Jagmeet has been a tireless, principled, and passionate champion for fairness, justice, and the dignity of work.

I’ve had the honour of working alongside him for many years, and I can say with certainty: his legacy will live on through the millions of lives he’s improved, and through the real, lasting change he helped deliver for Canadians. I am proud to call him my friend.

As the first racialized person to lead a major federal party in Canada, Jagmeet made history—and he did so with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to social justice. His politics have always been rooted in unity—bringing people together across differences and fighting for a Canada where no one is left behind.

As leader, he rolled up his sleeves and did the hard work of turning principles into action. From delivering historic wins like dental care and advancing the fight for universal Pharmacare, to standing firm against corporate greed and advocating for equity and inclusion, Jagmeet has never stopped fighting for what matters to working people.

These are not small victories. These are transformative policies that will improve lives for generations.

Whether it’s advocating for good union jobs, defending our public services, or pushing for true reconciliation with Indigenous communities, Jagmeet has remained focused on building a fairer, more just Canada. He has always stood up to the wealthy and powerful—and stood with working people every step of the way.

Thank you, Jagmeet, for your leadership, your heart, and your belief in a better Canada. The labour movement is proud to stand with you—yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

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Canadians with a diversity of political views have delivered a clear message: they have rejected Pierre Poilievre’s American-style conservative politics. They chose to uphold the values that define us—strong public services like health care, reliable union jobs, and the belief that neighbours look out for one another.

Now, Canadians are looking to this new government to act—urgently.

Canadians are counting on Prime Minister Carney to move quickly. The time for hesitation is over.

Already, we are seeing job losses across sectors, and far too many workers are being left behind by an outdated Employment Insurance system that is in urgent need of reform. People expect investments in public health care, in affordable housing, and in the services families rely on. They want a government that will lessen our dependence on the United States, strengthen domestic industries, and create good union jobs in every region of the country—all while clearly upholding Canadian values.

We cannot cut our way to prosperity. Now is the time to build—by investing in people and the public systems that support them.

Canada’s unions, representing over 3 million workers, stand ready to work with this government to deliver real progress. We know that by working together, we can take on the challenges ahead and build a fairer, more resilient economy that works for everyone.

That includes:

• Delivering on public health care, including access to a doctor or nurse practitioner for every Canadian and expanding universal, public Pharmacare;
• Bringing down the cost of living by addressing corporate price gouging and raising wages;
• Investing in the public services families rely on;
• Tackling the housing crisis by building truly affordable homes; and
• Creating good union jobs by investing in social and physical infrastructure, clean energy, and domestic manufacturing.

But we must be clear: the threat from the United States is far from over. Economic volatility, escalating trade pressures, and the growing unpredictability of the U.S. market are already undermining business investment and confidence here at home. Canadian workers and industries are feeling the effects. Canada cannot afford to sit back or play it safe. What’s needed now is a bold, ambitious response—one that meets this moment with the scale and seriousness it demands.

This is a critical moment for Canada. The choices made in the weeks ahead will shape our economy, our communities, and our future for generations.

Canada’s unions are ready to act—with urgency, with resolve, and in partnership—to ensure this government delivers the secure, inclusive, and prosperous country that Canadians voted for.

The post Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, on the federal election results appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

The shutdown of the Stellantis Windsor Assembly Plant, effective today, marks the beginning of a growing crisis that extends beyond the auto sector.

Entire communities face financial uncertainty, and the labour movement is demanding swift federal action to stabilize affected industries and support workers.

This morning, CLC President Bea Bruske and Executive Vice-President Siobhán Vipond joined local labour leaders and workers at Assumption North Park in Windsor, Ontario, to address the economic disruption triggered by the U.S. administration’s imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian autos—a direct attack on over half a million Canadian jobs.

“Workers across the country are worried about their future and their jobs and they are looking for a national response as bold as the threat we face,” said Bruske. “That starts with defending Canadian jobs, and it ends with building a future where Canada is less vulnerable to the whims of foreign actors.”

Bruske emphasized the need for the government to support workers through emergency reforms to Employment Insurance (EI), relief from banks and financial institutions, and strong industrial investments.

“Overnight, thousands of workers lost paycheques. Canadian workers should never be collateral damage in a political power play,” Bruske continued. “We must defend jobs today while building a more self-reliant, resilient economy for tomorrow. That means investing in local production, protecting our manufacturing base, and putting workers at the centre of our recovery strategy.”

The CLC laid out a comprehensive blueprint for immediate action, including:

• Modernizing EI with lower qualification thresholds and longer benefits;
• Using public procurement to drive innovation and sustain good union jobs;
• Expanding domestic green industry with government support tied to wages, training, and sustainability; and
• Cracking down on profiteering and redirecting revenues into health care, housing, and essential services.

“We’re not going to let workers bear the brunt of this alone,” said Vipond. “We’ve done our part. Now it’s time for the government—and corporate Canada—to do theirs.”

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The post Labour Leaders Rally in Windsor as Tariffs Threaten Canadian Jobs appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

The labour leaders will outline the serious economic consequences these tariffs will have on workers in key sectors, including steel, aluminum, forestry, and manufacturing, and call on the federal government to provide immediate and robust support to affected workers, industries, and communities.

• What: Press Conference: Canada’s unions respond to U.S. tariffs and call for urgent federal support for workers
• When: Wednesday, April 2, at 1:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Rogers Centre Ottawa – Trillium Room (55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Level Four) Or Via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89501882931)
• Who: Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and Magali Picard, President of la Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ)

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To arrange an interview, please contact:
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ST. JOHN’S, NL–With yesterday’s election call sending voters to the polls on April 28, Canada’s unions are challenging all parties to put working families first. The Workers Together platform, Building a Better Future for Working People, was launched today in St. John’s, Newfoundland, by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), alongside Jessica McCormick, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour.

The platform provides a clear blueprint for the next government at a time when Canadians face mounting pressures from all sides.

“This isn’t just another election – it’s a crucial choice about who will support Canadian workers in these turbulent times,” said Bruske. “Workers and their families are caught between aggressive U.S. trade threats, corporate price gouging, and increasingly strained health care and public services. The next government must be ready to take bold action from day one.” 

As the voice of more than 3 million workers across Canada, Canada’s unions are calling for commitments from all political parties to:  

• Mitigate the trade tariff threat with a worker-first response to secure jobs, support workers, and strengthen communities    
• Ensure everyone has access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner and deliver fully universal public Pharmacare to ensure health care is accessible to all  
• Cap prices on food staples and essential goods to stop corporate price gouging and protect family budgets  
• Build one million truly affordable homes to bring down the cost of housing and tackle the housing crisis  
• Fix our broken tax system by restructuring corporate taxes to fund affordable housing, hospitals and the public services Canadians count on  

The CLC President emphasized that campaign promises alone aren’t enough – Canadians need leaders with proven experience of standing up for workers. 

“Pierre Poilievre has never worked on a factory floor, never run a business, never held corporate interests accountable. How can he negotiate with Trump when he has no experience of getting things done for Canadians?” said Bruske.  

“Workers in Newfoundland and Labrador, like workers across Canada, are facing an affordability crisis compounded by the effects of a trade war,” said McCormick. “Workers and their families need and deserve elected officials who will prioritize their needs – not the interests of the corporate elite.”
 
Canada’s unions are ready to work with political leaders who will deliver results for workers and their families. The solutions outlined in the Workers Together platform offer a clear path forward for any party serious about supporting working families.  

“The time for bold action isn’t just now – it’s overdue. We need a government that will crack down on corporate greed, rebuild public health care, and protect workers against Trump’s attacks. When working people thrive, our whole economy grows stronger. That’s what the Workers Together platform will deliver,” Bruske stressed. 

Click here to view the full platform.

The event was held with workers from both the private and public sectors, highlighting solidarity across various industries.

The Canadian Labour Congress is Canada’s largest labour organization, bringing together dozens of national and international unions, provincial and territorial federations of labour and community-based labour councils.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour unites and represents nearly 70,000 workers across Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Recent data shows that Black workers are the most likely racialized group to be covered by a union contract, with unionization boosting their annual income by more than $3,000. Unionized Black workers benefit from better wages overall, increased job security, and protections against discrimination.

However, systemic barriers in employment persist, creating harmful impacts that ripple across generations of Black workers. Despite higher rates of unionization and the resulting benefits, Black workers still deal with significant barriers at work: the report also shows that Black workers face the second-largest racialized wage gap due to their disproportionate representation in lower-wage sectors and limited access to or exclusion from work in higher-wage sectors.

Black workers in Canada experience ongoing labour market discrimination and systemic racism—severe obstacles which impact their access to fair employment, advancement, and equitable treatment at work. The effects of anti-Black racism are far-reaching, causing enduring barriers to economic advancement and empowerment for Black communities.

A 2023 Black Canadian National Survey conducted by York University’s Institute for Social Research, in partnership with the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, showed that 75% of those polled experienced racism in the workplace as a serious or very serious problem, and that Black workers see workplaces as epicentres of racial discrimination and unfairness.

This is unacceptable, and unions have a pivotal role to play in addressing and redressing these systemic injustices—both in workplaces, and in broader society.

“The labour movement must continue to uphold our core mission to fight for equity, fairness, and dignity for all workers. This means actively working to dismantle anti-Black racism and discrimination in workplaces and unions, bargaining for equitable opportunities, educating members and leaders, amplifying the voices and leadership of Black workers, and engaging with Black workers to organize for better jobs and pay,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the CLC. Unions can be a powerful force for racial and economic justice for Black workers, whether at work, in the union or in society. Don’t forget to register for our webinar on February 18, and be sure to check out our new factsheet on Black workers and unionization. You can also get involved with us this Black History Month and beyond by texting BHM to 55255 (message & data rates may apply).

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“This agreement was a success. Workers are seeing real, meaningful improvements in their lives because the NDP and the Liberals found common ground in this minority parliament.

I want to thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh for their efforts. Their willingness to work across the aisle has led to landmark gains for Canadian workers on dental care, pharmacare, anti-scab legislation, and sustainable jobs.

The end of the Confidence and Supply Agreement does not trigger an election – nor should it.

We need all political leaders to get down to work and prioritize the needs of Canadians over politics. The call for an early election by some politicians, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, is driven more by political strategy than by a genuine commitment to addressing the pressing issues that Canadians face today.

In the months to come, Canada’s unions expect their elected representatives to continue to find opportunities to work together on key issues like health care, affordable housing, and economic security.

In particular, we urge the Senate to move quickly to adopt the pharmacare bill so people in Canada have immediate access to free birth control and free diabetic medication and supplies. Canadians have waited too long already.

The current minority parliament has shown that great progress can be made when parties focus on the common good. All leaders need to continue to find ways to work together to ensure a prosperous and inclusive future for all Canadians.”

The post Statement on the conclusion of the Confidence and Supply Agreement appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“Canada’s unions are outraged by the political games on display in Parliament this week as opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and his Conservative Party use procedural tactics to delay, derail, and ultimately block critical pieces of legislation designed to benefit workers across Canada. The Sustainable Jobs Act (Bill C-50) is aimed at shaping Canada’s strategy to protect and create good, low-carbon jobs, while anti-scab Bill C-58 is focused on restoring fairness for workers in collective bargaining, yet the Conservatives are doing everything in their power to block these bills.

“At a time when workers and their families are reflecting on a year that was marked by a crushing affordability crisis, the devastating impacts of climate change and constant undermining of workers’ rights by wealthy corporations, Poilievre has opted to double down on attacking working people.

“Mr. Poilievre’s actions in Parliament differ sharply from the public persona he is trying to create. But recent polls indicate that the public is starting to see through the nonsense. Whether it’s voting against school meals for hungry kids, filibustering legislation that would create and protect good jobs, or siding with corporations over everyday Canadians, Poilievre and the Conservatives consistently oppose the priorities that Canada’s unions advocate for on behalf of all workers. We won’t let it go unchallenged.

“Canada’s unions strongly urge Mr. Poilievre and his colleagues in the Conservative Party to stop using workers and their families as political pawns. Parliamentarians of all stripes must work together for the good of hardworking people across this country. That starts with passing Bill C-50 and Bill C-58.”

The post Statement from Bea Bruske: Poilievre’s Conservatives blocking priority bills for workers appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

The latest report, Putting workers and communities at the centre of Canada’s net-zero energy economy, funded by Natural Resources Canada, outlines actions and investments that governments should make to support workers in the shift to a sustainable economy.

“Canada stands at a crossroads. People across the country and around the globe are experiencing the impacts of climate change in their work and their everyday lives to a degree that’s unprecedented,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. “Our economy must adapt in order to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, but it must also be positioned to take advantage of the massive industrial and economic opportunities that come with a global shift to net-zero. To accomplish that, we must ensure workers have a seat at the decision-making table.”

“Countries around the world are racing to secure their place in a net-zero future,” said Chris Severson-Baker, Executive Director of the Pembina Institute. “At the same time, a people-centered energy transition and industrial decarbonization strategies have the potential to create a host of co-benefits that can improve the everyday lives of Canadians — boosting the economy, creating new livelihoods, improving health outcomes, and creating a better future for equity-deserving groups.”

“This report rightly puts skills development and training at the heart of a blueprint needed to achieve Canada’s climate targets and carve out new sources of competitive advantage in a net-zero world,” said Pedro Barata, Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre. “The recommendations point to the need for place-based and sectoral approaches that bring together stakeholders – including workers – to co-design and implement solutions to the challenges facing Canadian workers, starting now, in the places where they will be felt first and most acutely.”

The report shows that 2 million people will be working in the Canadian clean energy sector by 2050, that investing in workers and regional economies can increase GDP by a cumulative $55 billion between 2040 and 2050, and supports for accredited, non-profit training can drive down unemployment and increase wages for workers in resource sectors.

“We absolutely cannot afford to let these opportunities pass Canada by,” added Bruske.

Canada can either be a leader with a plan to train workers, decarbonize industries, support economic diversification, and ensure our workers are leaders in a net-zero global economy, or miss this golden opportunity.

“A framework for international and national just transitions is needed. It must address equity, social, economic, and environmental dimensions, aligning with the ILO guidelines adopted by governments at the ILC in June on Just Transition,” said Diana Junquera Curiel, Acting Director of the Just Transition Centre. “Labour rights, social dialogue, and social protection are being pushed by unions into the climate discussions, emphasizing the need for international justice for a Just Transition and workers at the table in Just Transition policies.”

Decision-makers across the federal government, provinces, territories, the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council and Sustainable Jobs Secretariat will find in this report recommendations to support workers with skills and training, income security, engagement and labour rights, as well as economic-focused actions to optimize and leverage the energy transition for the good of workers and their communities. The sustainable blueprint for Canada will provide a roadmap to ensure workers can see a path forward for their future.

ABOUT:

The Canadian Labour Congress is the largest labour organization in Canada, bringing together dozens of national and international unions, provincial and territorial federations of labour and community-based labour councils to represent more than 3 million workers across the country.

The Pembina Institute is a charitable thinktank working to solve today’s greatest energy challenges — reducing the harmful impacts of fossil fuels while supporting the transition to an energy system that is clean, safe and sustains a high quality of life.

The Future Skills Centre (FSC) is a forward-thinking centre for research and collaboration dedicated to driving innovation in skills development so that everyone in Canada can be prepared for the future of work. The FSC is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program.

The Just Transition Centre was established in 2016 by the ITUC and partners. The Centre brings together workers and their unions, businesses and governments in social dialogue and stakeholder engagement with communities and civil society to ensure that labour has a seat at the table when planning for a Just Transition to a low-carbon world.

ENGLISH VERSION

The full English report can be accessed here.

FRENCH VERSION

The full French report can be accessed here.

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The post Canada’s unions release roadmap for workers to see a path forward in Canada’s changing economy appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“We applaud the deployment of the second phase of the dental care plan. As part of the supply-and-confidence deal with the NDP, the $13-billion public program is another step forward to a universal public dental care program in Canada,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Public programs like dental care help to alleviate some of the pressures facing working-class families as they struggle to find an affordable place to live, put food on the table or simply afford everyday necessities.”

As of November 2023, close to 400,000 children under 12 years of age have received dental treatment as a result of the federal dental care program. And now, access to dental care will be expanded to millions of Canadians, some of whom are among the most vulnerable in our communities.

With over one in three Canadians reporting a lack of dental insurance and even more indicating they have no access to any form of dental care, this is an important step towards a public care system that will improve Canadians’ health and wellbeing and make life more affordable, building resiliency across our society and economy.

“In this new phase of the program, the government must ensure that all qualifying Canadians have access to the dental care they need, when they need it. The dental care plan must be equitable and accessible,” added Bruske. “We know that a disproportionate number of persons with disabilities and seniors in Canada live in poverty; we must ensure the dental care program is inclusive and available.”

Canada’s unions will also be looking at the federal government to be vigilant and ensure employers do not download the costs of dental care from private health plan benefits packages onto the public dental care program.

“While we celebrate this announcement today, there are still too many families that have to make impossible choices every time they have to renew their prescription medications. Our future depends on investment in care now and that includes access to the medicines that people need,” said Bruske. “That’s why we will continue to pressure the federal government to establish a single-payer universal public prescription drug plan that provides coverage for all residents.”

The Canadian Labour Congress is the largest labour organization in Canada, bringing together dozens of national and international unions, provincial and territorial federations of labour and community-based labour councils to represent more than 3 million workers across the country.

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As advocates for fairness and equity in employment for all workers, regardless of background or identity, we look forward to delving into the details of the report, understanding the recommendations of the Task Force, and engaging in constructive dialogue with the government to ensure the effective implementation of measures that truly promote employment equity.

