Welcome to the BC Labour Heritage Centre

Our non-profit organization preserves, documents, and presents the rich history of working people in British Columbia.

FEATURED

  • “Put Your Go****n Money on the Table!” – Labour Icon Syd Thompson, Podcast Ep. 34

    For almost five decades Syd Thompson (1914-1992) was a formidable force in BC’s labour movement. President of the large Vancouver local of the International Woodworkers of America (IWA) and the Vancouver and District Labour Council, Thompson didn’t often mince words...
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Search the collection

Historical artifacts, booklets, videos, podcasts, plaques and more.

Featured videos

  • Mike Old Interview: A Remarkable Career at the HEU

    Mike Old was born in Calgary to school teacher parents, who were both involved with their union and in progressive politics. He was heavily involved in student politics at the University of Calgary, which set the foundation for his future...
  • Pam Smith Interview: Ginger Goodwin’s Family

    Pam Smith, a professional genealogist from Yorkshire, England, had no idea she was related to a celebrated activist in Canada until author Roger Stonebanks came knocking. She knew that her great-grandfather George had a brother who went abroad, but the...
  • Stephen Kelleher Interview: Labour Relations in BC

    Stephen Kelleher recounts the story of his career, from growing up in a non-union family to becoming chair of the British Columbia Labour Relations Board in the 1980s and 2000s. He also discusses his activities since retiring from his position...

Download the Walking Tours App

Learn about the workers who built British Columbia, one story at a time.

The BC Labour History Walking Tours app guides you through sites of significance that commemorate the importance of labour unions, individuals, collective actions and much more.

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Sponsors

The BC Labour Heritage Centre is grateful for the financial support and solidarity of its sponsoring unions in order to continue its operations from year to year.

BC Federation of Labour
BC Teachers’ Federation
British Columbia Building and Construction Trades Council
Canadian Union of Public Employees-BC
Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 15
Hospital Employees’ Union
United Steelworkers

Visit by transit

The BC Labour Heritage Centre can be reached via public transit. We are located at 102, 3920 Norland Avenue, Burnaby BC. Our hours are 9 am to 3 pm, Monday – Thursday.

  • If coming from the Expo Line, disembark at Metrotown Station and take the #110 LOUGHEED STATION or #144 SFU to the stop at Ledger Avenue and Sprott Street.
  • If coming from the Millennium Line, disembark at Sperling-Burnaby Lake Station and take the #110 METROTOWN STATION or #144 METROTOWN STATION to the stop at Norland Avenue and Sprott Street.
  • The Centre can also be reached by bus via the #123 or #133 along Canada Way. The Centre is a 350-metre walk from the bus stops on Canada Way.