TUFA Newsletter
Labour Action
Peterborough Anti-Racism Rally on August 29
Join Peterborough and the Kawarthas United Against Hate this Saturday, August 29, at 11 a.m. at Peterborough City Hall for a rally against racism and hate in our community.
The rally comes in response to anti-immigration and hate-related posters recently appearing around Peterborough. It is an opportunity for community members to stand together in support of diversity, inclusion and a welcoming community for everyone.
Saturday, August 29 at 11 a.m.
Peterborough City Hall, 500 George Street
For more information about the recent posters and the broader context for the rally, read the Kawartha Now article.
Fight Ford: Fight for Public Education on August 29
A province-wide Fight Ford: Fight for Education Day of Action will take place on Saturday, August 29, with rallies organized across Ontario. The actions highlight the importance of properly funded, accessible public education from elementary and secondary schools through to colleges and universities and the impact that provincial funding and policy decisions have on educators, students and public institutions.
The Peterborough & District Labour Council (PDLC) is supporting the Peterborough rally, alongside education unions and community organizations involved in the Fund Our Schools campaign. These efforts bring together education workers, unions, parents, students and community members to advocate for strong, publicly funded education at every level.
As members of Peterborough’s labour community and the PDLC, TUFA members are encouraged to participate in the local rally and show solidarity with our colleagues across the education sector. Together, we can demonstrate the importance of investing in public education and the communities it serves.
Peterborough Location:
MPP Office of Dave Smith
Unit E, 864 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
Saturday, August 29 at 1 p.m.
There are also several protests taking place across the Durham Region. To find an action near you, please click here.
Community
Durham Labour Day 2026
Join the Durham Region Labour Council on Monday, September 7 for Labour of Love – A Community Arts and Music Celebration. Taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial Park in Oshawa, the free, family-friendly event celebrates workers, community and solidarity through live music, food, art and activities.
Enjoy performances by BA Johnston and local artists, along with family activities, free hot dogs, an ice cream truck and more. The Canadian Automotive Museum, located nearby at 99 Simcoe St. S., will also offer free admission and tours during the event.
Monday, September 7 at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Memorial Park, 110 Simcoe St. S., Oshawa
Free admission and everyone is welcome!
Click here to learn more.
Peterborough Labour Day Celebration
Join the Peterborough & District Labour Council on Monday, September 7 for its annual Labour Day Celebration at Nicholls Oval Park. From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., workers, families and community members are invited to come together for an afternoon of music, food, activities and solidarity.
The event will feature live music from renowned labour musician George Hewison, as well as recorded labour and protest music. Families can enjoy children’s activities, including Betty Baker, face painting and new activities supported by CUPE Local 126.
The East Peterborough Lions will be serving hamburgers and hot dogs at the community BBQ.
Monday, September 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nicholls Oval Park, Peterborough
Grants
Upcoming Research Grant Deadlines
Trent’s Office of Research & Innovation has several internal funding opportunities available to researchers. Upcoming deadlines include:
- Research Development Grant: December 10, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
- Knowledge Mobilization Research Grant: December 10, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
- Trent Durham Dean’s Research Award: January 30, 2027
- Institutional Capacity Building Grant: Open year-round with no deadline.
Researchers should review the eligibility requirements and begin preparing their proposal, budget/budget justification and CV in advance.
For more information and application details, visit the Office of Research & Innovation.
Trent
Trent Researchers Receive $643,477 for Advanced Research Infrastructure
Three Trent researchers have received a combined $643,477 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund to support advanced research infrastructure in areas including aging and dementia, molecular imaging, and environmental contaminants.
Dr. Raheleh Saryazdi, Psychology professor at Trent Durham GTA, will use the funding to support research in her Cognition, Health, Aging, and Technology (CHAT) Lab, using technologies such as eye-tracking equipment and a social robot to examine how sensory and cognitive changes affect communication as people age.
Dr. Michael Burt, Chemistry professor, will acquire a titanium-sapphire laser for Trent’s Spectroscopy and Optics Lab at Trent Lightsource (SPOTLIGHT). The equipment will allow researchers to observe molecular changes during chemical reactions, supporting research in areas such as greenhouse gas storage and medicinal chemistry.
Dr. Mary-Claire Buell, assistant professor in the Trent School of the Environment and Forensic Science, will acquire a high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer for Trent’s Water Quality Centre. The new equipment will strengthen research into PFAS and other emerging contaminants in freshwater and coastal systems, while expanding research and training opportunities across Trent and with external collaborators.
For more information please click here.