UFCW 1006A Recorder Glacier Effs-Samuel has been recognized as one of Canada's 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women for 2026.
The 100ABCWomen — 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women organization celebrates and documents the accomplishments of Black Canadian women.
"I was overjoyed,” said Glacier. “I am grateful. It was gratifying to know that the work you are doing is being seen and recognized. It energizes me to continue on and fight harder for workers.”
The organization is honouring Glacier’s impact as a labour leader and difference maker, who has helped transform the lives of workers and their families across Ontario and Canada for nearly two decades. Through Glacier’s work as a negotiator, educator, union representative, women’s rights leader, and workers’ rights advocate, she has created positive changes in workplaces and communities and empowered generations of labour activists and leaders.
“I’m thrilled to congratulate Glacier on this incredible and inspiring achievement,” said President Wayne Hanley. “Glacier’s work has empowered workers and strengthened our union. Glacier’s tireless dedication and leadership continue to make a difference in the lives of our members across Ontario.”
Glacier said she is grateful to UFCW Canada Local 1006A and President Wayne Hanley for supporting her on her journey.
"I have to thank the leadership of our union for having the faith and trust in me and for having the willingness to give me the opportunity to do this work,” she said. “I am so proud to be part of UFCW 1006A — our union is a champion for workers’ rights. UFCW has been the driving force and support in my personal growth and journey as an activist, giving me the support, education, encouragement and platform to help workers, fight for social justice and implement positive change. Our union represents support, fairness and justice for all workers.”
Glacier’s history with the local union dates back to 1994 when she began working as a cashier at a Loblaws store in Mississauga. Driven by the need to help others, Glacier’s activism grew as she became a union steward, a member of the Women’s Issues Network, and an instructor for the local union. In 2013, she was elected as Recorder, the Executive Board role she still holds today. and was re-elected in 2016 and 2022. Since then, she has represented the local union at the highest levels, from the UFCW Canada National Council, UFCW International, United Nations and at the House of Commons.
"Our work is about bettering the lives of regular working class people and helping our fellow human beings,” Glacier said.
As the union marks Black History Month in February, Glacier spokes about the importance of being a voice for women and marginalized people.
“For me, representation matters—I don’t like unfair treatment and sometimes, you have to fight tooth and nail for basic rights and for equality,” she said. "What drives me is — I am a woman of colour, in this world, there are systematic barriers that are put on me because of my gender and the colour of my skin and I want to end it for my daughters, all workers and the next generation."
Glacier’s story will be published in an upcoming book on 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women.