Canada’s unions are ready to contribute their expertise and work collaboratively with the government to ensure a meaningful modernization of the Employment Equity Act. The Canadian Labour Congress also thanks the Task Force for its work and commitment to addressing equity in employment, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact that its recommendations will have on shaping a more inclusive and equitable Canadian workforce.

The post Statement on the release of the Employment Equity Task Force Report appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

For too many workers – especially women and gender-diverse workers – the risk of harassment and violence has become a daily reality. Seven in ten workers have experienced harassment and violence at work, often at the hands of third parties such as customers, patients, and members of the public. The risk is particularly high for those in public-facing jobs, like retail, journalism, health care, education, transportation and hospitality, sectors dominated by women and gender-diverse workers.

Following Canada’s ratification of ILO C-190 earlier this year, the government must implement a comprehensive strategy to enhance safety for all workers. Convention 190 is a global treaty aimed at eradicating violence and harassment in the world of work, and is the product of tripartite collaboration between unions, employer groups and governments.

“With Canada’s ratification of ILO C-190, we have a clear mandate to turn decades of advocacy into safer work for everyone,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “But we have to get it right. Canada needs a comprehensive strategy to implement the convention, which would not only address immediate workplace safety concerns, but also align and incorporate initiatives outlined in the National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence.”

In recent years, we have seen numerous equity-deserving groups targeted by an emboldened far right. This rising tide of hate has contributed to higher rates of third‑party violence linked with pervasive forms of discrimination and marginalization. 2SLGBTQI+ workers, Black, racialized, Indigenous workers, and those with disabilities are most likely to be targeted. Public homophobic and transphobic attacks on members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community are spilling over into workplaces, leaving workers feeling unsafe in an increasing number of places within their own lives.

One worker who participated in the CLC’s 2022 report on harassment and violence in the workplace identified that they didn’t find current solutions intersectional. They explained that the harassing and violent behaviours they experience have overlapping roots, based in racism, homophobia and misogyny. Workers with multiple and intersecting identities in particular need strategic and multi-faceted solutions, that will end workplace harassment on all fronts.

“Dismantling gender-based violence at work also requires a unified response against rising hate. We know there won’t be a one size fits all solution to addressing harassment and violence in the workplace. It’s time for the federal government to bring union, employer and government leaders together to develop holistic strategies to prevent and address third-party violence at work,” said Siobhán Vipond, CLC Executive Vice-President. “Together we can close the gaps within existing legislation and regulations, and deepen our collective understanding of violence and harassment at work.”

“Everyone deserves to work free from violence and harassment,” said Bruske. “Unions are ready to work collaboratively with employers and governments on a comprehensive strategy to prevent, address and eliminate third-party violence at work, ensuring that everyone can work without fear and making work a safe and dignified place for all.”

To read the results of the National Survey on Harassment and Violence at work click here. 

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“High decibel levels from the right-wing business community demanding cuts simply fail to recognize that when we invest in housing, child care and sustainable jobs we are investing in our future and our kids’ future,” declared Bruske. “When we create child care spaces, more parents can enter the workforce. When we invest in the energy transition, we create the good, sustainable, union jobs of the future. These are the kinds of smart, pragmatic decisions that will build the future communities we want to live in.”

“October saw the largest one month increase in rent prices in over 40 years. That’s the biggest jump in over four decades. Working people welcomed progress on housing affordability, but more is needed to help people struggling to afford rising prices.”

Workers are looking to the government to act as families fall further behind.

“The government is predicting a big jump in unemployment and slower economic growth. This will mean 150,000 more workers losing their job. It is concerning as our economy is teetering on the precipice of a recession,” explained Bruske. “Instead of even more cuts to our public service, workers wanted to see the government take action to make wildly profitable oil and grocery corporations pay what they owe and fix Employment Insurance, so critical support is there for workers when they need it most.”

Bruske added that Canada faces stark fiscal policy decisions in the months and years ahead that will shape Canada’s future.

“We need to be on a financially sustainable path. But this doesn’t mean cuts to critical help and services families rely on, as Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives keep pushing,” warned Bruske. “Amplifying anger may help serve his ambition, but it’s not doing anything to actually help people. Mr. Poilievre will never ask profitable oil companies and grocery chains to pay what they owe – the government should.”

The Canadian Labour Congress is the largest labour organization in Canada, bringing together dozens of national and international unions, provincial and territorial federations of labour and community-based labour councils to represent more than 3 million workers across the country.

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TDOR is observed every year on November 20. This year’s TDOR theme “Trans Equality Now” highlights the urgent need for legislation that protects the trans community and advances their rights. Trans and gender-diverse people are experiencing ongoing and increasing levels of violence and discrimination, including a push by conservative politicians for dangerous and discriminatory legislation. 

“Right-wing decision-makers are using dog whistle tactics to attack trans and gender-diverse people. They’re using human rights as a wedge to distract voters from their failure to deliver relief on the very real affordability and other challenges facing Canadian families,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “But while they play politics with people’s lives, the impact of their actions is very real and dangerous for trans and gender-diverse people, especially young people. The federal government has a duty to uphold trans rights in Canada, like they promised to do in Bill C-16. Without concrete action to put these measures into practice, they aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.” 

In 2023, there has been a significant uptick in legislated transphobic violence, namely, the rise of so-called “parental rights” policies and legislation in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, which undermines the safety of trans and gender-diverse children. Governments in Ontario and Alberta have expressed interest in similar legislation.  

“These governments are setting an alarming precedent, made worse by other Conservative leaders across the country looking to copy them. In Saskatchewan, Scott Moe went so far as to use the notwithstanding clause to push through this regressive legislation,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the CLC. “This shows that he knows what he’s doing is not only wrong, it’s unconstitutional. We need urgent action at the federal level to protect trans and gender-diverse people from further attacks by leaders who are stripping away their human rights.” 

Here in Canada, and across North America, we’ve also witnessed a marked increase in violence against diverse gender expression, like  right-wing protests and threats aimed at shutting down drag-queen story events and targeting schools, school boards and libraries. 

Along with discrimination, trans and gender-diverse communities also face staggering social and economic disparities. In 2020, trans women and men were more likely to experience poverty than their cisgender counterparts, and more than 1 in 5 non-binary people lived in poverty – more than twice the national rate. Poverty, housing and food insecurity are among the key contributors to poorer health outcomes. These outcomes are even worse for trans people of colour.

Last year, the government released Canada’s first-ever 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, and while this was a step in the right direction, much more needs to be done. 

“It’s not enough for federal leaders to acknowledge what is going on; they need to act. We know that 2023 has seen unprecedented anti-2SLGBTQI+ legislation and violence globally,” said Bruske. “Trans and gender-diverse people in Canada can’t afford to keep waiting. The federal government must take concrete steps to address these issues, now.” 

Get involved:  

• Sign the #TransEqualityNow petition to tell the federal government they must act now.  
• Learn more about how to support trans people in your workplace by downloading the CLC’s Workers in Transition Guide. 

The post Trans Equality Now: Canada’s unions call for urgent action appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“We have seen years of record corporate profits while workers’ pay lagged far behind. Workers are rightly demanding fairer wages, better safety standards and respect from their employers,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “If we ban the use of scabs once and for all, we can take a real step towards less labour disruptions, avoiding work stoppages and building a more balanced economy—while increasing the benefits and respect workers deserve.” 

The use of scab workers undermines fair and transparent collective bargaining, by tipping the balance of power to the employer. This often leads to longer and more contentious work disruptions. Canada’s unions have long called for robust, enforceable legislation that should close any existing loopholes and leave no room for interpretation by employers. 

“The NDP’s advocacy with workers for robust anti-scab legislation resulted in this vital piece of legislation being included in the Supply and Confidence Agreement between the NDP and the Government,” said Bruske. “Political leaders that support workers recognize that banning scabs will help increase fairness at the bargaining table and bring forward these protections for workers.” 

In order to truly protect workers and their right to strike, anti-scab legislation must apply to any work regularly performed by bargaining unit workers, to ensure effectiveness. It is important that the legislation doesn’t deny workers the right to legally strike by creating more essential services barriers and that it has strong enforcement mechanisms to ensure adherence. The legislation should also be amended to bring these urgent protections into force immediately upon adoption. The NDP has indicated support for amendments that would strengthen the Act. 

“Workers have called for anti-scab legislation for decades, as it has been a missing piece of Canada’s federal labour law,” said Bruske. “Now we need the government and all parties to strengthen, adopt, and swiftly bring into force the legislation and deliver this long-needed protection for workers.” 

The Canadian Labour Congress is the largest labour organization in Canada, bringing together dozens of national and international unions, provincial and territorial federations of labour and community-based labour councils to represent more than 3 million workers across the country. 

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Today Canada faces a once-in-generation economic, environmental, and political challenge, and we won’t get a second chance to get this right. 

Our neighbour and biggest trading partner is aggressively adapting their workforces and industries. Countries around the world are accelerating their transition to a zero-carbon economy. If we fail to act now, our industries will lose out and our workers will be left behind. Our livelihoods and communities will be put at risk. 

We are facing serious economic and political challenges, for sure. But today’s challenges can become tomorrow’s opportunity if we can show our special ability as Canadians to work together. That’s why Canada’s unions are actively engaging governments and businesses. Some issues make strange bedfellows. But we must rise to meet these challenges, and that means workers, businesses and governments must come together and act for the common good.  

The government has introduced positive new legislation that provides a roadmap for Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The Sustainable Jobs Act looks to address climate change and build a low-carbon economy through creating and supporting good, sustainable, union jobs in successful, low-emission businesses. The kinds of family-supporting, middle-class jobs that allow us to build the healthy and thriving communities we want to live in. With some tweaks, the Sustainable Jobs Act will make a real difference for millions of workers and thousands of businesses.  

But make no mistake, we certainly will never build the communities we want to live in with precarious, low-wage jobs. Governments can’t just hand out billions in blank cheques to private companies and then hope good things happen. We must always make sure communities benefit when we invest public dollars in private companies.  

Workers stand on the frontlines of climate change, including fighting wildfires, restoring downed power lines, and rebuilding our communities after extreme weather hits. Workers are also front and centre dealing with the impacts of this economic transition. Like the energy workers worried about the future, the farm workers battling droughts, or the construction workers who keep on building through sweltering heatwaves.  

As the democratic representatives of workers, the labour movement must have meaningful seats at the decision-making table. Workers and the businesses that employ them must be at the table with governments if we are serious about crafting solutions. There should certainly be no opposition to the principle that, as Canada shifts to a low-carbon economy, no workers or industries are left out of this conversation.  

This might be a global challenge, but our solutions must be local. Building a low-carbon economy will mean new opportunities across the country, in every sector and every region. Clean energy manufacturing, critical minerals, non-emitting and renewable energy, electric vehicles, and the list goes on. Unions are ready to work with businesses, so they are well-positioned to succeed in tomorrow’s economy.  

In 2015, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said moving to a low-carbon economy would “require a transformation in our energy sectors.” Now, workers are looking to MPs from all parties to work with us to quickly pass a strengthened Sustainable Jobs Act. Then we can get down to the hard work of creating good jobs and successful businesses in a sustainable economy.  

Hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity hang in the balance.  

Bea Bruske is President of the Canadian Labour Congress. Follow her on Twitter @PresidentCLC 

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“Workers from coast-to-coast are ready to get to work and contribute to building a strong, sustainable economy. This report provides a comprehensive framework for government action to support workers in this critical undertaking,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. “Canada’s unions expect, and will continue to press for, swift government action to provide the tools and opportunities needed to make a sustainable future a reality.”  

The Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, introduced in June, presents an important opportunity to protect workers, ensure new low-carbon jobs are high quality, and give workers a seat at the table as decisions are made about their futures. 

However, steps must be taken to ensure the legislation meets its potential. The report provides specific recommendations to strengthen the Act, including improving guiding principles, equipping the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council with the tools needed to meaningfully shape Canada’s sustainable jobs strategy, and establishing an effective Secretariat to enhance policy integration, intergovernmental coordination, and worker support. Adopting these recommendations would ensure that the legislation supports workers and communities with a pathway to good, sustainable jobs. 

Bruske emphasized: “Workers are the linchpin in facilitating the shift toward a sustainable economy. But this shift will be impossible if we don’t prioritize fair and safe work, decent wages, and workers’ rights.” She added: “Through collaboration with workers, unions, and businesses, Canada can be a global leader in good, sustainable jobs and the fight against climate change.” 

The full report can be accessed here.  

The second installment in the Sustainable Jobs Blueprint Series is set to be released shortly and will focus on sustainable jobs policies that support workers and their communities. 

This project was funded by Natural Resources Canada. 

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To arrange an interview, please contact: 
CLC Media Relations 
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613-526-7426 

The post Canada’s unions release sustainable jobs blueprint appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“So many people are worried that health care won’t be there for their family when they need it. Or a personal care bed won’t be available for their parents,” explained Bruske. “But the reality is, we only get the change we want when we make our power felt at the ballot box. In this election, that means getting out to the polls and electing Wab Kinew premier of Manitoba with a strong mandate for the NDP on October 3^rd.” 

While Heather Stefanson’s PCs offered negative attacks, Bruske said Wab Kinew and the NDP have been able to bring so many Manitobans together behind a constructive and inclusive message. 

“I know Wab Kinew. I have always been impressed with how much he cares about people and his ability to get things done. The way he’s brought together Manitobans from different political backgrounds, like Gary Doer and Lloyd Axworthy, just shows how he’s ready to lead our province,” said Bruske “Now it’s our turn as Manitobans to have our say. We have an opportunity to vote in a government that will bring in the kind of positive change we want.” 

Bruske added that the best way for Manitobans to respond to the negative campaigning of Heather Stefanson and the PCs is to mark their ballot for the optimistic and progressive ideas Wab Kinew and the NDP have brought to this election campaign. 

“We saw Heather Stefanson continue the Pallister legacy of broken promises. Four more years of heartless Stefanson-Pallister governments would be a disaster for our province. Fortunately, Manitobans are seeing through Stefanson’s fearmongering, and demonizing of workers,” concluded Bruske. “Let’s turn the page on handouts to billionaires and cuts to health and education. Let’s elect a government that will put help for people, stronger health care, respect for workers and good jobs back at the heart of Manitoba’s government.” 

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By enacting these policies, these governments have condoned the hateful behaviour of people across the country who are targeting and endangering trans children. In this climate of rising hate, Canada’s schools should be inclusive and safe spaces for children and staff to be present and protected, not places that out kids to potentially unsupportive families. 

Politicians must be held accountable to make evidence-based, compassionate decisions that prioritize human rights and support the protection of marginalized communities such as 2SLGBTQI+ youth from violence and harassment. 

A silver lining in all of this has been the swift action taken by workers and their unions across the country. As news of hate-based marches and protests spread, so too did plans for counter-protests, often organized by unions, labour councils, and federations of labour. Standing in solidarity against hate and injustice has always been a cornerstone of the labour movement, and that was proven again this week. 

I am proud to be part of the fight against regressive and hate-motivated actions like the recent decisions in New Brunswick and Saskatchewan and the increasing harassment of trans youth. 

Canada’s unions will always fight for a fairer, just, and more equitable future for all – including children.  

-Bea 

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In June of this year, the Court of King’s Bench found Jason King of New Brunswick-based Springhill Construction guilty of criminal negligence – “wonton and reckless disregard” – that killed 18-year-old Michael Henderson. 

While in a four-foot-wide utility hole, a plug holding back water slid out – and the young worker was pinned to a wall as water rushed above his head, drowning him. 

“It is unconscionable how the supervisor failed in his duties,” says Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “This young man had his whole life in front of him – his death was completely preventable and the lives of his family and those he loved will never be the same.” 

Bruske emphasizes that the fight for accountability isn’t over: “Springhill Construction must be held responsible for hiring such a supervisor in the first place. Nothing less than a strong prosecution and criminal negligence charge will suffice.” 

Canada’s unions reiterate the need for strong health and safety systems in every workplace. “Health and safety is job number one,” concludes Bruske. “Laws to protect workers must be enforced – to the fullest extent.” 

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OTTAWA––With his lengthy anti-worker track record and history of cutting health care, Pierre Poilievre’s election as leader of the Conservative Party of Canada is a concern for working families, warned Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

“Pierre Poilievre has used populist rhetoric to hide away his real agenda. But his long track record of attacking workers’ rights and siding with profitable corporations over everyday people makes clear the kind of leader he would be if he gained power,” warned Bruske. “While Mr. Poilievre talks loudly about inflation, he cannot be counted on to push companies to increase workers’ pay to keep up with skyrocketing inflation.”

Bruske noted that while the evidence clearly shows wages are not contributing to rising inflation, ‘greedflation’ by large corporations – who are taking advantage of the inflation to raise prices – is helping to drive up the cost of living.

“While workers and their families see their buying power decreasing, Mr. Poilievre ignores the real problem. It is critical people see through his glib rhetoric to what his real plans are for our country,” explained Bruske. “All we hear from Mr. Poilievre are vague sound bites about freedom. But he isn’t talking about your freedom to make a fair wage or the freedom to make greedy corporations pay their fair share.”

Bruske added that Poilievre does have a previous record in government, having served in a Conservative government that cut health care, imposed austerity on everyday people, introduced anti-labour laws and helped rich corporations pay even less in taxes.

“In government, Mr. Poilievre and his Conservative colleagues ignored the warnings of frontline health workers and voted to cut tens of billions from public health care funding. He voted to cut support for unemployed workers and repeatedly attacked workers’ rights,” concluded Bruske. “Pierre Poilievre cannot be trusted now to repair our broken health care system, help struggling families or stand up for workers.”

