endorsements
Ram Selvarajah is running for OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer and Region 5 Executive Board at Convention 2026. But don't just take our word for it — hear from the OPSEU members, local presidents, and labour leaders who know his work firsthand.
Accountability for the Movement
“ I was truly impressed with Ram's insight at MerC.
He did not hesitate to call out the machinations of government abuse, including their extensive and corrosive use of costly consultants as a ploy to escape accountability."
— James Sloots, Past President, OPSEU Local 579
OPSEU members need executive leadership that can name what's broken, trace it to the source, and fight it at the table — not just internally, but against the government and employers’ strategies designed to erode public service from the inside out.
Jim Sloots
Former OPSEU Local President, Vice Chair MERC Local 526. OPS Bargaining Team Member (FXT)
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Good day. My name is James Sloots, the past president of local 579, served the forensic services and corners complex in Downsview.
Ram Sevarajah is someone you should elect to the executive of Region Five and then as the first vice president of OPSEU.Why do I endorse him? I've known RAM for years, ever since he got involved in the successful we own it campaign. We both served on the Merc team for the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
I was truly impressed with Ram's insight at Merc. He did not hesitate to call out the machinations of government abuse, including their extensive and corrosive use of costly consultants as a ploy to escape accountability.He's effective because he's collaborative, He's smart, he's funny, he's ethical and competent.
He also has tons of real life experience as a senior IT systems specialist, a paralegal, the current president of the Peel Regional Labor Council, and not least the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for op trust, our pension fund that manages over $26 billion in assets. That's just to name some of his relevant experiences.
I can't think of a more qualified candidate to be treasurer of OPSEU/SEFPO . Check him out and vote for him. Thank you for your consideration..
Disagreement Without Gridlock
"I've argued with Ram and seen his dedication to open communication and considering other views."
— Loretta Clark, OPSEU Local 123 President
OPSEU members need executive leadership that can take heat, hold disagreement, and still move a divided room toward a clear decision.
Because bargaining power isn’t just what you say across the table; it’s whether the union can leave the room aligned, execute a plan, and hold the line because that’s how we win for members.
Loretta Clark
OPSEU President Local 123, MAG MERC Co-CHAIR & OPS Unified Bargaining Team Member
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Hi, I'm Loretta Clark, and I'm endorsing Ram Selvarajah for the Executive Board of OPSEU/SEFPO.
I've known Ram for almost 10 years. In that time, I've known him to be honest, open, knowledgeable, and respectful.
As the current Vice-Chair of OPTrust, past Local President, past MERC Co-Chair, and current President of the Peel District Labour Council, Ram has proven himself to be a leader—and more importantly, a mentor.
I've argued with Ram and seen his dedication to open communication and considering other views. I've asked Ram for help and have had members across the province, from different sectors, be guided by him to better outcomes.
OPSEU/SEFPO members looking for accountability, transparency, cohesiveness, and integrity should vote for Ram Selvarajah.
I'm Loretta Clark, and I endorse this message.
Problem-Solver in Practice
“This guy gets things done.
we need somebody who's a person of action. Somebody who's competent, who has a plan, and who's a troubleshooter.
And I don't see anybody better than Ram Selvarajah.”
— Chris Draxyl, OPSEU President 526 Local
OPSEU needs First VP leadership that can turn priorities into plans, plans into decisions, and decisions into follow-through—because members don’t benefit from promises; they benefit from outcomes.
Chris Draxyl
President OPSEU Local 526. OPS Bargaining Team Member (FXT)
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Hey OPSEU members! I'm Chris Draxyl, President of OPSEU Local 526, and I'm also on your OPS Unified Bargaining Team as the FXT Unclassified Rep.
Listen, I want to tell you about something exciting that's happening this election year. Ram Selvarajah is somebody that I'm endorsing for First Vice-President, and of course, for the Region 5 Executive Board.
And you may ask, why Ram? Well, I'll tell you several reasons, but let me give you a couple of examples.
We needed an auditor in my local. We went into an audit—we had a financial situation. Ram successfully completed our audit, made great recommendations, and we came out with flying colours and a very successful outcome.
I also know that Ram, as an IT professional for more than two decades, has been a troubleshooter, a problem solver, and a collaborator. This guy gets things done.
So when we think about the Executive Board and their role in resolving things with the OPSEU leadership and the officers of our union, I think we need somebody who's a person of action. Somebody who's competent, who has a plan, and who's a troubleshooter. And I don't see anybody better than Ram Selvarajah.
