Our History

The United Jewish People's Order (UJPO) came into being in 1945, when the Labour League in Toronto (formed in 1927) and the Canadian Workmen's Circle in Montreal and Winnipeg (formed in 1926) merged.

Originally, UJPO was a pro-socialist fraternal and cultural organization which aided Russian and European Jews when they arrived in Canada to make a new life. Members helped Jewish immigrants find housing, work, medical help and other assistance. UJPO supported a rich cultural scene through its choirs, orchestras, dance and theatre groups, lectures, sports groups and summer camps, among other activities. The organization also campaigned against human rights abuses affecting Jews, against nuclear war, the Vietnam War, all forms of racism and more. In Winnipeg, they advocated and succeeded in getting Holocaust education included in school curriculum.

UJPO proudly maintains its socialist and secular orientation, which is reflected in the many cultural and educational programmes that take place in Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver. Each year, as well as forums, a book club and other activities, UJPO Winnipeg organizes a Warsaw Ghetto Memorial event, with speakers and presentations by the North End Jewish Folk Choir.