Protecting Fundamental Rights — Our Concerns with Bill C-9

Protecting Fundamental Rights — Our Concerns with Bill C-9

The CLC condemns all forms of hate, discrimination, and harassment. We will continue to fight for the rights that make Canada a free and democratic country.  This is why we, alongside civil liberties organizations, oppose the current version of Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act.   The version of the Bill being debated in the House of Commons has the potential to infringe on our hard fought-for rights of freedom of expression…

Statement by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress

OTTAWA –– Canada’s unions are gathering this week at our Canadian Council to strategize at a time when the escalating trade war is having a devastating impact on Canadian workers and communities. Across the country, people are losing jobs and struggling to make ends meet. “The reality facing workers right now is grim,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian…

Canada’s unions support Argentinian national strike

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), which represents 3 million workers across Canada, together with the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA), the regional body of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), express our deep concern for the situation in Argentina. Since its inauguration on December 10, the government of President Javier Milei has promoted several measures that generate profound…

Canada’s unions: confronting hate is a shared responsibility

This International Human Rights Day, Canada’s unions are calling on governments and individuals to collectively confront rising hate.  Canada is facing a crisis: Statistics Canada data released earlier this year showed a record jump in hate crimes against 2SLGBTQI+, Muslim, and Jewish communities in 2021. This number continues to increase. This includes an alarming rise in incidences of hate and…

Never Again: Canada’s Unions Mark December 6 with Call to End Gender-Based Violence

Canada’s unions are marking the 34th anniversary of the attack at École Polytechnique in Montreal by urging the federal government to take concrete steps to prevent and address gender-based violence in Canada. This must include implementing ILO Convention 190 (ILO C-190), the first international standard of its kind, that acknowledges the universal right to a world of work free from…

Canada’s unions welcome the federal government’s new advisory table giving a much-needed voice to workers

President Bea Bruske: It is crucial that governments listen to workers—they are the engine of our economy OTTAWA—Canada’s unions are pleased to see the federal government launch a Union-Led Advisory Table to help workers succeed in Canada’s economic future, announced today.  The Advisory Table will be chaired by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, and will include 15…

Workers with disabilities must be included in Canada’s sustainable jobs plan

As the global community marks International Day for Persons with Disabilities, Canada’s unions call on the federal government to ensure workers with disabilities are included in the country’s climate plans. Originally created by the UN, this year’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities urges unity in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with, and by persons…

Angelo Tocco – Winner of the 2023 Carol McGregor CLC Disability Rights Award

December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities—which aims to promote awareness and mobilize support for disability rights issues. Today, the CLC recognizes a union member for their disability rights activism.  This year, on the twelfth anniversary of the award, the Canadian Labour Congress is pleased to announce OECTA member Angelo Tocco as the 2023 winner of the…

Canada’s Unions at COP28: Shaping a Sustainable Future for Workers

Bruske: Canadian and global leaders must ensure workers are supported in shift to a net-zero economy. OTTAWA––Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), released the following statement: “The CLC is proud to join a delegation of labour representatives from across Canada at the United Nations’ global climate summit, COP28. At this critical juncture, Canada’s unions are advocating for…

Fiscal Update Must Put Workers and Families First

Bruske: A balanced approach starts with making profitable corporations pay their fair share so the government can deliver help to struggling workers and families OTTAWA––Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, will be available to react to the Fall Economic Statement. “Workers and families already bear too much of the burden for these tough economic times. As wages keep…