That's why I'm voting for him.
I hope you can be a delegate this year, folks. Come join us—there's a lot of excitement buzzing about Ram. Please come join us and vote for Ram as well.
Thank you.
"I’m proud to endorse Ram Selvarajah for First Vice-President/Treasurer of OPSEU. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing Ram’s leadership up close through our work in the labour movement and at the Peel Regional Labour Council. What stands out most about Ram isn’t just his experience; it’s the way he shows up for people. Ram is a true mentor. He takes the time to guide emerging leaders, encourage people to step forward, and make sure others succeed alongside him. He believes deeply in building solidarity, and he works hard to foster a culture of community within the labour movement. At the Peel Regional Labour Council, Ram has helped foster a culture where people feel supported, respected, and connected. He cares about our team not just as colleagues, but as people. That kind of leadership matters, because strong unions are built on relationships and trust. Ram brings the experience, integrity, and commitment that our movement needs. Most importantly, he never loses sight of who we are fighting for—workers. I’m proud to support Ram Selvarajah for OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer, and I know he will continue to lead with the same dedication and care that he shows every day." Jennifer Pouw, 1st Vice President, Peel Regional Labour Council
"In his capacity as President of the PRLC, Ram led by example in attacking the artificial barriers created between unionized and non-unionized workers. From securing funding for Labour Community Services of Peel to fight against wage theft to inviting members of the broader public to Labour Council on a continuous basis, Ram has led by example. On the political front, Ram has continuously platformed political candidates who stood up for workers rights, housing, good wages and pensions thereby creating the infrastructure for Labour candidates to occupy political office in the near future. Listing other accomplishments will require authoring a 10-page essay. Whether you need someone to share a drink with or you need support at a picket line, Ram is your guy. Ram doesn't just talk about solidarity, he lives it. It is the honour of a lifetime to call him a comrade."
"I am pleased to support Ram in his run for the position of 1st Vice President on the OPSEU Board. As President of OPSEU Local 228, I have seen Ram’s strong commitment to our union and to the members we serve. He is knowledgeable and cares about doing what is right for workers. Ram is very enthusiastic and dedicated in his work, and he brings a member-focused approach to leadership. He has shown greay care, integrity, and a genuine commitment to strengthening our union. He is a leader who inspires confidence, works collaboratively, and always puts members first. He leads with the members, for the members. I am happy to support Ram and wish him success in this election."
I wholeheartedly support Ram in this endeavour! He was there for me when I needed him both professionally and emotionally. Never for his own agendas. His sincerity continues in ongoing arguments over my ability to work with mental illness. Physical disability is accommodated but mental health isn’t! My performance was stellar! Thank you for having my back my forever friend.
"It is a pleasure and profound honor to endorse Ram Selvarajah for the Board of OPSEU Union and the position of 1st Vice President. I have known Ram since I became an OPS member in 2005, and throughout these two decades, his character has remained unwavering. He has proven time and again that he is the leader who consistently shows up when the stakes are highest and support is needed most. In every challenge I have faced, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I could count on his presence and his word. I have watched him in rooms fractured by division, where he remains a steady anchor—calm, cool, and collected in the face of heated debate. Ram possesses the rare strength to hold the line when things get tough, never wavering in his commitment to our collective. He has always stood out as a leader who doesn’t just observe from the sidelines, but takes decisive action to drive progress. He is an exceptional problem solver who cuts through the noise to find real, tangible solutions for the complex issues facing our members. I can say with full sincerity that I have never encountered anyone with a more profound or selfless dedication to this Union than Ram. He is the champion our membership deserves, and he has my full, unreserved support to lead us as our next 1st Vice President. Best regards, Cezerina Estrela, OPSEU Member"
I have had the pleasure of working with Brother Ram Selvarajah in the labour movement. Brother Ram executes his duties with diligence, honesty, integrity and vision. These qualities that makes the optimal candidate for the role of OPSEU board member and 1st V.P.
Ram is a man of integrity who can be trusted to be honest and reliable. A man who does what he says he will do. He is someone who will lift and push others to achieve their best. He will make changes that will benefit everyone. He truly cares about people and their problems and will go all out to help them. I wish him every success. Clara Desa
Endorsements make a huge difference, so add yours!
Anyone can submit an endorsement. If you’ve seen Ram do the work—follow through, solve problems, move people into action—submit a written or video endorsement. Want help? We’ll auto-email you our Endorsement Toolkit!