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819-209-6706

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“Back-to-work legislation would be a misstep that would only aggravate the situation. If the right to strike is weakened by the federal government legislating the 7000 ILWU workers back to work, it will have a significant impact on every Canadian who expects to have their rights protected by their government. Collective bargaining and the right to strike are fundamental rights. They are central to our democracy. We urge your government to allow the parties to finish bargaining the outstanding issues in good faith,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. 

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“We have stood in solidarity with disability activists and organizations who have lobbied for this benefit for years. Today is a historic moment to celebrate these efforts and reaffirm labour’s support to lift the floor on disability poverty from coast to coast.” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. “This win belongs to all the disability rights and justice activists who fought so hard to get us here.”  

Bill C-22, the Canada Disability Benefit Act, was first promised in the September 2020 throne speech and proposed a new benefit program specifically targeting persons with disabilities in Canada. This benefit is to be distributed in addition to existing programs at the provincial and federal level that offer financial supports for persons with disabilities in Canada. 

Once implemented, the new benefit would be the first federal-level guaranteed monthly income supplement aimed at people living with disabilities of its kind in Canada. 

According to Statistics Canada, people with disabilities make up 41% of the low-income population in Canada, compared with 18% of the non-low-income population. Working aged people with severe disabilities face the highest rates of poverty in Canada. And while inflation has skyrocketed across the country, provincial disability benefits are not index-linked. This means people with disabilities who are already struggling to make ends meet and who face existing barriers to accessing the unique and often expensive supports they need, have been hit the hardest by Canada’s ongoing affordability crisis. 

“We look forward to continued solidarity and collaboration with the activists and organizations who have led these efforts to pass C-22, and to work with the government to ensure that the implementation of the new Canada Disability Benefit is well-resourced in the next budget,” said Lily Chang, Secretary-Treasurer of the CLC. 

For further updates on the implementation of the benefit, follow the continued advocacy efforts of organizations led by people with disabilities, like Disability Without Poverty and Inclusion Canada.  

The post Unions celebrate new Canada Disability Benefit appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Bill C-50, just tabled, provides a roadmap toward making Canada’s economy competitive for years to come.

“On a global scale, clean energy investment has surpassed spending on oil and gas for the first time.” From raging wildfires to extreme storms, each day brings stark reminders of the impacts of climate change and the urgent need for climate action. Climate change is an undeniable reality, and its effects are worsening. Regardless of who might be in power a decade from now, Canada must act today to fulfill its role in the global fight against climate change while securing our position in the low-carbon economy of the future.

Last year, the United States took a significant leap forward with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), placing immense pressure on Canada to keep pace or risk falling behind. The IRA outlined the Biden administration’s plan to slash emissions, invest in clean energy and provide direct supports to communities.

The Canadian government’s response began to take shape when it committed to invest $80 billion over the next decade and signed notable deals with Volkswagen and Stellantis. With the introduction of the Sustainable Jobs Act, C-50, Canada is taking another important step forward for our workers and businesses. This legislation provides a roadmap for making Canada’s economy competitive for years to come.

On a global scale, clean energy investment has surpassed spending on oil and gas for the first time, signalling the most substantial transformation of our economy in recent memory. With fierce global competition to attract new investments, Canada faces the potential loss of up to $600 billion over the next 15 years if we fail to get this right.

Our competitive advantage lies in Canada’s businesses, workers and government working together to ensure that new industrial investments entice companies to do business in Canada and that this new economic activity brings tangible benefits to our people and communities.

At the heart of this new Act is a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council, bringing workers and business together to advise the government on the best ways to create sustainable jobs in this new economy. We believe that at the core of Canada’s approach must be the fundamental principle that workers deserve a meaningful seat at the table and a voice in decision-making around Canada’s industrial strategy. We must provide workers with a pathway to the good jobs of tomorrow while giving the labour movement a real say in any new government body making decisions about workers’ futures.

Multinational corporations possess influential platforms and a strong lobby. They prioritize their investors’ interests. But Canada’s labour movement represents everyday people and brings forward the unique experiences and insights of Canada’s workers.

The decisions we make now will determine whether we build thriving communities powered by good, family-supporting union jobs with decent pay, pensions and benefits. Providing better training and apprenticeship support will mean people can keep their jobs as their industry moves to new low-carbon technologies or learn the skills they need to take on new jobs. We also have a once-in-a-generation opening to create new opportunities for historically excluded people, including women, Indigenous and racialized workers, workers with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups.

By bringing labour, industry and government together, the Sustainable Jobs Act provides a new approach that can position Canada at the forefront of the global low-carbon economy. Working together, we can create good union jobs while we help businesses shift to cleaner technologies, move to lower-emissions manufacturing jobs, and make Canada a leading supplier of the critical minerals needed for new low-carbon technologies.

This is how we can build the kinds of flourishing communities Canadians want for their children and grandchildren.

Bea Bruske is President of the Canadian Labour Congress. Follow her on Twitter @PresidentCLC

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“Whether on the shop floor, in union halls or in government spaces, Canada’s unions know that we are stronger together. We will continue to build unity not only to celebrate, but to defend the diversity within our movement. Our commitment to fighting against homophobic and transphobic violence and discrimination is a daily practice that extends beyond just Pride season,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “Pride is an important opportunity for us to highlight this work, but our solidarity and support reaches much further.”

The rise of anti-2SLGBTQI+ phobia and violence has been an alarming trend across Canada and around the world. According to a recent report from Statistics Canada, domestic police-reported hate crimes based on sexual orientation increased drastically – by almost 60 per cent between 2019 and 2021. A 2018 report also found that transgender Canadians are disproportionately more likely to experience violence than their cis-gender counterparts, including in public, online and at work.

According to ACLED, a non-partisan organisation that compiles statistics on violence globally, anti-LGBTQ mobilizations in the United States more than tripled in 2022 compared to 2021. This led to horrific tragedies including the Colorado nightclub shooting, and has raised concerns of a spillover effect in Canada.

In fact, anti-inclusion and pro-violence campaigns are continuing to gain momentum in our country, targeting a growing number of Pride events and related programming. They also seek to undermine important legislative gains aimed at increasing equity and inclusion of 2SLGBTQI+ communities in Canada. This includes disruptions at local drag story-time events and attacks against inclusive curriculum development in schools. Many of these anti-2SLGBTQI+ mobilizations have documented connections to far right and white supremacist groups . These connections include direct funding from and similar strategy to anti-2SLGBTQI+ fascist organisations, based in the U.S. and globally. 

In the face of mounting hate, we will continue to vehemently oppose racism, colonialism, homophobia, biphobia, intersexphobia and transphobia in all of its forms, across Canada and around the world.

“The actions of a hateful few threaten to injure the progressive, inclusive and equitable vision for all that our labour movement has defended for decades. But make no mistake: Canada’s unions will continue to show up to defend these hard-fought gains on 2SLGBTQI+ rights, in the workplace and in our communities. We will fervently defend against the bigotry and ignorance peddled by the far right,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the CLC.

While the new federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan is an important first step, more direct action is needed to support local organisations, particularly in rural areas. Canada’s unions will continue to lobby governments at every level to support and protect these organisations dedicated to combatting homophobia and transphobia. We are equally committed to helping sustain safe community spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ people across Canada and around the world.

Canada’s unions must also be part of the solution to end homophobia, transphobia and 2SLGBTQI+ phobia internally by showing leadership and challenging discrimination anywhere we see it. We can do this with member education, awareness campaigns, bargaining 2SLGBTQI+ collective agreement language, and participating in pride events every year. 

Show your support by attending Pride events in your community. Be sure to download our Workers in Transition Guide to learn more on how you can support trans people in your workplace.

The post Pride 2023: Together always, united in our diversity appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“All workers, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, deserve to work free of violence and harassment. Unfortunately, this reality is especially untrue for 2SLGBTQI+ workers, who often face disproportionate amounts of discrimination and bullying at work.” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress. 

In fact, the CLC’s most recent survey on harassment and violence in Canadian workplaces found that 73% of gender-diverse respondents reported experiencing multiple forms of harassment and violence at work, a disproportionately high number compared to their cisgender colleagues. LGBTQ2S+ respondents were also more likely to have experienced harassment and violence, particularly sexual harassment and violence.

A 2020 study on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual earnings in the Canadian labour market also found these populations were more likely to earn lower incomes, experience more discrimination in the workplace and deal with increased barriers to finding and advancing in employment compared to their heterosexual counterparts. And a 2020 Trans PULSE Canada survey report on trans and non-binary Canadians found that less than half of trans respondents were employed full‑time, while 35% were employed part-time.

“While these statistics paint a grim picture of the reality of anti-2SLGBTQI+ sentiments in the workplace, it doesn’t have to be this way. Canada’s unions believe in the power of properly implementing ILO C-190, the newly ratified global standard on harassment and violence at work, as a key part of the puzzle to address discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics in the workplace,” continued Rousseau

Unions applauded the recent news of Canada’s ratification of ILO C-190, a historic global convention to end violence and harassment at work, first introduced in 2019. However, ratification is only the first step toward meaningful change. There needs to be a strong plan for implementation in all jurisdictions, which requires a coordinated effort involving governments, employers and unions.

“As Pride season commences from coast to coast, there is no better time for governments to take action and bring all stakeholders together to end all forms of violence and harassment at work. 2SLGBTQI+ workers deserve to feel safe at work and it’s time Canada take action to make this a reality,” concluded Rousseau.

The post Urgent action needed to end homophobic and transphobic violence at work appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

OTTAWA – While today’s federal budget includes measures to create good, sustainable jobs and ease financial pressures for some, more action is needed to extend a helping hand to hard-pressed families.

“Canada’s unions applaud the government’s investment in sustainable jobs and training, which will benefit workers as our economy shifts to address the climate crisis,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “The government’s move to attach strings to tax credits to ensure that investments in clean energy create good jobs is positive. We will continue pressing for unionized, low‑carbon jobs across all sectors of our economy to ensure workers aren’t left behind.”

Budget 2023 fulfills a significant commitment made in the agreement between the New Democrats and the Liberal government by expanding dental care, benefiting approximately nine million Canadians. However, we were alarmed to see three percent cuts to public sector funding, which could have a significant impact on workers and the services that people rely on.

As well, today’s budget only scratches the surface of Canada’s care crisis. Provincial health funding does not go far enough without accountability to ensure health care is publicly delivered.

“American-style, for-profit clinics drain resources from public systems, costing more and driving up wait times, with dire consequences,” said Bruske. “Our health care system is being slammed by extreme staffing shortages. We need a fully funded workforce plan to retain care workers and recruit staff where they are needed, and direct investments to bolster public health care.”

The government missed an opportunity to overhaul our failing Employment Insurance (EI) system and invest in prescription drug coverage for all Canadians. “The affordability crisis means public programs like universal pharmacare and EI are more critical than ever. It is disappointing that the federal government continues to resist calls to implement a full pharmacare program and fix our inadequate EI system,” she added.

Canada’s unions are also calling for the government to tackle rampant corporate greed.

“The proposed grocery rebate will provide some relief, but it fails to tackle the root of the problem: corporations putting profits before people. While we welcome the introduction of a new 2% tax on share buybacks and a corporate beneficial ownership registry it doesn’t go far enough. Workers are tired of watching their budgets get stretched further while big business rakes in blockbuster profits,” said Bruske.

Canada’s unions will continue to press for the government to make corporations and Canada’s wealthiest pay their fair share, for investments that put money back in workers’ wallets and tackle soaring shelter costs, and concrete action to address the staffing crisis in our care systems.

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To arrange an interview, please contact:

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613-526-7426

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Canada’s unions are calling for a workers’ budget, that prioritizes real and strategic investments in publicly funded, publicly delivered services like health care, and measures to permanently strengthen our EI system. 

Workers and their families are falling behind, and our inadequate social safety net is failing them. Workers expect the government to throw them a lifeline. 

What:          CLC President available to talk about Budget 2023 

Where:       In person, by phone or by ZOOM 

When:        March 28, 2023, and/or in advance of the budget, by arrangement 

Who:           Bea Bruske, President of the CLC  

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Contact information: 

CLC Media Relations 
media@clcctc.ca 
613-526-7426  

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You have led the charge, for decades, to improve women’s rights and gender equality at work. Years of tireless advocacy, over generations, has tipped the scales through every lobby, campaign, conversation and rally to get that much closer to achieving the feminist and equitable world those who stood before us dreamed of.

Now, don’t get me wrong, because our work to advance gender rights in the workplace is definitely far from over. There is still so much to do to eradicate sexism and the patriarchy from our workplaces and that won’t happen overnight.

We certainly could spend our time this International Women’s Day taking stock of the challenges that persist, and we will, but I don’t want us to stop there either.

This year, I want to celebrate.

Because when I look around at our movement of fierce union women, there is no denying that we are change makers.

As gender justice champions, you are constantly pushing the envelope, bringing your identities as Black, Indigenous, and racialized women, as 2SLBTQI+ women, and as women with disabilities to continue to fortify and build an equitable agenda for our labour movement.

I cannot help but beam with pride at the enormous gains we’ve made over the years. Victories that inch us closer every day to the feminist and equitable workplaces that unions have championed for generations.

In the last five years alone, we’ve won federal pay equity legislation, we’re on the path toward a national child care system, we’ve won paid domestic violence leave for almost all workers across the country and most recently, we successfully pushed our federal government to ratify a new international labour standard on violence and harassment at work.

And that’s not all.

When we have each other’s back—we accomplish phenomenal things.

I think of Laura Walton from the Canadian Union of Public Employees, who stood up to fight for the 55,000 education workers in Ontario who walked off the job last fall and whose successful strike action led to major wins for education workers across the province with vast improvements to wages and working conditions.

I am also reminded everyday of those who broke glass ceilings: Grace Hartman was the first woman to lead a national union in North America, Shirley Carr was the first woman elected at the head of the Canadian Labour Congress, Jan Simpson is the first Black woman to be elected president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, Irene Lanzinger, the first woman elected to the presidency of the B.C. Federation of Labour and Patty Coates became the first woman to lead the Ontario Federation of Labour.

And most recently, Magali Picard broke another glass ceiling. For the first time in its history, la Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec, elected a woman and the first Indigenous person as their president.

These are just a few examples of the courageous, firecracker feminists that make up our movement. Each and every one of us stands on the shoulders of union women giants like them, and those that came before them.

We are part of a proud and unyielding history of working women who have blazed the trail for equity and inclusion, and whose efforts led to paid parental and maternity leave, the right to be paid for the value of our work, the right to a world of work free from violence and harassment, groundbreaking gains that workers of all genders from coast to coast to coast enjoy today.

Together, we have fundamentally transformed the landscape for gender justice at work in Canada.

We are stronger than ever, and our work is just getting started.

Solidarity!

Bea

Bea Bruske is president of the Canadian Labour Congress. Follow her on Twitter @PresidentCLC

The post To union feminists, this International Women’s Day, I salute you appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“So much of what we have accomplished when it comes to women’s rights and gender justice at work in Canada is a direct result of union women working together to push for change; sector by sector, workplace by workplace, in our communities and on the national stage. It’s time we celebrate what we can achieve when we work together,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Union women are not strangers to being on the frontlines of advocating for and achieving victories in the name of working women, victories that ultimately benefit all workers and their families. These wins include the introduction of paid maternity and parental leave in Canada back in 1971,  legislated paid domestic violence leave, and progress in organising new bargaining units  in women-dominated sectors like retail. Union women have been leading the charge delivering results for gender justice at work. 

Since the launch of #DoneWaiting, thousands of activists have taken action and committed themselves to championing women’s rights and gender equity in workplaces across Canada. We demanded – and won – progress at all levels of government to end wage discrimination, end sexual harassment and violence, fix the child care crisis and make work fair for women. In the last five years, we won some incredible victories, including: 

• The adoption of federal pay equity legislation in 2018;
• 30 billion dollars pledged in the 2021 federal budget to spend over five years on a new national child care system;
• The introduction, in 2022, of federal child care legislation; and
• Canada finally ratifying ILO C-190 in 2023, committing to a world of work free of harassment and violence, in particular gender-based violence.

“From coast to coast to coast, union women have blazed the trail in the fight for a more feminist and equitable Canada. We are emboldened by our victories to keep pushing the envelope as gender justice champions in every workplace and community,” added Siobhán Vipond, Executive Vice-President at the CLC.

As we look ahead, Canada’s unions are committed to continuing to push decision makers to take further actions to #EmbraceEquity from coast to coast. Our vision includes:

• A commitment to value women’s work by creating a national care strategy to train, recruit and retain workers in care sectors so we can end wage discrimination in a sector that disproportionately employs women, especially racialized and newcomer women;
• Action to end gender-based violence and harassment at work and collaborate with unions, employers and all levels of government to implement ILO C-190 and make work safer for women, trans and gender non-conforming workers;
• Support for the calls of child care advocates and sector workers to advance Bill C-35 on respecting early learning and child care in Canada until the right of every child to accessible, affordable, inclusive and high quality child care becomes enshrined in Canadian law; and
• Investments from our federal government into a Care Economy Commission that will: examine paid and unpaid care work and develop a roadmap to meet the increasing demands for care; reduce and redistribute women’s unpaid care work, including by improving access to public care services for children, the elderly and people living with disabilities; and build a broader and more inclusive labour market strategy to achieve high-quality, equitable care jobs across all care sectors. 

Join us by taking the pledge to be a gender justice champion at work.

The post Union women: Stronger than ever appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“We are happy to see the government prescribe a new standard that mean residents should be able to live in long-term care residences where they will receive the care they deserve,” said Bea Bruske, Canadian Labour Congress President. “But today’s announcement provides no mandatory obligation to use the new standard,” added Bruske.

