WERC Team

Amarkai Laryea has dedicated his career to building solidarity with workers through Canada’s labour movement and the broader NGO sector. He has extensive experience and expertise in all areas of labour, human rights and employment law gained through his advocacy work as a lawyer as well as through his own personal experiences. His journey has provided him opportunities as an executive union member and staff representative for private and public sector unions working on campaigns to improve working conditions in Canada and internationally.

His lived experience as a Black person continuously impacts his work and community involvement. He has volunteered and been on the Board of Directors of several Ottawa NGOs working towards community empowerment and social change. WERC-CÉDT is the continuation of his journey bringing together his professional and personal experiences to ensure workers’ rights continue to be respected.

Amanda has spent her career representing employees, unions, and progressive organizations in all areas of labour, employment, and human rights law. She understands the need for diverse strategies to advance the law on behalf of workers and human rights complainants. Amanda has appeared before a range of administrative tribunals across the country, and has appeared before all levels of court including the Supreme Court of Canada.

In 2025, Amanda earned a Master’s of Science degree in Environmental Sustainability from the University of Ottawa. Her research focused on using human rights legislation to challenge environmental racism. Amanda firmly believes in the power of organized labour, human rights advocates, and environmental activists to come together to advance their collective interests and goals.

Alexander Ezquerra has focused his academic and professional work on labour, trade, and social justice, with a particular interest in strengthening solidarity within and across labour movements. His experience includes conducting labour and policy research with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, writing public-facing articles and newsletters, and working with labour, environmental, and advocacy organizations. Alexander holds a Master of Arts in Political Economy from Carleton University, where his thesis examined Canadian-Mexican labour organizing and transnational labour solidarity following the implementation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. His research and involvement in the labour movement have deepened his commitment to workers’ rights and solidarity.