SEIU’s relationship with the Ontario Liberal Party
“SEIU Healthcare just happens to have cozy ties to the Liberal Party of Ontario.” – National Post, August 29, 2017
SEIU’s relationship with the Wynne Liberals has been described by another union as a “shady inside relationship” that “dangerously” erodes democracy. (OPSEU, May 19th, 2017)
They have deep ties to the Ontario Liberal Party – the former President of the Ontario Liberal Party is the Director of Government Relations at SEIU.
He resigned his role as party president after agreeing “to take on more responsibilities within the union,” where “These new responsibilities will preclude Michael from volunteering in the busy year before the next provincial election”
He has previously worked on Kathleen Wynne’s Leadership campaign, and as a political director for the Ontario Liberals.
They have openly campaigned for the Ontario Liberals in a number of recent by-elections:
With Scarborough-Rouge River Liberal candidate Piragal Thiru in the 2016 by-election
Great running into some friends from SEIU in #SRR! Thanks for fighting with us for greater retirement security. pic.twitter.com/z9Z3KTBb0e
— Piragal Thiru (@Piragal) August 18, 2016
With Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault during the 2015 Sudbury by-election
Team SEIU with @glennthibeault @Kathleen_Wynne #onpoli pic.twitter.com/RCXh2x5Sv0
— Zita Astravas (@ZitaAstravas) January 31, 2015
They stood shoulder to shoulder with Kathleen Wynne during the 2014 election:
A photo-op designed to “bug the NDP campaign.”
Wynne and SEIU members. A photo designed to bug the NDP campaign. #onpoli pic.twitter.com/9SfLtx74us
— Robert Benzie (@robertbenzie) June 2, 2014
They “show up at #olp rallies.”
Wynne with SEIU workers. The union hasn’t officially endorsed libs, but does show up at #olp rallies. #onpoli pic.twitter.com/jtJjW1F9Ns
— Steve Paikin (@spaikin) June 2, 2014
And openly stood behind Liberal lawn signs
SEIU joining the rally tonight #onpoli #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/Qcnwa2TEyR
— Zita Astravas (@ZitaAstravas) May 22, 2014
They went door to door with Liberal candidates.
“In Brampton-Springdale, where SEIU says it has a lot of members, about half a dozen joined Liberal candidate Harinder Malhi as she went door to door collecting support.” – The Globe and Mail, June 10, 2014
They attended the Ontario Liberal Party AGM.
A very interesting discussion with Premier @Kathleen_Wynne and @MaryKayHenry International President of SEIU #OttCity #OLPAGM pic.twitter.com/c3DedvhI52
— Gianluca Ferrari (@GS_Ferrari) November 19, 2016
Where they heaped praise on Premier Wynne.
.@SEIU head Mary Kay Henry credits @Kathleen_Wynne for leading on complex policy, laying track for long-term change #whatleadershiplookslike
— Paris Semansky (@ParisSemansky) November 19, 2016
They’ve donated thousands of dollars to the Ontario Liberal Party.