A week from today, the Prime Minister will be meeting with the premiers to talk about health care funding. Canada’s unions believe it is crucial that long-term care be brought entirely into the public system and regulated under the Canada Health Act.

“In the first months of the pandemic, more than 81 percent of COVID-19 deaths were in long-term care and retirement homes. It is a tragedy,” said Bruske. “We need the government to act urgently to put a stop to for-profit ownership of long-term care homes. For-profit long-term care homes have fewer staff, fewer hours of care per resident per day, lower pay, and more job insecurity,” added Bruske.

Another pressing issue is the shortage of staff in long-term care homes. More for-profit residences will not solve staffing issues, they will only take care workers out of the public system into the private sector.

Canada’s unions are urging the government to act on its promise to table a Safe Long-Term Care Act to ensure that seniors are guaranteed the care they deserve, no matter where they live.

“Governments should keep seniors safe by removing for-profit corporations from the sector, requiring proper staffing and health and safety protections for workers, and raising wages and benefits as well as providing pension plans for long-term care workers,” added Bruske. “This is about strengthening and expanding our public care system—ultimately improving access for Canadians.”

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613-526-7426

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OTTAWA––C-190 is the first global treaty that acknowledges the universal right to a world of work free from violence and harassment, and establishes a clear framework for ending it. Once ratified, governments are accountable for preventing and addressing all forms of violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment, and it gives unions the tools they need to make work safer for everyone.

“We know that 7 in 10 workers experience some form of harassment and violence, with women and equity-deserving workers experiencing higher rates and deeper impacts on their jobs, their health, and their well-being,” said Bea Bruske, Canadian Labour Congress President. “Ratifying C-190 not only sends a powerful signal that Canadians believe everyone deserves to work free from violence and harassment – it gives governments, unions and employers a roadmap for preventing it, addressing it, and one day eliminating it.”

Convention 190 is groundbreaking and visionary, but also practical and actionable. It recognizes that everyone in the world of work – governments, employers, unions and individual workers – have a role to play to provide and sustain a work culture that is based on mutual respect and the dignity of everyone.

“We are excited about the potential for proactive, positive change that this ratification represents,” said Bruske. “C-190 is a comprehensive instrument. It’s inclusive in how it defines who is protected and what work situations are covered, it highlights the need for gender-responsive approaches, and it requires that violence and harassment involving third parties – whether they are clients, customers, patients or members of the public – be considered and addressed. For workers whose jobs involve dealing with the public and in public space, this recognition is extremely important.”

“This is truly a convention that leaves no one behind. But to realize its promise and potential, Canada needs a strong plan to implement it in every jurisdiction. Canada’s unions are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work with governments and employers to develop this plan and to make work safer for everyone.”

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“This day serves as an important reminder of the lethal impacts of Islamophobia and the need for government and all Canadians to commit to taking action against hate for a safer and more inclusive Canada for all,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).

Data released by Statistics Canada in 2022 showed a disturbingly sharp increase in reported hate crimes since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report showed a 72 percent increase in hate crimes largely targeting religion, race ethnicity, and sexual orientation. This data reflects incidents reported to police, however, many hate crimes and incidents of hate go unreported.  

Hate was already on the rise before the pandemic: Canada saw a rise in activity of right-wing extremists on the ground in communities, but especially online over the course of several years leading up to the pandemic. A 2020 report of findings from a study conducted by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), which tracked the online ecosystems used by right-wing extremists in Canada, showed the growth and expansion of the right-wing extremist movement in Canada between 2015 and 2019. A follow-up report in 2021 showed an increase in activity of right-wing extremists on Facebook, Twitter and 4chan from 2019 to 2020, with the most common ideological subcategory of right-wing extremists operating across online platforms being ethnonationalist.

Ethnonationalist, xenophobic, racist and white supremacist ideology promoted by these growing hate groups has inspired significant violence and has had dangerous and deadly consequences for Muslims. High profile examples of violent incidents include the mosque attack in Quebec City in 2017; the fatal stabbing in 2020 of volunteer Mohamed-Aslim Zafis, as he sat outside the International Muslim Organization in Toronto; and the murder of members of the Afzaal family out for a walk in London Ontario in 2021. This is to name just a few as many other incidents of Islamophobia have followed.

Canada’s unions, along with anti-hate organizations and groups, community members and allies are awaiting the federal government’s introduction of new legislation to address online hate.

“We look forward to seeing government table legislation with sufficient consideration given to the needs of those communities most often targeted and disproportionately harmed by hateful speech,” said CLC Executive Vice-President Larry Rousseau. “Urgent action needs to be taken to confront rapidly growing radicalization, propaganda, hate speech and related violence as soon as possible.”

The labour movement will continue to stand in solidarity with Muslim workers and communities and work with all levels of government in its commitment to advancing anti-Islamophobia efforts and ensuring safer workplaces and communities for all Canadians.

Join us and show your support:

• Join the National Council for Canadian Muslim’s Green Square Campaign to show your solidarity and support for the victims and survivors of the Quebec City mosque attack
• Join or organize a vigil in your community or attend an online event or webinar to mark the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia on January 29
• Watch the “Islamophobia is” video series to learn more about how Islamophobia manifests and is perpetuated

• Read the CLC’s report on confronting Islamophobia in our workplaces and communities: Islamophobia at Work: Challenges and Opportunities, which includes recommendations for employers, unions, and government on how to address this issue

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OTTAWA- As the cabinet retreat adjourns and all parties prepare for the return of Parliament next Monday, Canada’s unions are urging cooperation and collaboration focused on helping struggling families.

December’s CPI numbers showed that inflation is moderating in Canada, but workers continue to see their wages lagging. According to the Bank of Canada’s most recent survey, Canadians are cutting down on their spending by fear of higher interest rates and the specter of a looming recession.

“I hope that Governor Macklem and the Bank of Canada are seriously considering pausing rate hikes this year,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Let’s hope they are just as quick to start reducing rates as they were hiking them. If we are thrown into a recession, that would initiate massive job losses and downward pressure on wages.”

Across the country, the effects of the Bank of Canada’s interest rate hikes are apparent. Big banks are expecting tens of thousands of people to default on their mortgages, and food banks are reporting a massive increase in usage. Meanwhile, before noon on January 3, Canada’s top CEOs had already pocketed the average workers’ annual salary.

“Parliament will resume next week and we’re at a crossroads. The rising costs of food, housing, and prescription medication are affecting everyone, meaning more and more people must make difficult choices – buying food to put on the table or buying the medication their kid needs. No one should have to make that impossible decision,” added Bruske.

“We are seeing public health care failing across the country – we have ERs shutting down, children’s hospitals are swamped, wait times for critical surgeries just keep getting longer and the worst recently happened when people died while waiting for care in an emergency room. At the heart of the crisis facing our health care system right now is the critical shortage of workers – the government needs to address this, and fast,” said Bruske.

To tackle the never-before-seen staff shortage, the government must invest in health care workers with better pay, benefits, pension plan and working conditions. Canada’s unions are asking the government to invest in addressing the underutilization of internationally educated health care workers with meaningful and faster licensure and certification.

Canada’s unions will be urging the government to increase investments in health care and to strongly oppose the privatization of our care systems. The Prime Minister needs to call a First Ministers’ meeting and work with provinces and territories to put in place programs like pharmacare and dental care for all to help alleviate some of the costs families are facing, ultimately helping reduce the impacts of inflation.

Canada’s unions will be pushing the government to fix the shattered Employment Insurance (EI) system. This must start with restoring temporary EI measures until permanent improvements can take effect.

Canada’s unions will also be calling on Parliament to pass anti-scab legislation, quickly. Workers don’t just need anti-scab legislation, they need strong anti-scab legislation. The government has an excellent model for this legislation in NDP MP Boulerice’s private member’s Bill C-302 and we are urging all parties to work together to pass this Bill.

Senators must also act swiftly to pass Bill C-228. This Bill will safeguard the hard-earned pensions of millions of workers and pensioners. It will also ensure that super-priority is given to pensioners and pension plan members in the event of an employer becoming insolvent, meaning they will have to pay pensions before addressing other financial liabilities.

Senators have a historic opportunity to restore fairness for workers and pensioners and ensure the injustice faced by Sears, Nortel, and Stelco workers is never allowed to happen again.

“Parliamentarians working together, across party lines, is key to progress. Cooperation between the New Democrats and the Liberal government resulted in significant gains – and Canada’s unions will continue to push for more cooperation to tackle the pressing challenges ahead of us,” said Bruske.

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613-526-7426

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Winston Churchill famously said, ‘Never let a good crisis go to waste,’ and clearly Premiers Doug Ford in Ontario and Danielle Smith in Alberta, took note. Both are seizing this crisis in our health care system to institute huge, ideologically motivated changes to health care delivery. They promise a quick fix, but what they really want is to privatize as much of the system as they can, ripping away at the bedrock of our public health care system.

Reports predict that this week Premier Doug Ford will propose a massive shift of tax dollars from public hospitals to private surgical and diagnostic clinics. Make no mistake, the increased use of for-profit clinics will mean two clear outcomes: first, it will result in less funding for our public health system; and second, it will make the current health care worker shortage even worse.

The reality is private facilities are more focused on maximizing their profits than maximizing positive patient outcomes. Even if these are single-payer health facilities, where you can use your health card, for-profit care means dollars siphoned away from public hospitals to private investors. We saw during the pandemic that for-profit long-term care homes saw higher mortality rates than those that were not-for-profit. Innovative ideas for improving health care delivery are welcome but moving towards a U.S. style for-profit care model won’t benefit everyday people, but it will mean private investors are poised to make millions.

At the heart of the crisis facing the Canadian health care system right now is the critical shortage of workers, full stop. Health care employees who went above and beyond the entire pandemic are exhausted and fed up. Short-staffed facilities are clamoring to fill vacancies but it’s hard to retain demoralized staff.

Recruiting a new generation of health care workers into workplaces facing this level of crisis is a monumental challenge. It will be made even harder if more health workers head for private surgical clinics and empty out our public hospitals. It’s a simple question of math. One nurse removed from the public system and placed into a private facility won’t be easily replaced. Just last week we learned from Ontario Nurses’ Association interim president Bernie Robinson that Ontario’s nurse-to-population ratio is the worst in Canada. The Ford government’s bizarre suggestion that it would be the same staff working at the for-profit clinics shows his government simply doesn’t grasp the problem. Is the same nurse already being forced to work double shifts now expected to add a third or fourth shift at a private clinic?

Ford and other conservatives keep repeating the mantra that people just want better care and don’t care how it is delivered. But people do care. Recent polling released by the Ontario Federation of Labour showed that 60 percent of Ontarians oppose private health care delivery. And this number will only grow when someone is rushed to the hospital for urgent care only to find the surgeon out moonlighting at a private clinic, padding the bank accounts of investors off quick and easy procedures.

We are seeing public health care failing across the country. But the solution isn’t for-profit clinics taking money out of the public system. What we need is all levels of government to come together behind a plan to strengthen our public health care system, starting with addressing the critical shortage of health workers we are facing across the country.

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A portion of the funds accepted by Visentini were transferred to the ITUC and were used to assist a number of ITUC affiliates to attend the Congress in Melbourne.

On January 13, General Council of the ITUC, of which the CLC is a member, approved an external audit of the conditions that lead to the ITUC accepting this cash donation from a third party, via Visentini. The General Council also struck a Special Commission to investigate the circumstances that preceded this decision, and any potential impact it may have had on the outcome of the election for the position of General Secretary, as well as whether the ITUC’s position on Qatar’s adherence to labour standards had been unduly influenced by external actors connected to the Belgian investigation. The results of the independent external audit and Commission report will be reported to the General Council, along with an interim report of the Special Commission in March 2023.

A strong global voice for workers is critical, just as it is here at home. The CLC will continue to act in its role in ensuring the highest standards of accountability, transparency and integrity needed to ensure that the ITUC can continue to do its important work on behalf of workers around the world.

The post Statement by the Canadian Labour Congress regarding the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

We want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were killed in this senseless act of violence. Our sympathies go to the families and friends of those who lost their lives.

We were deeply saddened to hear that a member of our labour family was a victim of this tragic attack. Doreen Di Nino, wife of ATU Canada President, John Di Nino, was seriously injured and is currently being treated in hospital. All our thoughts and prayers are with John, Doreen and their family. We wish Doreen well and hope for a quick and fulsome recovery.  

The post Statement from Bea Bruske on the mass shooting in Vaughan, Ontario appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

An estimated 500,000 undocumented people in Canada live under constant fear and threat of abuse and exploitation due to their immigration status. They frequently face racism, discrimination and wage theft, work in dangerous conditions, and are denied basic human and labour rights and benefits such as job protections, health care and education. Their precarious and vulnerable position leaves them unable to speak up against the maltreatment they experience.

“Migrants, international students, refugees and undocumented people are struggling hard to secure their rights. Canada’s unions stand alongside them in strongly advocating for the rights and protections they deserve,” said Bea Bruske, CLC President. “Migrant workers do the critical work of keeping our communities and families safe and cared for. They provide essential services to Canadians across numerous sectors, yet face precarity and unfair working and living conditions and low wages. Urgent change is needed to help support these workers.”

The CLC also continues to urge the government to make meaningful and substantive changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to ensure migrant workers have full human and labour rights, including the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining. Migrant workers under the TFWP are subject to work permits that tie them to one employer, which bars them from job mobility and security and makes them highly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation by their employers while offering them no recourse.

Most migrants in low-waged work do not have access to permanent residency. To address this issue, the CLC fully supports creating more opportunities for permanent residency for migrants, especially for low-wage migrants, which would provide them with access to the government supports and labour protections they require. “It’s past time for Canada to remove the barriers to full participation and opportunities for migrants, undocumented people, international students and refugees. We urge the federal government to take bold and progressive action to provide full and permanent immigration status for the 1.7 million migrants living in Canada, including undocumented people,” said Bruske.

The post International Migrants Day: Canada must do more to help undocumented people secure their rights appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

OTTAWA –– Canada’s unions welcome today’s early learning and child care legislation, Bill C‑35, another success born of the cooperation between the NDP and the Liberal government.

“Ensuring affordable, high quality, accessible and flexible services means we will have a Canada-wide system of early learning and child care that meets the needs of workers and their families. Perhaps more importantly, it will help families struggling with costs in the immediate future,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “This legislation demonstrates a clear federal commitment to long-term, stable funding that labour, child care activists and parents have been longing to see for decades.”

The legislation, introduced today by Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, also establishes an advisory council and stresses public, not-for-profit child care.

“In public, not-for-profit care, child care workers are able to focus on providing the best care, and families are assured that all funding is going into the care of their children, not padding the pockets of investors. As we have seen in long-term care, when the focus is on profit, the system breaks down,” said Bruske.

“We are looking forward to a full discussion of this legislation at committee, where we hope to see a full set of hearings. Canada’s unions will be ready and eager to discuss a workforce strategy and ensure the legislation enshrines a commitment to decent work for people in the sector, as well as strong accountability measures.”

The early learning and child care legislation includes key principles long advocated for by labour and child care advocates—including affordability, inclusion, high quality, and accessibility and the need for flexible services that meet the diverse needs of children and families.

Canada’s unions were also pleased to see that the legislation recognizes the importance of child care in meeting Canada’s obligations under international human rights instruments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It also recognizes the need for culturally appropriate early learning and child care for First Nations, Metis and Inuit children and families led by Indigenous people. This is important in the implementation of the Calls to Action made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Calls for Justice made by the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited Peoples

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613-526-7426

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Bank risks substantially weakening our economy, potentially throwing hundreds of thousands of Canadians out of work

Facing a one-two punch of sky-high prices on daily essentials combined with rising credit card, mortgage and other bills, the last thing Canadians need right now is a recession, which could mean massive job losses and economic upheaval. But that’s exactly what could happen if the Bank of Canada raises interest rates Wednesday for the seventh time in the past nine months.

The Bank of Canada, led by governor Tiff Macklem, has already raised interest rates faster than almost any other country. These hikes have left millions of Canadians facing eye-popping rises in credit payments. Combined, Canadians now owe $2.29 trillion in credit, according to TransUnion LLC’s Q3 2022 Credit Industry Insights Report. Rate hikes have even pushed the Bank of Canada itself into the red for the first time in history, with a loss of $522 million in the third quarter.

Central banks raise interest rates to cool the economy and slow inflation, but Macklem has been doing more than just tightening monetary policy. He has also been waging an ongoing public relations campaign against phantom wage growth, arguing that wages are fuelling inflation. There is zero evidence that wages are fuelling inflation. Statistics Canada’s labour force survey, released Friday, shows wage increases are lagging inflation, not driving it.

In a recent report from the Canadian Labour Congress and the Centre for Future Work called A Cure Worse than the Disease? Toward a More Balanced Understanding of Inflation and What to Do About It, economist Jim Stanford lays out evidence showing how wages are not the cause of inflation. Stanford points out that corporate Canada’s pricing power has been fuelling higher prices, resulting in corporate accounts being padded with sky-high, record profits. In 2022, corporate profits in Canada reached the largest share of gross domestic product (GDP) in Canadian history, or put another way, corporate profits grew three times faster than wages since 2019.

Despite all this, Macklem has stubbornly declared that the Bank of Canada will continue raising interest rates, even if it pushes our economy into a harmful recession. With the myopic policy focus on achieving the target inflation rate of two percent, the bank risks substantially weakening our economy and potentially throwing hundreds of thousands of Canadians out of work.

