Canada’s unions welcome support for forest sector workers and communities

Canada’s unions welcome support for forest sector workers and communities

Canada’s unions are welcoming today’s announcement that the federal government is taking steps to support forest sector workers and communities affected by the United States’ imposition of duties on Canadian softwood exports. “The forestry sector is one of Canada’s key economic drivers and these unfair and unjustified U.S. duties threaten more than 25,000 good jobs in nearly every region of…

Unions urge Canadian municipalities to join the “Sanctuary City” movement

The Canadian Labour Congress is urging Canadian municipalities to adopt “sanctuary city” status to support and protect non-status migrants who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, and persecution. “We hope more municipalities will take this step to support people who have very few options and who are just trying to keep themselves and their families…

Canada’s unions celebrate Pride, committing to work for more justice

Over the next few months, Canada’s unions will join others in communities across Canada to celebrate Pride and support LGBTQ2SI equality and justice. While Pride is a time to celebrate, it is also a time for reflection and activism. Pride originated in response to the police crackdown on LGBTQ2SI spaces like the 1981 bath house raids in Toronto. “It is…

CLC President Hassan Yussuff: Our thoughts are with Manchester

On behalf of the 3.3 million members of the Canadian Labour Congress, I extend my deepest condolences to the people of Manchester and all those who lost loved ones in Monday’s horrific and senseless attack. In these volatile times, it is more important than ever that we stand in solidarity to counter the hate and division which breeds senseless acts…

Change needed federally to protect LGBTQ community

May 17 is the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT), a day which marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) decision to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders and illnesses. This year, Canada’s unions hope to see the passing of Bill C-16, a legislation that would protect both gender identity and gender expression under…

Yussuff acclaimed, CLC delegates choose new executive

Delegates at the CLC’s 28th Constitutional Convention today elected CLC Officers for the next term, 2017-2020. CLC President Hassan Yussuff won a second mandate by acclamation. Yussuff was originally elected to the presidency at the 2014 CLC Convention in Montreal, becoming the first person of colour to lead Canada’s labour movement. “I am looking forward to working with this very…

Canada’s unions applaud Canada’s commitment to ratify ILO Convention 98

Canada’s unions are celebrating an announcement by Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, that Canada will finally ratify the International Labour Organization’s Convention 98. The minister confirmed the news ahead of participating in an international solidarity event at the Canadian Labour Congress Convention in Toronto. “Our government understands that organized labour is key to healthy labour relations…

Labour and community leaders gather to celebrate Bob White’s life and leadership

It was standing room only at a memorial for former CLC President Bob White at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Friday. More than 600 union and community activists and leaders joined his family to celebrate his life. CLC President Hassan Yussuff thanked White’s family for sharing him with the labour movement. “Bob was unique, tough as nails, articulate, loved…

The Canadian Press celebrates 100 years

This year marks the 100th anniversary of The Canadian Press. A creation of newspaper publishers in 1917 as a distributor of news across the country, and enshrined under an Act of Parliament, the iconic news agency was transformed by the First World War into a news reporting agency, bringing home stories of sacrifice by Canadian troops in Europe. On this…

Canada’s unions celebrate federal announcement on Westray Law

Canada’s unions are celebrating yesterday’s announcement by the federal government that it will act to ensure effective enforcement of the Westray Law, provisions in the Criminal Code allowing for the criminal prosecution of employers whose negligence puts workers at risk. “This is an important victory for all workers in our country, and a tribute to the Westray families and families…