers many members’ health and welfare plans, and offices for employees of a credit union. Prior to moving into the new building, Teamsters Canada was itself a tenant in a large office tower.
The new building is located at 1750, rue Maurice-Gauvin in Laval, less than 3 km away from the old office. The new location offers incredible visibility; drivers heading north on Highway 15 in Laval can’t miss the large Teamsters Canada sign mounted outside.
The building was built using 100% union labour and Teamster members were put to work on the project at every possible stage. Special efforts were also made to use as much Canadian building material as possible.