If the Bank of Canada is determined to manufacture an economic recession, we know the pain will not be shared equally. Just last week, the International Labour Organization (ILO) warned that global poverty and income inequality are on the rise worldwide while people’s purchasing power is falling behind. The ILO’s Global Wage Report recently warned that for the first time in history, real wages fell into negative territory in 2022, down 0.9 per cent, with low-income workers and households feeling the pinch most of all.

The ILO cautions that this not only puts the pandemic recovery at risk, but it could also fuel growing social unrest. As the inquiry into the Ottawa convoy occupation wraps up, and the U.S. hearings examining the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection draw to a close, the prospect of a manufactured economic crisis driving growing social unrest is not one we should take lightly. Pouring more cold water on our economy now — and driving it into a damaging, monetary policy-induced recession — will only make things worse.

As Macklem announces the Bank of Canada’s interest rate decision this Wednesday, he should consider the well-being of the workers and families already paying the biggest price from the cost-of-living crisis. This should start with Macklem pushing pause on more interest rate hikes. Let’s take time to evaluate the impact of previous hikes before raising them any further.

Bea Bruske is president of the Canadian Labour Congress.

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33 years after the École Polytechnique attack, the CLC’s National Survey on Harassment and Violence at Work exposed the unnerving reality that gender-based harassment and violence remain a persistent threat to workers. The survey also found that third-party violence (from customers, clients, patients and others) accounts for 1 in 3 of these incidents and is a particular threat to women and gender-diverse workers who are more frequently employed in public-facing jobs.

“We hear heartbreaking stories from workers of harassment and violence from members of the public, their patients, or clients,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “And even more devastating, every year workers in Canada are murdered at work due to rising rates of third-party violence fuelled by misogyny, racism, transphobia, and homophobia. We know that third-party violence is a significant and sometimes deadly threat to workers, yet existing legislation on workplace health and safety does not adequately cover it.”

Inaction can be deadly. In 2019, Deborah Onwu, a youth social worker was killed while caring for a client. In 2021, Julia Ferguson, was murdered at the law firm she worked at. In 2022, Harmandeep Kaur was murdered while working as a security guard on the University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan campus. The murder of these three women is a stark reminder of how much work we have yet to do to address gender-based violence and harassment at work and the continued threat of third-party violence.

“We need a gender-responsive and intersectional approach to tackling third-party violence and we can find that approach in International Labour Convention 190 (C‑190),” said CLC President Bea Bruske. “While the Canadian government has taken the first steps to ratify C-190, we need a plan to implement it properly and workers’ voices need to be at the centre of that plan. Labour is ready to do our part, but we cannot do it alone. Governments and employers must work with us to address third‑party violence and its disproportionate impact on women and gender-diverse workers.”

That is why, during this year’s 16 Days of activism, the CLC is calling on the government to bring other levels of governments, unions and workers together for a tripartite summit to examine the issue of third-party violence, its impact on women and gender-diverse workers, and to formulate a plan for addressing this urgent issue as a key step toward implementing C-190. Refusing to act is not an option as workers continue to face life-threatening incidents of harassment and violence at work.

“Together we can make work safer and say Never Again to gender-based violence.”

Read more about third-party violence at work and its impacts on women, two-spirit, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming workers in this statement by labour leaders.

To read the results on the National Survey on Harassment and Violence at work click here.

The post It’s time to commit to ending gender-based violence and say never again! appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Canada’s unions are pleased that the Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan emphasizes the need for a Just Transition to centre social dialogue and include social protection. This is a significant step forward that recognizes the importance of engaging workers and safe work. We are also encouraged by the creation of a Just Transition Work Programme to discuss pathways towards achieving global climate targets.

The agreement to create a historic loss and damage fund which will directly address the impact of climate change, particularly in the Global South, has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people who face the greatest risks from climate change.

During the summit, we were encouraged to hear Canada speak up for a Just Transition for workers and affected communities. We look forward to Canada living up to the spirit of those comments made in Sharm El-Sheikh at home.

Despite some of these important agreements, it is disappointing to see workers and labour rights left out of the cover text. There cannot be a Just Transition without labour rights. We are also disappointed to see countries backtrack on their commitment at COP26 to focus fully on renewable energy.

Canadians, and people around the world, needed a deal that set ambitious goals on climate and equity, a roadmap to meet them, and a clear recognition that workers need, and are essential to, a Just Transition.

We are proud of our efforts to represent Canadian workers at this critical global climate conference. But it is clear we have our work cut out for us.

The post Canada’s unions on COP27: Some wins, but we have our work cut out for us appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

OTTAWA –– Canada’s unions applaud the announced investment in workers, sustainable jobs and training that will help equip workers with the skills they need to meet the challenges of Canada’s economic future.

“Canada’s unions have long advocated for federal guidance and investment in the training workers need to meet the demands of a sustainable energy future,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Investments in sustainable jobs and training are vital to ensure Canada meets is climate goals, while realizing the economic opportunities of the sustainable energy economy.”

The $250 million investment in the Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, including the Union Training and Innovation Program will go a long way to transitioning workers to good-quality, low carbon jobs. It is unfortunate the government included private, for-profit training institutions, and employer-specific micro-credentials that won’t benefit workers long-term.

Canada’s unions also welcome additional income supports, while continuing to call for a much wider reform of the Employment Insurance (EI) system.

“Although new measures to support workers are welcome, the government missed an opportunity to fix Canada’s outdated EI program,” said Bruske. “The funds announced today will barely help workers most affected by the current affordability crisis and most prone to work loss. What we need is an EI system for the 21^st century.”

The Statement missed an opportunity to make clear the government will be there for the people who will be hurt in the coming recession. Repairing our tattered social safety net will ensure it is there for people when they need it.

Investments in health care, child care, long-term care and pharmacare would not only help reduce the costs workers and their families are facing face but alleviate some of the impacts of inflation, added Bruske. “Canadians expect leadership from this government with meaningful investments that help reduce their everyday costs.”

Also missing in the Statement was any movement on corporate taxation.

“Corporate profits are at an all-time high and inflation is rising faster than what we’ve seen in four decades,” said Bruske. “While European states are moving ahead with taxing excess profits, and the US President is talking about doing the same for oil and gas – Canada has not even explored the possibility. We need tax reform to ensure these big businesses are paying their fair share.”

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613-526-7426

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The economic impacts of the pandemic highlighted not only existing inequality, but showed how a lack of workplace benefits – like paid sick leave – can have severe repercussions on workers, their families and our broader communities.

“Workers in low-paid, frontline and precarious jobs were hit hardest over the last few years. The pandemic really showed us all that our existing system was heavily flawed and not at all designed to support workers through a time of crisis,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. “So, workers strengthened their resolve, and have pushed back against their employers and against governments, demanding access to things like paid sick leave and other workplace and social benefits. We can’t claim to move forward from the last two and a half years, yet expect to go back to the way things were. The old way wasn’t working.”

The federal government made some commitments over the course of the pandemic and into the recovery period, aimed at improving supports for workers. Things like paid sick days, for example, go a long way to making work life better for those without workplace benefits.

“But workers know that temporary and stop-gap measures don’t go far enough. Which is why across Canada and the United States, workers from places like Starbucks, Amazon and Indigo are organizing in large numbers into unions. They’re demanding improved pay, better working conditions and supports, and benefits. They are winning over major corporations that have historically been anti-union. It speaks volumes to these workers’ determination and drive to win decent working conditions for themselves and their coworkers,” said Bruske. “They’re doing incredible work and they should be very proud of these victories.”

However, the ongoing affordability crisis is making life increasingly difficult for many workers. Wages are stagnating while the cost of living has continued to increase at a breakneck pace. Meanwhile, corporate profits are soaring, with company executives bringing in astronomically high payouts. None of the windfall is being shared through wage increases, nor is it contributing to social spending through taxes.

“Decision makers – like the Bank of Canada – want to blame everyone but the true culprits for rising inflation. But forcing the economy into a recession won’t solve the underlying problem: pandemic profiteers fixed prices on essential goods and pocketed the surplus cash. They must be made to pay their fair share through increased taxes; money that could be used to increase social spending and avoid another recession,” said Bruske.

Read the ITUC’s statement on the 2022 World Day for Decent Work.

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This week marks Mental Illness Awareness Week, which is aimed at raising awareness and increasing action in support of Canadians living with mental illness. More than two million Canadians have a mental health related disability and one in three Canadians will be impacted by mental illness in their lifetime.

According to a recent poll, 40 percent of Canadians reported feeling like they were at a mental health breaking point, while almost 60 percent said someone in their immediate circle of close friends, co-workers and family members has suffered a mental health crisis.

“People living with a mental illness must have access to social safety nets that will help them live in dignity and pursue decent work. Unions welcome the new disability benefits bill because we believe it is part of the solution to pull back the barriers that work against people with mental illness in our society,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).

People with mental illness are disproportionately unemployed when compared to their counterparts in the labour market, and consequently, they are more susceptible to living below the poverty line. Even when they are employed, they are more likely to receive wages that are either at or below minimum wage. The Mental Health Commission of Canada found that up to 90 percent of people living with a serious mental illness are unemployed.

The Commission also found that a rising number of people with mental illness are transitioning to various federal, provincial, territorial and private income supports, a situation that has only gotten worse since the COVID-19 pandemic began. What’s worse: these income support programs have already been proven to provide insufficient and inconsistent financial resources that often deepen the economic disparities faced by people with disabilities in Canada compared to the general population.

“Unions across Canada will stand in solidarity with our coalition partners in the disability rights and disability justice movements demanding that this government live up to its promise to build a Canada without barriers. Fast tracking the disability benefits bill is a critical part of fulfilling that promise,” said Lily Chang, CLC Secretary-Treasurer. “Reducing disability poverty through the adoption of Bill C-22 is the right thing to do.”

The Canada Disability Benefit bill was first introduced in the throne speech of fall 2020. It was then reaffirmed in the 2021 mandate letter for Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough. Learn more about advocacy efforts to fast track the benefits bill from the National Disability Without Poverty Network.

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“Investments in care are essential if we’re going to reduce and redistribute women’s unpaid work and pave the way for women to take on paid work, or to access education or training,” said Bea Bruske, CLC President. “If women are going to have equal opportunities and equal access to the labour force, then Canada must address its care crisis. In addition to unpaid care duties, many women work in care jobs: jobs that are undervalued, underpaid and often have poor working conditions. We need drastic change to achieve true gender equality.”

It is estimated that Canada’s care economy employs roughly one in five workers in the Canadian labour force. Whether it’s health care, education, child care, elder care, domestic work, social services, care for persons with disabilities, community centres and more, care work is crucial to the wellbeing of our communities and our economy.

However, years of chronic government underfunding, coupled with increased privatisation and a worrying shift of care to for-profit businesses has left us with a broken care system. According to the OECD, Canada falls near the bottom among wealthy countries in its public expenditure on social services. This has led to a decreasing level of quality of care as well as an overall erosion of decent working conditions for workers in the care economy.

This is why Canada’s unions recently launched Show We Care, a national campaign aimed at highlighting care workers in Canada and calling for investments to fix the struggling systems.

In Canada, women make up nearly 75 percent of Canada’s care workers and research shows that their involvement in care work, particularly unpaid care, is a critical factor in shaping women’s employment and trajectories for lifetime earnings. Statistics Canada estimated that in 2019 alone, the economic value of unpaid household work in Canada was equivalent to between $515 billion and $860 billion. That amounts to a quarter or as high as 37 percent of Canada’s nominal GDP that year.

“Gender Equality Week is a significant opportunity for our federal government to take stock of the gender inequities in our broken care systems and commit to action,” said Siobhán Vipond, Executive Vice-President of the CLC. “It’s past time for federal decision makers to take action and show they care by repairing Canada’s failing care systems.”

Unions are calling on the federal government to address the care crisis by:

• Forming a Care Economy Commission to study, design and implement a comprehensive Canadian care strategy;
• Making significant and on-going investments in public social infrastructure and care work to ensure an equitable and sustainable economic recovery;
• Implementing standards and investments to address shortfalls and inequitable levels of care for seniors and persons with disabilities, including in long-term care, home care and palliative care;
• Ensuring that the new investments in early learning and childhood education in every province and territory address the child care workforce crisis;
• Ratifying the International Labour Organisation’s Convention 189 to ensure decent work and protections for domestic workers; and
• Establishing pathways to permanent residency for migrant workers, many of whom deliver care, and ensure migrant workers have comprehensive worker protections to prevent exploitation and abuse.

“Our jobs, our families and our economy depend on having our care needs met,” said Bruske. “We need federal leadership to make Canada a place where everyone has the care they need, and caregivers have the recognition, support and compensation they deserve.”

The post To achieve gender equality, Canada’s decision makers must prioritize investments in care appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

The L20 represents trade unions from G20 countries and global unions.

The group called on Ministers to lay the foundation of a new social contract and take action to accelerate the just transition and expand social protections. The recommendations also included a call to focus on decent work, as it is central to recovery and resilience.

You can see the full statement released by the L20 here.

On September 13, the L20 issued a joint statement with the Business 20 (B20). Together, the groups called on the G20 to focus on designing, driving and delivering policies for economic growth with social justice, productive and decent work and a just transition at its centre. 

The joint statement is only available in English.

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If you appreciate having weekends, a forty-hour work week, pensions, compensation for workplace injuries, maternity leave or even collective bargaining at all, thank a union organizer.

The reality is, without the contributions of the labour movement, Canadian workers wouldn’t have these or so many other protections. But these gains were not accomplished without a struggle. Workers had to fight tooth-and-nail for every victory and every bit of progress in the long march to workers’ rights.

Today, inflation grows at a breakneck pace while wages fall further behind the fast-rising cost of living. Workers and their families struggle to put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, or pay for all kinds of other essentials, like transportation and even medication.

But not everyone is hurting. While their employees are just trying to get by, grocery, oil and gas, and other companies rake in record profits. These companies’ inflation-driving profiteering has even given birth to a new word: “greedflation.”

Billionaire CEOs take home record profits while the wages they pay lag far behind inflation. The President of Loblaws – while lobbying hard against a $15 an hour minimum wage – raked in around $5,100 per hour last year. Meanwhile, Loblaws saw its profits jump by 40 percent in the first quarter of 2022.

In another display of greedflation, Canada’s four largest oil companies saw revenues skyrocket nearly three-fold over 2021, an eye-watering $12 billion in net earnings, just in the last quarter.

The rich have never been richer. And we know they aren’t going to give up their mega-profits without a fight. Bay Street CEOs, the corporate elite and their political friends will try and convince you you’re powerless against them. But they are wrong. Their voice isn’t the loudest, their position isn’t the strongest and they don’t have the most influence.

Part of Canada’s history, rarely taught in schools, is how unionized workers – not the corporate elite – were the ones who carved out a path to the middle class for millions of Canadians. And today it’s once again up to us, the workers of Canada, to come together and tell those in power that they’re working for us, for a change.

So, as we celebrate Labour Day, let us remember the collective power of workers – from all walks of life and in communities across Canada – to make positive change happen. We honour the workers who built this country and thank the ones who keep it running, day in and day out. We play tribute to the critical role unions have played in securing fair wages and better working conditions for all.

I invite all Canadians to march shoulder to shoulder with us this Labour Day. Help us in our work to make life more affordable for everyone and our fight for good jobs, ones that offer a living wage, with benefits and pensions. Join our growing movement of workers realizing that they deserve better, and are ready to stand up to employers who try to exploit them.

While giant corporations try to maximize their mega-profits at the expense of giving workers what they deserve, Canada’s unions will work tirelessly, today and every day, to make sure all workers have the opportunity not just to survive, but to thrive.  

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Bea Bruske is president of the Canadian Labour Congress. Follow her on Twitter @PresidentCLC

To arrange an interview, please contact:
CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

The post A path to the middle class for millions of workers appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

OTTAWA–Canada’s unions are marking Labour Day by celebrating the hard-fought gains of the labour movement and bringing workers, their families and allies together in solidarity, united in their commitment to the important work ahead.

“The collective power of workers and our long fight for fairness has delivered the forty-hour work week, pensions, weekends and so much more. Unions have paved a path to the middle class for millions of Canadians,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Today, more and more people are standing up, joining unions and demanding better. Coming together to fight for good jobs with fair wages, better benefits and improved working conditions.”

With workers struggling to afford necessities, as inflation skyrockets and wages lag well behind, Canada is seeing growing momentum behind workers fighting back against those trying to make workers pay for today’s affordability crisis.

“We keep hearing Bay St. CEOs calling for austerity and warning about rising wages. But this corporate scaremongering ignores the fact that while corporations are doing better than ever, wages aren’t keeping up and family budgets are breaking under the weight of runaway costs for housing, food, transportation and so many other daily essentials,” explained Bruske. “What we have seen is growing ‘greedflation’ from profitable companies, using the crisis to jack up prices, rake in record profits and drive-up inflation.”

Bruske added that Canada’s unions will also continue to fight for government action to fix our public health crisis and address health worker shortages; help families struggling to survive the affordability crisis; and tackle climate change in a way that creates good jobs and leaves no worker behind.

“Canada’s unions stand united in the face of greedy corporations and demand governments make mega-profitable companies pay their fair share and play their part in making sure our economy can bounce back and people can prosper. We cannot solve today’s economic crisis by leaving workers and families behind,” concluded Bruske. “Today we march together in communities across Canada, in solidarity, because we believe in a country where workers have the opportunity not just to survive, but to thrive.”

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To arrange an interview, please contact:
Chantal St-Denis, CLC Media Relations
cstdenis@clcctc.ca
613-355-1962

The post Unions pave path to the middle class for millions of Canadians appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“The pandemic and its devastating effects aren’t behind us yet, but workers in Canada have an opportunity to help shape the future we want,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. “More and more workers are pushing back and demanding better: better wages, better benefits and better working conditions. This is our moment to seize, to shape the world of work we want.”

