Publications

Canada urged to denounce US anti-Muslim travel ban as discriminatory and help those affected

Canada’s unions are urging the Canadian government to denounce the US Executive Order barring Syrian refugees and discriminating against other travellers of Muslim faith or background. They also want Canada to do more to help those most affected. “The measures being implemented by the US administration are based on ignorance, Islamophobia and hate and have nothing to do with protecting…

Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with Muslim communities

Canadian labour leaders are outraged, shocked and saddened by the shooting at a mosque in Quebec City on Sunday night that has left six dead and eight injured, some critically. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims, their families and their communities,” said Canadian Labour Congress president Hassan Yussuff.  Yussuff said the Canadian Labour Congress and its affiliates are…

#WhyWeMarch

By Barb Byers and Marie Clarke Walker On Saturday, January 21, 2017, people of all genders, ages, races, abilities, backgrounds, and orientations will take part in the Women’s March on Washington and solidarity marches in more than 380 cities around the world. Barb will be marching in Vancouver, Marie will be in Toronto, and we wanted to tell you more…

Barbara Byers appointed to UN Women advisory group

The Canadian Labour Congress is congratulating Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Byers on her appointment to the UN Women Executive Director’s Civil Society Advisory Group (CSAG) last month. UN Women’s mandate focuses on five key priorities: increasing women’s leadership and participation, ending violence against women, engaging women in all aspects of peace and security processes, enhancing women’s economic empowerment and making gender equality…

Canada’s unions celebrate federal asbestos ban

The Canadian Labour Congress is celebrating today’s announcement that the federal government is banning the manufacture, import, export and use of asbestos. “We can all breathe easier,” said CLC president Hassan Yussuff. “This is good public health policy that will, without question, save lives for generations to come.” “Canada’s unions, along with survivors and health advocates, have been working hard…

Racism and division aren’t Canadian values

Dear Ms. Leitch, As the President of the Canadian Labour Congress – representing over three million working women and men from every background – I am writing to you with a clear message: racism and division are the most anti-Canadian values of all. Your proposal to screen new immigrants based on so-called “Canadian values” at best pretends to appeal to…

Liberals must implement committee recommendation on proportional representation

Canada’s unions are calling on the Liberal government to keep its election promise on electoral reform and introduce legislation for a made-in-Canada proportional representation voting system. The Special Committee on Electoral Reform’s report, issued today, recommends a proportional representation voting system that will make every vote count. “The Committee has heard from Canadians across the country that every vote should…

Canada’s unions celebrate adoption of CPP expansion legislation

Canada’s unions are celebrating today’s adoption by the House of Commons of Bill C-26, a legislation that will expand the Canada Pension Plan for the first time in the plan’s history. “Winning a stronger CPP has been a key priority for us for years and is an excellent example of the good that can come from collaborative work between unions…

In remembrance, we work to end anti-trans violence and prejudice

Each year on November 20 we mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance, to honour those killed as a result of anti-trans hatred or prejudice and to bring attention to continued transphobic violence and discrimination in our communities. Each year, since 1999, we look at the names, faces, and stories of those killed. Sadly, despite increased trans visibility, the statistics remain…

Canada’s unions call anti-pension bill C-27 a betrayal

Canada’s unions are organizing against Bill C-27 a new piece of federal legislation that enables Crown corporations and federal private-sector employers to back out of defined-benefit pension commitments. “This bill was announced without consultation or advance notice, though it directly contradicts election promises to stabilize and improve retirement security,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff, who wrote a letter to Finance Minister…