Workers across the country will gather at local Labour Day events in their communities, after two years of virtual events. Canada’s unions are happy to be hosting in-person and hybrid events, to celebrate workers’ contributions in weathering the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We owe a great debt to the frontline workers who kept us safe, healthy, fed and supported over the past two and a half years. Governments and employers must recognize that there is no recovery without workers. In a time when inflation is rising at a breakneck pace, and the cost of living is becoming unlivable, decision-makers must take concrete action to ensure workers aren’t left behind. We should want to see workers in this country thrive, instead of watching them struggle to survive,” said Bruske.

Bruske will join workers and community leaders in Toronto for the annual Labour Day parade. This will mark the 150^th anniversary of labour taking to the streets in Toronto to mark Labour Day.

What:              Parade

Where:            Parade begins at Queen St. W. at University Ave.

When:             Monday, September 5, 2022 at 9:30 am ET

Who:               CLC President, Bea Bruske

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To arrange an interview on or before Labour Day, contact:
Chantal St-Denis
cstdenis@clcctc.ca
613-355-1962                                                                                     

The post Labour Day: Worker power is key to a stronger middle class appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Across Canada, celebrations and ceremonies highlighting community practices, performances, art and customs of Indigenous peoples will help mark Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. National Indigenous Peoples Day falls during Indigenous History Month, which is a time to learn about and reflect on the rich history of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

“Our commitment to Indigenous peoples extends beyond a specific day or month. We honour the diverse cultures, heritage and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada 365 days a year. First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities continue to live with the heavy legacy of residential schools, generational trauma and persistent systemic barriers as a result of Canada’s historic and present-day colonial practices. We must all commit to standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and call for swift action towards reconciliation,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).

Indigenous peoples and communities continue to face significant hardships due to the impacts of colonization. Their history has been one of struggle and resilience.

The 2022 federal budget fell well short of both the scale of investment needed and pre-budget expectations of Indigenous leaders. Significant investment is required to truly work towards reconciliation and the fulfillment of outstanding promises to Indigenous peoples across the country.

Just one year ago, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc made the devastating discovery of the remains of hundreds of Indigenous children at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Since this discovery, more Indigenous communities in B.C. and across the country have announced similar horrific findings, and more will surely come.

“The discoveries of the graves of thousands of Indigenous children, and the slow degree to which action has been taken to release records on residential schools to survivors and their families, is a sobering reminder of how far Canada has yet to travel on the road to reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples,” said Lily Chang, Secretary-Treasurer of the CLC.

This National Indigenous Peoples Day, the CLC invites all Canadians to show their support by sharing in the events of the day wherever they are.

“We must all take the time to learn and reflect on the ongoing harm caused by colonialism. It is our responsibility to actively work towards dismantling the systems that continue to perpetuate harm against First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples,” said Bruske.

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To learn more about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, and how you can take action to support justice:

• Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report, including the 94 Calls to Action.
• Read the findings of the Final Report by National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, including the 231 Calls for Justice.
• Donate and support Indigenous-led organizations and Indigenous community supports such as the Indian Residential Schools Survivor Society, First Nations Child & Family Caring Society and Legacy of Hope Foundation.
• Read CLC’s recommendations for the federal government on Indigenous rights and justice.

The post Indigenous Peoples Day 2022: Honouring Indigenous cultures on June 21 and beyond appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Canada’s unions are urging Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland to announce new measures today to make sure millions of vulnerable workers and their families aren’t left behind by the worsening inflation crisis.

“One of the most important lessons we should have taken from the pandemic was how cushioning the blow of an economic crisis on the most vulnerable helps build a stronger economy. Positive government action positioned Canada for a stronger recovery,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “It is critical that Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has a plan to reduce the impact of sky-high prices and rising interest rates on workers and their families – especially on the most vulnerable lower income families.”

Bruske pointed to a recent Statistics Canada report revealing that one in five expect to use a food bank in the next six months while over 40 percent of Canadian families say they are struggling because of runaway food prices.

“It’s the responsibility of governments to intervene and make sure families are not being left to bear this burden alone. Beyond measures already announced in Budget 2022, additional direct and targeted help to families through an immediate increase in the GST credit would help vulnerable families who need it the most,” emphasized Bruske. “The best way for Canadians to achieve fair wages, benefits and a pension is making it easier to join a union. Signing a union card is a worker’s pathway to dignity and well-being.”

Bruske added that while the Deputy Prime Minister is talking to Bay Street CEOs today, she should also announce new action to make sure pandemic profiteers finally pay their fair share, so the government can invest these revenues in new measures to help low-income Canadians through these tough times.

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To arrange an interview, please contact:
CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

The post Canada’s unions: Urgent action needed to help families through the inflation crisis appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Canada’s unions have long called for the federal government to ratify and implement ILO Convention 189 Concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers (C-189) and ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment (C-190). Both global conventions prioritize labour rights and standards, with C-189 establishing rights and protections specifically for domestic workers. C-190 recognizes the right of all people to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.

“Domestic workers are crucial in supporting Canadian families, households and the broader economy. From cleaning, to cooking, to caring for children, older people and people with disabilities, the work of domestic workers is critical and life-sustaining,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “By signing and ratifying ILO C-189 and C-190, Canada has the opportunity to recognize the true value of domestic workers and start to put in place the infrastructure needed to protect their rights.”

Despite playing an important role in Canada’s care economy, domestic workers continue to be denied decent work and are often subjected to exploitation, poor working conditions and limited pathways to permanent immigration status. In addition, COVID-19 heavily impacted domestic workers in Canada and globally. In Canada, domestic workers experienced reduced hours, job losses, unpaid wages and increased precarity and struggled to access social protections, services or programs such as employment insurance.

UN Women estimates that one in every 25 women workers around the world are employed in domestic work, with one in six workers being migrants. In Canada, racialized and migrant women make up the majority of domestic workers, providing essential labour that is part of Canada’s care economy, supporting families and households across the country.

It’s time for our government to ensure decent and safe work for domestic workers across the country. It’s time for Canada to ratify ILO C-189 and C-190.

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Learn about migrant care worker exploitation in Canada during COVID-19.

Learn more about the campaigns to Ratify C-189 and C-190.

Read more about our calls for pathways to permanent residency for migrant workers.

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Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to ratify the International Labour Organization’s Convention No. 190 (ILO C-190) and affirm the right to a world of work free from harassment and violence. The government must also implement a federal LGBTQ2S+ action plan that addresses a range of action areas including health care, mental health, poverty reduction, justice reform and international assistance, among others. This should be backed by funding for 2SLGBTQI organizations providing essential services and supporting 2SLGBTQI people across the country.

“Pride season is a time for celebration and support for 2SLGBTQI communities. But racist and anti-gender movements have become increasingly bold, putting human rights and peoples’ lives at risk,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “Whether it be the wave of homophobic and transphobic bills being introduced across the United States, to increased hate crimes against 2SLGBTQI people here in Canada, we are seeing unprecedented and calculated assaults on 2SLGBTQI rights. We are committed to standing in solidarity with 2SLGBTQI folks and calling on our governments to do more to protect everyone’s basic right to live free from harassment and violence.”

2SLGBTQI people also experience other forms of violence and discrimination, which can impact access to health care, housing and employment. Just last month, the CLC and researchers from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Toronto released initial findings from a national survey on workplace harassment and violence in Canada. It found that 73 percent of gender-diverse respondents reported having experienced sexual harassment and violence at work.

“We have some important victories to celebrate this Pride season, like the fact that conversion therapy is now illegal and the end to the discriminatory blood ban. But we remain vigilant and continue to fight for the rights of 2SLGBTQI people,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice‑President of the CLC. “From the ratification of ILO C-190, to improving access and inclusion across all public services, there is still much work to be done.”

Following muted Pride festivities throughout the first two years of the pandemic, this year, there is a shift back towards in-person events. We urge labour councils, local unions and union members to take part and show your support for 2SLGBTQI rights, whether in-person or online.

Together, let’s move #ForwardWithPride.

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Unions across Canada will be participating and visible in Pride events in their regions. Click here for a full list of Pride events and to find one near you.

Send a tweet to Canada’s Minister of Labour calling on Canada to take action to address violence and harassment at work by ratifying C-190.

Check out the CLC’s Workers in Transition Guide on how to best support trans workers and combat transphobia in the workplace.

The post Together, let’s move #ForwardWithPride! appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“It is past time that the Canada Disability Benefit be re-introduced in Parliament and fast-tracked into legislation,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “With COVID-19 still disrupting our lives and the cost of living sharply increasing, this legislation is critical to improving economic security and quality of life for persons with disabilities.”

First promised in the 2020 Speech from the Throne, Bill C-35, aimed to establish the Canada Disability Benefit. It was tabled in June 2021, but died on the Order Paper when the 2021 federal election was called.

Earlier this month, the federal NDP introduced a motion calling on the federal government to re-offer its proposed disability benefit. The motion passed unanimously in the House of Commons, putting pressure on the Liberal government to reintroduce Bill C-35.

While consultations are underway regarding the specifics of the benefit’s design, disability groups have been advocating for a fast-tracking of the legislation and drafting of the benefit to help address the critical and immediate needs of the disability community.

“The theme for this year’s NAAW is ‘Inclusive from the start’. Yet so many people with disabilities face tremendous barriers to inclusion – barriers to employment, to affordable, accessible and supportive housing, to access the care they need to live dignified lives. Many fall through the cracks of existing income support systems and as a result experience significant poverty and marginalization” said Lily Chang, CLC Secretary‑Treasurer. “A well-designed Canada Disability Benefit would help lift people out of poverty. Without it, meaningful inclusion is not possible.”

NAAW runs from May 29 to June 4. The week is an important opportunity to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities, highlight the critical work being undertaken to eliminate barriers and strengthen calls for improved accessibility and greater disability inclusion.

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Email your MP to urge them to support and help fast-track the Canada Disability Benefit using Disability Without Poverty’s “Write Your MP” tool.

Check out Doing Things Differently: A Disability Rights At Work Handbook. The CLC resource includes a comprehensive guide on the duty to accommodate, a checklist for organizing accessible events and many more practical resources for supporting disability rights in our workplaces, in our unions and in our communities.

The post Canada’s unions call for fast-tracking of Canada Disability Benefit appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

OTTAWA –– A new report shows billions of dollars in public funds for long-term care have been diverted from patient care into the pockets of shareholders. Canada’s unions call on the federal government to make long-term care part of Canada’s public health care system.

“This report is brutal evidence of higher death rates and lower levels of care at for‑profit long‑term care homes across Ontario,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Despite all this, Conservatives want more private care homes and privatized health care services. We can’t let that happen.”

Canadians for Tax Fairness released the report, Careless Profits, today. Their analysis shows that over the last decade $3.8 billion in public funds have been converted to profits instead of going to residents or staffing. They also estimate that 1,400 lives could have been saved during the pandemic if those funds had been spent on better care. 

For decades, Ontario’s long-term care sector has been weakened by chronic underfunding, severe staffing shortages and poor oversight. Staff at for-profit homes have been sounding the alarm for years, and they were proven right when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

As of May 18, 2022, Ontario accounted for one-third of all long‑term care resident deaths in Canada. Ontario has the highest proportion of for-profit long-term care homes in Canada.

“At the start of the pandemic 80 percent of deaths from COVID-19 were in long‑term care homes and still the focus was on profits, not patient care. It’s despicable,” said Bruske. “It’s time to eliminate for-profit care homes and focus on decent jobs in the industry as it becomes more and more important to our population.” 

Ontario’s government has announced funding for new long-term care beds. The majority of those will go to for-profit companies, including those with some of the worst track records.

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To arrange an interview, please contact:
CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

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“Across the globe, we are seeing unprecedented attacks on the rights of 2SLGBTQI people,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “In 2022 alone, we’ve witnessed the introduction of more than 240 anti-LGBTQ bills in the United States, and increasing criminalization and violence against 2SLGBTQI populations in regions including Eastern Europe and West Africa.”

A concrete first step in advancing protections for 2SLGBTQI workers and reaffirming a commitment to protecting those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and sex characteristics is for the government to ratify ILO C-190 and affirm the right to a world of work free from harassment and violence.

The CLC and researchers from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Toronto recently released the initial findings of a national survey on workplace harassment and violence in Canada. The findings are unsettling, with 7 in 10 workers reporting having experienced a form of harassment and violence at work. The survey also found that women, trans, nonbinary and gender-diverse workers are experiencing higher rates of harassment and violence. 73 percent of gender-diverse respondents reported having experienced sexual harassment and violence at work, compared to 46 percent of women and 38 percent of men. Nearly 5000 workers took part in the survey.

“Violence and harassment is not part of the job. Governments and employers must do more to make workplaces safer and more inclusive for all,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice‑President of the CLC. “These eye-opening survey results should push governments and employers to address and prevent all forms of gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work, including homophobic and transphobic violence and harassment.”

ILO C-190 is the first international standard of its kind that acknowledges the universal right to a world of work free from violence and harassment, and establishes a clear framework for ending it. Once ratified, governments are accountable for preventing and addressing all forms of violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment. It also gives unions the tools they need to make work safer for everyone.

The Convention was adopted in June 2019, by the ILO at the International Labour Conference, and came into force in June 2021. To date, 12 countries have ratified the Convention.

In recent years and during the course of the pandemic, hate crimes targeting sexual orientation have increased. Statistics Canada reports that people belonging to sexual minority groups are almost three times more likely to experience violent victimization than heterosexual people. This reinforces reports of how COVID-19 has exacerbated pre-existing inequities and impacted various populations differently.

IDAHOTB was first recognized in 2004 to raise awareness and mobilize to end discrimination and violence faced by 2SLGBTQI people globally. May 17 was chosen to commemorate the day on which the World Health Organization decided to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1990. Today, IDAHOTB is celebrated in over 130 countries around the world.

Send a tweet to Canada’s Minister of Labour calling on Canada to ratify C-190

Check out the CLC’s Workers in Transition Guide on how to support trans workers and combat transphobia in the workplace

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BERLIN – Today in Germany, Bea Bruske delivered a strong message from international labour leaders to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President of the G7.

“When it comes to building a plan to decarbonize every sector of our economies, it is critical that workers are at the table. These workers help build the economies of these countries and they must not be left to carry the burden on their own,” said Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Bruske delivered her comments on behalf of the “Labour 7,” a group of representatives from the trade union federations of the G7 countries.

“We, the labour leaders in G7 countries, urge our governments to move from ambition to implementation on climate protection,” Bruske said in her remarks. “These investments should not be diminished by responding to other global crises. As you stated Monday, Chancellor, increased military spending should not affect social cohesion nor diminish commitments to other priorities.”

Bruske argued that G7 leaders should put workers and their families at the centre of their plans when it comes to action on fighting climate change.

“It was an honour to deliver a clear message from workers to Chancellor Scholz and the G7,” Bruske said. “Labour leaders around the world were able to find common ground around protecting our climate, environment and biodiversity, and accelerating the global energy transition, while building a sustainable and fair economic system where workers are not left behind. This is essential for ensuring a better life for all on our planet.”

Bruske stressed the importance for world leaders to take action, working together with the labour movement, around creating jobs that are family supporting and high quality.

“We must not trade good jobs for low-quality, precarious work. The leaders of the wealthiest nations must understand that building a just transition for workers is central for us to successfully tackle climate change,” said Bruske.

Bruske added that international conventions on occupational health and safety, robust social and workplace protections, and investing in health care and social services are all critical elements to achieving a sustainable planet.

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To arrange an interview, please contact:
CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

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OTTAWA – With the cost of living still rising while wages lag far behind, today’s Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey shows that low unemployment numbers don’t mean workers are seeing positive changes to their paycheques.

According to Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, there are concrete things governments can do to help.

“Workers are falling behind, especially those in low wage and precarious jobs. What modest wage gains we have seen came largely from increases to minimum wages,” said Bruske. “The reality is, we can’t rely on a tight labour market to give workers fair pay or better working conditions. We need governments to step in and raise minimum wages to a living wage – and then index them to inflation.”

Bruske said that workers across the country are facing very different realities as some provinces have maintained a low minimum wage and others have refused to index wages to the cost of living.

“While the federal minimum wage and the one in B.C. are being raised and indexed, we see some Conservative premiers –in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and New Brunswick – with woefully inadequate minimum wages,” concluded Bruske. “With an average family of four’s food bill predicted to be over $280 a week in 2022, Premiers Moe, Stefanson and Higgs should be ashamed of themselves. Each province has set their minimum wage below $13.00 an hour in 2022. A minimum wage worker would need three full days of work just to pay their family’s weekly grocery bill.”

Bruske added that without government intervention and increased unionization, the strong recovery Canada is experiencing won’t translate into wages keeping pace or improved protections for precarious workers.

“For decades we have seen governments and businesses rigging the system against workers, pushing down wages and making it harder for workers to organize,” said Bruske. “We need strong, progressive public policies that provide workers a real path to unionization – and the ability to bargain fair wages, real benefits and better working conditions.”

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To arrange an interview, please contact:
CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

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Today we also celebrate workers, the people who built this country and power our communities. From the shop floors and rugged landscapes, to the glass towers and transit systems, workers are the Canadian economy. We keep Canada moving, powered and producing.

“Today is an opportunity to take stock, and acknowledge the impact unionized workers have had on this country. Roughly 30 percent of workers in Canada are currently unionized. And yet, if you look at all the gains won by unions, it’s undeniable that we are helping to improve the lives of all workers, union and non-union. Now imagine if 50 percent of workers were unionized. Or more. The far-reaching impact and positive influence of unions is undeniable,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

The last two years were a challenge for working people. They exposed great levels of precarity for many workers, and redefined what an essential worker is. They taught us all that we must do better.

The good news is that working together for the good of all workers is where Canada’s unions shine brightest.

Following the last global pandemic, through the Great Depression and World War II, workers organized in unions to build a better future. In the resulting decades, Canada’s middle class was created. Through collective organizing, workers rebuilt a fairer economy and paved a pathway to prosperity for millions of families.

With the challenges facing workers from the current pandemic, the solution to a better future remains the same as it was a hundred years ago; workers must organize.

“Over the course of the pandemic, workers have developed a renewed appreciation for union representation. Workers have seen firsthand how employers will prioritize profit over people, and how governments can’t always be trusted to have workers’ best interests at heart. Unionization allows workers to collectively bargain better wages, better working conditions and benefits like pensions and sick leave. Unions also help implement important health and safety protections, something workers have a newfound appreciation for two years into a global pandemic,” said Bruske.

Through collective organizing into unions, workers can build a better future for themselves. And through collective organizing, we can ensure life is fairer for everyone. We can bring down the costs families face with pharmacare, affordable housing and dental coverage. We can ensure care is there and accessible for our loved ones when they need it. We can tackle the climate crisis head-on, while creating good, sustainable jobs in communities across Canada.

When workers unite, we know that the future will be bright. So on this May Day, we call on all workers to celebrate the best way possible and organize.

The post Celebrate May Day the best way possible: organize! appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

OTTAWA –– After waiting three decades, Canada’s unions welcome today’s decision by the Canadian government to reverse its discriminatory blood donation policy, which had been in place since 1992.   

“This is a positive step in addressing ongoing systemic discrimination experienced by 2SLGBTQI people,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).  “By ending the ban on blood donation for men who have sex with men, the government and Canadian Blood Services are finally ending this discriminatory and unscientific practice which perpetuated negative homophobic and transphobic stereotypes.”

The ban reinforced a negative stigma surrounding men who have sex with men and misgendered trans women for the purposes of blood donation, preventing potentially healthy donors from donating blood.

“It should not have taken such a long time to ensure that all people are treated equally. Fear and negative stereotypes about men who have sex with men made this ban last for three decades,” said Larry Rousseau, CLC Executive Vice-President. “Today, the government and Canadian Blood Services have adopted criteria that is gender neutral with behaviour-based screening and finally ended this unacceptable homophobic and transphobic policy, once and for all. Now Canadian Blood Services must work to earn the trust of the 2SLGBTQI community and encourage much-needed donations.”

The federal Liberals made a campaign promise in 2015 to end the discriminatory blood ban following years of activism and pressure from the 2SLGBTQI and human rights advocates. The ban has been challenged at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, and in June 2021 the federal government lost an attempt to terminate the tribunal’s inquiry.  

“Today we celebrate alongside all of the activists and the 2SLGBTQI community and we thank the advocates who have worked so hard to make this day possible,” said Bruske. “This victory has taken far too long, but today’s announcement is about saving lives, and making up for years of missed opportunities for those who were excluded from donating simply because of their sexuality or gender identity”.

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To arrange an interview, please contact:
CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

The post Canada’s unions celebrate end to discriminatory blood donation policy appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

In Canada, over 1,000 workplace deaths are reported every year; hundreds of thousands more are injured or get sick as a result of their job. Worldwide, more than nine million people have died due to workplace incidents or exposures in the past three years alone. Marginalized workers are at even greater risk of harm.

“The pandemic has raised the profile of workplace health and safety, and has shown the responsibility that employers bear in keeping workers safe. Many safety measures aren’t onerous or difficult to implement, but they do require employers to prioritize prevention. It’s absolutely unacceptable that every year, over 1,000 workers don’t get to go home at the end of their workday. Many more face potentially lifelong battles with injury and illness, through no fault of their own, because their employer cut corners and put profits over people,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

The ILO must adopt occupational safety and health as a fundamental principle and right at work at its upcoming conference, in June of this year. This will help hold member states – including Canada – accountable and encourage them to prioritize occupational health and safety.

In the meantime, the Canadian federal government can take important steps to keep workers safe here at home. These include:

• Ratify and implement core ILO health and safety conventions;
• Ratify and implement all sectoral and hazard-specific conventions;
• Ratify ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment to ensure workers have the right to work free of violence and harassment;
• Require occupational health services for all, including workers in the gig economy and proper compensation when they are injured or made sick as a result of their work; and
• Ensure that the government inspectorate has the resources needed to provide robust health and safety enforcement.

2022 also marks the 30th anniversary of the Westray mine disaster. On May 9, 1992, an explosion caused by a fatal buildup of methane gas and coal dust at the Westray Mine in Pictou County, Nova Scotia killed all 26 miners working underground. This lead to the Westray Law, which made it possible to prosecute corporate criminal negligence.

However, the law is rarely enforced and workplace accidents are seldom investigated for employer negligence. Canada’s unions have long fought for workplace incidents that cause death, injury or illness to be investigated thoroughly in order to determine if employer negligence was a contributing factor. When a worker is seriously injured or killed as a result of employer negligence, that employer must feel the full weight of Canadian law, including potentially facing time in jail for their crime. We will not accept a thousand or more workers dying every year, and thousands more experiencing life altering injuries or illness. Surely those employers who are serious about their duty to protect workers and invest in proven prevention measures would agree.

“We remember these miners and we honour their memory by continuing to fight for workers’ safety. It’s not enough for an employer to cause harm to workers through negligence and simply pay a fine. What is the price of a worker’s life? Employers must be held accountable when a worker is killed, injured or made sick. We must strive for the highest standards for health and safety in all workplaces to ensure that workers go home safely at the end of each day,” said Bruske.

Day of Mourning events are happening across the country. Find an event near you: https://canadianlabour.ca/events/day-of-mourning-ceremonies-2022/

The post Work shouldn’t hurt: workplace health and safety rights should be fundamental appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

OTTAWA –– Replacing frontline workers with exploited offshore workers, as the restaurant chain Freshii is now doing, moves us towards a low-wage economy that weakens our communities and exploits workers, according to Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

“This is about replacing Canadian workers with low-wage offshore ones and using technology to skirt around our country’s labour laws and workplace standards. If this isn’t illegal, it should be,” said Bruske. “The workers serving Canadian customers aren’t paying taxes in Canada and aren’t protected by Canadian labour standards. Companies that profit off of Canadian consumers shouldn’t use low-wage offshore workers to serve customers here in Canada. It’s bad for workers and bad for our economy.”

Bruske said this isn’t about an inability to attract workers, which can be done through competitive wages, real benefits and proper working conditions, but instead another sign of corporate greed and exploiting a low-wage offshore workforce.

“Gig workers in Canada already don’t have proper workplace protections. But with the use of offshore workers, the exploitation of employees and move to a low-wage economy is being super-sized,” said Bruske. “Companies must wake up to the long-term benefits to both the communities they operate in and their business when they invest in the people who work for them.”

Bruske added that there are things consumers can do to voice their objections to this new concerning trend towards offshoring and automation.

“Is an employee 3000 kms away going to know if the avocado is fresh today or whether field greens or kale would make a better salad bowl?” asked Bruske. “Customers should understand they can vote with their wallets on the kind of communities they want to live in.

Choose companies that treat employees properly, with a fresh attitude towards workplaces, not greedy corporations with their stale approach of exploiting workers.”

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To arrange an interview, please contact:
CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

The post Building a low-wage economy with stomach-churning greed appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

OTTAWA –– The highest inflation in over three decades plus the largest interest rate rise in over twenty years adds up to families falling further behind. Figures released last week revealed that inflation now stands at 6.7 percent, and rising, while average wages lag far behind at 3 to 3.5 percent.

“With every paycheque, every bill, every trip to the grocery store or pharmacy, workers and their families fall further behind. The situation simply isn’t sustainable. Canadians are looking for action to help,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “MPs can provide urgent relief for families through investments in affordable housing, accelerated action to bring down child care costs and swiftly bring down the cost of needed medicines through implementing pharmacare.”

Bruske added that it was disappointing to see the government reverse course last week on changes to patented drug regulations, leaving Canadian families to pay as much as $13.2 billion more for their medicines over the next decade.

“It was discouraging to see the government fail to stand up to the large pharmaceutical companies. This just adds to the urgency for MPs to move forward on pharmacare,” said Bruske. “We know giant pharmaceuticals and Bay St. CEOs will continue to push the government to put profits before people. It is critical for MPs to stand up to corporate Canada and take concrete action to help families.”

Bruske said that additional measures Parliament can move forward on in the weeks to come include action to improve labour standards to better protect workers in the gig economy; stopping companies from contract flipping to push down wages; and restoring balance in labour relations by making changes to support collective bargaining and bringing in anti-scab legislation.

“We know you can’t count on the markets or Bay St. to strengthen health care, bring fairness to labour negotiations or make life more affordable,” concluded Bruske. “Real progress for workers and their families only comes when MPs have the courage to stand up to corporate Canada and work together to put people first.”

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To arrange an interview, please contact:
CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

The post Helping families facing affordability squeeze must be MPs’ job one appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

OTTAWA – With fast rising interest rates and inflation increasing well ahead of wages, Canada’s unions are urging governments to take action to help families facing an ever‑tightening financial squeeze.

Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress said that it is critical that policy makers don’t return to the low-wage policies being pushed by Conservatives and Bay St. CEOs.

“For decades, governments have listened to Bay St. lobbyists and enacted policies that put profits before people. This has meant growing inequities and widening income inequality,” said Bruske. “With rising interest rates making debt more expensive and wages lagging behind inflation, workers and their families are being caught in an economic vise and looking to the government for help.”

Bruske pointed out there are concrete actions governments can take to better support workers and help ensure fair wages.

“We need to restore balance in labour relations by making changes to support collective bargaining including sectoral standard-setting,” said Bruske. “One way we can push back against the low-wage agenda is to create a pilot project looking into sectoral bargaining to set benefits, vacation pay and workplace standards. This sectoral approach leverages the power of collective action for workers in and outside of unions in a particular industry.”

Bruske added that workers are falling even further behind in places like Alberta and Ontario, where Draconian laws have been put in place to limit wage growth.

“We’ve gone from fiscal guardrails on the economy to governments guarding against fair wage growth,” concluded Bruske. “With the cost of food, energy and now credit card bills on the rise, Canada’s unions will continue to fight against low-wage policies that hurt workers and their families. We are looking to MPs to improve labour standards to better protect workers in the gig economy and stop companies from contract flipping to lower wages.”

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To arrange an interview, please contact:
CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-742

The post Rising interest rates and record inflation creating perfect storm of unaffordability appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

In advance of the summit, trade union leaders from G7 countries have issued the joint Labour 7 statement to the G7 Leaders’ Summit 2022: Shaping the Global Common Good Peace and Democracy, Climate Action, Health, Fair Digitalisation.

You can read the full statement here.

The post Labour 7 statement to the G7 Leaders’ Summit 2022 appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“The switch from automatic certification to mandatory voting has coincided with the decline in unionization rates. This is no accident,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “We need to see more government action to empower workers. Having a union and a clear collective agreement provides stability and predictability for workers that benefits them and our economy.”

Since the early 1990s governments across Canada have prohibited labour board from automatic certification, even in cases where 100 percent of the bargaining unit demonstrated support by signing union cards.

“Demonstrating support for a union with signed membership cards is democratic. If you have majority support, you should not have to duplicate the process and give the employer time to pressure workers,” said Bruske. “Research across Canada and the United States shows that adding an unnecessary second step – a formal vote to confirm the support employees have already demonstrated by signing their cards – is nothing but an opportunity for employers to interfere.”

Employers can and routinely do pressure workers not to join a union. They may threaten to close the business, initiate layoffs, withhold promotion and training opportunities or take other steps. The fines are low and the benefits of breaking the law to defeat the union, in their view, outweigh the costs.

The right to form an independent association for the purposes of collective bargaining is protected under s. 2(d) freedom of association guarantee under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Government of Canada has adopted multiple International Labour Organization conventions supporting the right to unionize and engage in collective bargaining.

Employee voice in the workplace is a fundamental pillar of workplace democracy. Providing workers with a collective voice at work improves workplace health and safety, strengthens employee morale and reduces employee turnover (since exit is no longer the sole option for dealing with dissatisfactory working conditions).

The Government of Canada recognized this in 2016 when it restored automatic certification federally and reversed the Harper government’s Bill C-525, which withdrew automatic certification as an option in the federal private sector without any study, dialogue or debate.

The post BC government move to card check certification a win for workers appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Before the pandemic, ever-increasing globalization meant many workers were employed in precarious, low-wage work with few, if any, benefits. Now millions of people across Canada and around the world have seen their jobs disappear. We need a worldwide recovery focused on secure employment and social protection.

This context serves as the backdrop for the annual commemoration of the World Day for Decent Work today, October 7.

“It’s clear that we need a recovery that is focused on shared prosperity and sustainability,” said Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Better jobs are at the core of a robust recovery and that is true both nationally and internationally.”

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is calling for a new social contract to ensure a strong global economic recovery. Canada’s unions have similarly launched Forward Together: A Canadian Plan, a campaign calling for a similar focus on better jobs and reducing inequality.

“With millions of jobs lost across Canada, and hundreds of millions globally, we have to turn our focus to job creation. That includes focusing on secure employment, living wages, the universal right to collective bargaining and occupational health and safety,” said Yussuff. “The current economic model has failed working people. It’s time for us to rise to the challenge we’ve been presented with and to move forward, together.”

The CLC is marking the World Day for Decent Work with a webinar that aims to explore the issues at stake. It will be held on Wednesday, October 7 at 2 PM EDT. To register, click here.

Read ITUC’s statement on A New Social Contract for Recovery and Resilience here.

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“It is important that we recognize the significant economic contribution of domestic work  – work performed in or for a household or households – as valuable work, and acknowledge the effect that the current pandemic has had on these vulnerable workers,” said Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Many have lost work because employers are following public health guidelines on physical distancing or because their employers have lost income and can no longer afford these services.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant loss or reduction of income for many domestic workers, leaving them unable to support themselves and their families.

According to UN Women, 83 per cent of domestic workers worldwide are women, and a majority of those are racialized women. Wages are low and working conditions can be challenging – even abusive. The pandemic’s impacts are not gender neutral. There are increased demands on workloads with children at home from school, child care centres closed and more demands on household responsibilities in general.

Internationally, many domestic workers are migrants or part of the informal economy. In Canada, the pandemic has exacerbated the precarity of their situation, making them ineligible for government income supports. Moreover, migrant care workers should be granted fair and accessible pathways to citizenship in Canada.

“The pandemic has laid bare just how essential the labour of domestic workers is – cleaning, cooking, caring for children, the elderly and people with disabilities. All of this work is necessary to sustain our economy,” said Yussuff. “It is time we cared for those who care for us.”

Read more about Domestic Workers and COVID-19: https://idwfed.org/en/covid-19

Resources for Domestic Workers on COVID-19: https://idwfed.org/en/covid-19/the-idwf/educational-awareness/stay-safe-what-do-you-need-to-know-about-covid-19

Recommendations for employers, governments, and others: https://idwfed.org/en/covid-19/advocacy-to-the-target-groups

Read more on the campaign to Ratify C189: https://idwfed.org/en/campaigns/ratify-c189

Caregivers Action Centre: http://www.caregiversactioncentre.org/

The post Canada’s unions call for recognition of the importance of domestic workers appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

The fight against anti-Black racism and police brutality is based in the long, despicable history of slavery, oppression and colonization of Indigenous communities and Black people in North America. The impact of which continues to be felt today.

There is no reason that Black people in Canada should die at the hands of our police services. Yet the deaths of Black Canadians, Abdirahman Abdi, Bony Jean-Pierre, D’Andre Campbell and most recently under investigation, Regis Korchinski-Paquet, demonstrate that anti-Black racism continues to be a leading cause for the loss of Black lives.

“Anti-Black racism is a destructive force in our society afflicting families and communities,” said Hassan Yussuff, Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) president. “Canada’s unions are committed to fighting all forms of discrimination and are urgently calling for accountability and systemic change.”

It’s important to highlight the severe lack of mental health supports, the lack of access to prescription medication and poor working conditions facing many workers who are often Black and racialized. Research clearly shows that Black communities have diminished health outcomes compared to the broader population as a result of historic neglect on the part of our system. This is playing out in this current pandemic, with early indications of a disproportionate impact on Black, Indigenous and other racialized communities.

“It’s time to hold some very uncomfortable conversations and reflect on the policy decisions and choices that have led us here,” continued Yussuff. “The whole country is looking to our government for leadership and immediate action that will lead to real and meaningful changes in the way Black communities are treated.”

The CLC is committed to raising awareness on the role of Canada’s labour movement to combat anti-Black racism, including providing educational opportunities to union members, as well as to the broader public, and publicly advocating for accountability and systemic change at the policy level.

For further reading related to anti-Black racism in Canada:

Policing Black Lives by Robyn Maynard

White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole

BlackLife: Post-BLM and the Struggle for Freedom by Rinaldo Walcott and Idil Abdillahi

There’s Something In The Water by Ingrid R. G. Waldron

Until We Are Free: Reflections on Black Lives Matter in Canada edited by Rodney Diverlus, Sandy Hudson, and Syrus Marcus Ware

Find more resources here.

The post Anti-Black racism runs deep but so does our commitment towards combatting it appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

The images, the stories, the experiences of our seniors during this pandemic are enough to bring a grown man to tears.

In fact, it has.

Even Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford has, at times, become emotional while talking about the conditions in the province’s long-term care facilities. It’s a dire situation right across the country.

No one is doubting the sincerity of every single politician who is expressing frustration and helplessness at the pandemic’s scourge within these facilities. But we do have to question why it took the global crisis, hundreds of deaths and intervention by the armed forces for the message to finally get through: our system is broken.

It’s a message that unions and advocates have been communicating for decades. Long-term care should never have become the hodgepodge of private-public system it is today. This system has allowed for-profit agencies to take significant control, some of them led by politicians like Mike Harris who handed over 68% of 20,000 new spaces created during his tenure to the private sector. Ironically, Harris is now the Chair of the Board of Directors at Chartwell, a private company that runs many long-term care facilities.

Just over a year ago, the head of SEIU Healthcare joined fellow union members and advocates at Queen’s Park to call for better treatment and pay for workers in these facilities, which receive hundreds of millions of dollars from the government. By the way, the CEOs of these facilities have in the past received more than $9.2 million dollars of public money with nary a peep out of the same Premier who is now upset about the state of things.

The expansive growth of the private long-term care industry has led to a further devaluing of care work and driven down workers’ wages in order to boost corporate and shareholder profits. 

What we are witnessing is no accident. The horrific conditions that frontline care workers now describe occurred in spite of repeated warnings that have persisted for years.

Facilities are led by managers and owners who are looking after the bottom line, not the well-being of some of society’s most vulnerable. This has meant that workers are paid very little, forced to take on multiple shifts at different facilities and paid just under full-time hours so owners avoid paying benefits and therefore failing to adequately care for staff who take care of their clients.

“Private, for-profit services are necessarily more fragmented, more prone to closure and focused on making a profit. The research demonstrates that homes run on a for-profit basis tend to have lower staffing levels, more verified complaints and more transfers to hospitals, as well as higher rates for both ulcers and morbidity,” conclude Pat Armstrong, Hugh Armstrong, Jacqueline Choiniere, Ruth Lowndes and James Struthers in a recent research paper titled Re-imagining Long-term Residential Care in the COVID-19 Crisis.

It’s time to fix what is broken. The only way to do that is to take immediate steps to make private for-profit long-term care facilities part of the public health care system aligned with the principles of the Canada Health Act.

In fact, it is the exclusion from the Act that has allowed for the proliferation of private for-profit care in our country. We have repeatedly called on the federal and provincial governments to stop the funding cuts and to ameliorate the health care system so every Canadian can access vital health care services based on need, not an ability to pay. 

Whether you are worried about a loved one, or whether you or someone you know is one of the invaluable workers caring for Canada’s seniors, this is the solution we need.

Besides, we’re all ageing. Someday, it may be one of us on the other side of the window, looking out at a world that failed us.

Unless we act now.

Hassan Yussuff is the president of the Canadian Labour Congress. Follow him on Twitter @Hassan_Yussuff

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The latest escalation in this long-fought struggle is the recent introduction of national security legislation by the Chinese government which will allow Chinese state security forces to operate in Hong Kong.

“Our Brothers and Sisters are in the fight of their lives to save the core freedoms and principles of democracy in Hong Kong,” said CLC president Hassan Yussuff. “Canadian workers condemn the new security legislation and all attempts to strip people of their freedoms.”

Hong Kong holds separate governance status from China as a Special Administrative Region. This legislation is in direct violation of the Basic Law that mandates local legislation on national security matters, with Hong Kong in formal control of the police and judiciary. The new security law will broaden Beijing’s power over Hong Kong.

This is the latest in a series of actions aimed at broadening Beijing’s power over Hong Kong including last year’s extradition law. These moves have sparked fierce dissent from pro-democracy activists, which has been met with excessive use of force by authorities.

The annual Hong Kong vigil, held every June 4, marking the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, has been banned for the first time in 30 years. Concerns about the deterioration of rights are growing with dissent and protest in Hong Kong now routinely being labelled as terrorism and accounts of Chinese authorities imposing limitations on movement and assembly under the guise of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

When the Hong Kong administration passes the new law, the free exercise of fundamental rights, including the trade union right to freely associate and liaise with international organisations, will be suppressed in the name of national security. A frightening prospect ahead of elections planned in September.

The international community must keep watch and call attention to what is happening in Hong Kong.

The post Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with citizens of Hong Kong appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

The economic fallout of COVID-19 is stark – and women are feeling the brunt of it.

Over 1.5 million women lost jobs over March and April, according to Statistics Canada. That’s a 17% drop in employment levels since February. Even with workplaces and services beginning to reopen, families will struggle to return to work without adequate child care in place.

Advocates, employers and policymakers alike fear that the burden of care will fall on women.

With Canadian women typically contributing about 40% of household income, there can be no full economic recovery without what economist Armine Yalnizyan has dubbed a “she-covery”.

Child care is key to making that possible.

It’s become clear that child care is a vital part of social infrastructure. Without child care, workers in women-dominated sectors that keep us healthy, safe and fed could not keep operating. This is why we saw several jurisdictions move quickly to make child care available to essential workers as a central component of their response efforts.

But that temporary solution is a far cry from what’s actually needed to address the gaping holes in a severely underfunded and fragmented system. It’s a system in which child care costs far too much for many families, and even when affordable, is highly competitive – sometimes with three or more children to every one licenced space.

As we begin to shape the new normal, child care must be at the heart of the post-COVID economy. Child care encourages participation in the labour market and is also an important source of employment for women – an economic driver in and of itself.

Investments in the care economy will largely pay for themselves as middle class families engage in greater labour-market participation, higher productivity, rising incomes, and increased tax revenue.

The federal government has the opportunity to spearhead a comprehensive pan-Canadian effort to build back better in the child care sector. Such a sector would ensure children have access to safe early learning and care and that parents are able to return to the paid labour force with relatively little worry.

In the short-term, the government will have to work with the provinces and territories to provide immediate funds to stabilize existing child care infrastructure.

The federal government has already committed to establishing a Federal Child Care Secretariat in order to help strengthen Canada’s social infrastructure.

The Secretariat will play a fundamental role in the reconstruction process, which will require long-term commitment and teamwork.

The Secretariat will also need to develop a workforce strategy to raise the quality of early learning in child care, improve working conditions for early childhood educators and oversee the expansion of the system.

Through collaboration, creativity and trust, we can take meaningful steps forward to ensure a robust economic recovery for all.

Hassan Yussuff is the president of the Canadian Labour Congress. Follow him on Twitter @Hassan_Yussuff
Goldy Hyder is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Business Council

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Israel’s new coalition government has announced it will move forward with the process of annexing West Bank settlements and the Jordan Valley as early as July.

The unilateral annexation of territory has been strictly prohibited under international law since 1945 when the Charter of the United Nations was adopted. Israel’s control of the Palestinian territories has been denounced as illegal under international law and in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 and the Geneva Convention.

Under Israeli occupation, Palestinians have been forced to live under heavy restrictions that limit their access to work, health, housing and social affairs. As Israel has expanded its settlements and built a separation wall around Palestinian lands – illegal acts under international law – Palestinians have been subject to evictions and displacement, confiscation of land, settler violence and loss of access to natural resources.

This annexation will have devastating social and economic implications. It is expected that this would disconnect around 200,000 Palestinians from their communities and livelihoods. It will also advance the annexation of Jerusalem and destroy the establishment of a Palestinian capital in the city, breaking the territorial contiguity between East Jerusalem and the West Bank. This contiguity is essential for the fabric of life for Palestinians.

The government of Canada must send a strong message in opposition to the illegal and unilateral annexation of Palestinian lands and officially recognize the State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders. Canada must consider a forceful response, including revisiting the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement and other bilateral agreements and the imposition of economic sanctions against Israel.

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As celebrations across the country are cancelled, rescheduled or shifted to digital platforms in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s unions stand with our 2SLGBTQI members, friends and family to celebrate and fight for those facing homophobic, transphobic and biphobic violence and harassment.

“For decades, Canada’s unions have joined Pride festivities across Canada in solidarity with 2SLGBTQI communities across the country,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “This Pride season will be no different – unions will be there to show our support, no matter how we celebrate. It reminds us that we are a community, even when physical distancing requirements keep us apart.”

With the theme Exist-Persist-Resist, Global Pride 2020 is a political celebration of visibility and civil rights for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex communities. Even as lockdowns remain in place across the country and around the world, Pride festivities can offer much needed spaces for community gatherings, healing, and political engagement.

“The Pride movement arose out of the Stonewall riots, as well as protests against police raids of gay establishments, most notably the Bathhouse Raids in Toronto,” said Rousseau. “This year’s Pride takes place in the context of significant pushback against anti-Black racism and police violence in the US and Canada. Pride has always been political, and this year especially we remember the role that Black and Latinx trans women played in Stonewall. Pride events and calls for change must highlight the interconnectedness of movements struggling against oppression.

“We know that Pride season is an important time to connect, to celebrate and to organize for so many,” said Rousseau. “Yes, this Pride will be different, but it will still be ours. It can still bring us together. And it can still be political. Together we can emerge stronger, more united, and more Proud than ever.”

The CLC encourages labour councils and local unions to get involved in regional Pride events, to show solidarity with the 2SLGBTQI community and the Pride movement in this pandemic.

Show your pride and solidarity by downloading the CLC’s new pride zoom backgrounds.

Stay up to date with COVID-19 Pride festival updates across Canada with Fierté Canada Pride’s tracking tool.

Learn more about Global Pride 2020 here.

Learn more about the demands of nearly 100 2SLGBTQI organizations in Canada in the context of the COVID-19 crisis here.

Read about the specific impacts of COVID-19 on 2SLGBTQI communities in Canada here.

Commit to being a better trans ally in the workplace this Pride season with the CLC’s newest handbook Workers in Transition: A Practical Guide for Union Representatives and Trans Union Members.

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The current pandemic presents a monumental challenge in the fight to prevent workplace injury, illness and death. As Canadian jurisdictions begin to open up sectors of their economy, it is critical that working people have the protections they need to be able to do their jobs safely and to get home to their loved ones at the end of each day.

Workers are on the front lines of this pandemic and yet do not always have the protections they need to stay safe.

The first priority is to prevent worker exposures, illness and deaths from COVID-19. However, workers also need to know that their workers’ compensation system will provide adequate benefits and supports if they become ill as a result of their work.

This requires broadening coverage to include all workers – including those in workplaces currently exempt from mandatory compensation coverage, as well as precarious and gig economy workers.

It also requires ensuring coverage for workers who must be quarantined or have to self-isolate as a result of a workplace exposure but may not yet have symptoms of the illness. This will require streamlining processes for workers and protecting the right to appeal decisions. This will further require the removal of systemic financial incentives for employer claims suppression related to COVID-19 infections.

Governments should also implement presumptive compensation coverage for COVID-19 related illness, so that workers are not denied access to supports, waiting for their claims to be accepted.

So far, only the province of British Columbia has moved towards implementing presumptive compensation coverage for some frontline workers, recognizing that streamlining the process for accessing supports will result in better health outcomes and safer return to work for workers at higher risk of COVID-19 infection.

Other Canadian jurisdictions must move quickly to do the same in order to ensure that workers have the supports and compensation they need when their work makes them sick.

The post Canada’s unions mark Injured Workers Day by calling on governments to improve working conditions and supports appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Persons with disabilities – especially those living at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities – face high unemployment rates and high levels of poverty and need additional support during the COVID-19 crisis and after.

“The current health crisis has intensified the discrimination and stigma workers with disabilities were already facing,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Hard-won workplace accommodations are at risk when the office becomes virtual, and workers with disabilities are at a greater risk of being laid off or having their jobs furloughed.”

The Canadian Labour Congress is marking National AccessAbility Week to shine a light on the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, and those whose experiences are amplified by multiple marginalized identities, including being a woman, Indigenous, racialized and 2SLGBTQI, et al.

Canada’s unions have joined with disability rights organizations in the Include Me coalition, calling for a number of priorities to protect the health and safety and provide care and support to persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government has yet to announce specific targeted income supports for persons with disabilities to navigate their unique financial impact of this crisis.

Unemployment rates are between 35 per cent for people with ‘mild’ disabilities and 74 per cent for people with ‘severe’ disabilities. High levels of poverty and unemployment means more reliance on affordable housing, income and health care supports – programs whose funding and availability vary greatly across the country.

“We are working together to ensure that Canada’s response to this crisis leaves no one behind,” said Rousseau. “We need to see targeted income supports for persons with disabilities to address the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, and, in the longer-term, recovery planning must make accessibility and inclusion a core priority.”

For more information on on-going advocacy efforts from disability related organizations in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, check out the Include Me coalition’s COVID-19 resource centre.

National AccessAbility Week was first introduced in 2019 after the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act, learn more about the history of the week here.

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We are in the midst of a global pandemic. The federal government is introducing new programs almost daily to support millions of Canadians who have been affected by this crisis. Public service employees are doing amazing work getting that support to the people who need it.

Meanwhile, the calls for austerity are already coming fast and furious, heralded by right-wing conservatives, including former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Even as we see our health care workers struggle with staffing and supplies as the result of decades of cuts in health care spending across the country.

The opinion pages are full of columnists explaining why program spending needs to be cut immediately – without any idea when a recovery will begin. Even arguing that the public service employees who have been doing unprecedented work processing millions of claims at unbelievable speeds should be punished for having job security.

Public service employees play a fundamental role in our democracy, informing our elected representatives and allowing them to make decisions based on evidence – which is a good thing, despite what some say. Our public service is full of subject-matter experts who our political representatives rely on to help them craft the best policies and programs. We should be glad when our leaders take their advice, rather than ignore it – as we’re seeing to the south.

Judging the amount of government spending that goes to public service salaries without referring at all to the work those employees actually do day to day to keep the country running is ludicrous. You cannot reference a productivity agenda without acknowledging the producers of the work.

Equally ludicrous is the leader of the opposition repeating the false message that applications to the CERB benefit are rampant with fraud daily. A vocal minority is concerned that a $2,000 per month benefit will create a population that doesn’t want to work, but waste no time and effort examining the conditions we are asking them to work in.

Being on government benefits should never mean being treated like a criminal – but perhaps especially now as we face global uncertainly and a new future ahead. The real criminals are the ones who are hoarding wealth on the backs of workers.  

We are about to crown the world’s first trillionaire. One man could single-handedly solve world hunger. The same man who gave workers a $2 per hour pay raise in these unprecedented times and is now clawing it back even as his own warehouses continue to see outbreaks and workers demand safer conditions. In Canada, we see employers like Loblaws boosting employee wages by 15 per cent – $2 an hour for those working minimum wage. Meanwhile, the company estimates that the pandemic has resulted in a $751 million increase in quarterly profits.

The wages and benefits of public sector employees do not represent a problem, they represent an example of what is possible. Every working Canadian deserves the security of a good job with a living wage, benefits and paid sick leave. Access to paid sick leave would give workers leeway so they wouldn’t have to choose between their job and their health, meaning fewer workers would feel forced to work while sick – key in slowing the spread of illnesses like COVID-19.

Getting to the recovery has been a group effort. Canadians, as a population, moved swiftly to protect each other.

We are a society that lifts everyone up, and now is not the time to start punching down.

When we plan out the recovery, we cannot return to the careless individualism that has led to the growing inequality we’re seeing globally. Collective action is what flattened the curve, and collective action is where progress lies.

The most important thing that we have seen over the past nine weeks is this: Canada has the capacity to move quickly to protect the most vulnerable. The money is there when we need it and when there is political will.

It’s time to leave the right-wing, me-first thinking in the past where it belongs. We can’t afford to work against each other anymore.

Hassan Yussuff is the president of the Canadian Labour Congress. Follow him on Twitter @Hassan_Yussuff

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“Today’s announcement means that frontline workers will no longer be forced to choose between their job and their health,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff. “Right now, it is incredibly important that any worker who has been exposed to COVID-19 can self-quarantine without anxiety of lost wages.”

Canada’s unions have been calling for an increase in paid sick leave for years. Across the country mandated sick leave tends to be unpaid for most workers, leading many to work while sick. The rapid spread of COVID-19 has drawn attention to this issue. 

Guaranteed paid sick leave will allow workers to take time to self-isolate without worrying about paying their bills and in turn slow the spread of the virus. From the start of the COVID-19 crisis, the calls for paid sick leave have grown from the labour movement and by the NDP. Today’s announcement is the result of cooperation between the Liberal government and the NDP opposition.

“It is good to see parliament focus on working Canadians during this crisis,” said Yussuff. “We want to congratulate Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh for coming to a successful agreement on an important issue.”

Canada’s unions will look for the details of how this announcement will be implemented and continue to raise issues that affect workers during this crisis and once the recovery starts.

To arrange an interview, please contact:

CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

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Canada’s unions are proposing a set of ambitious initiatives in order to achieve a strong, sustainable and inclusive economic recovery. It is a recovery that places workers directly at the centre of every policy and strategy going forward. Canada’s unions are ready to help mould this bold future and build our path to recovery.

Read more here.

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2SLGBTQI peoples are more vulnerable to discrimination, violence, harassment and stigma on the basis of sexuality and gender identity right now. The lockdown makes it more difficult to find support and to escape a less than accepting situation at home.

“COVID-19 has amplified the inequities in our society, including the discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQI peoples,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “We may all be practicing social distancing, but that doesn’t mean marginalized communities are less impacted by the reality of homophobic, transphobic and biphobic intolerance and violence.”

As the first waves of lockdown hit communities across Canada, over 100 2SLGBTQI organizations sounded the alarm in a letter addressed to Canada’s federal government.

According to data collected by Egale, 53 per cent of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI households have been impacted by job losses since mid-March, compared to 39 per cent of the general population. Further, 42 per cent of 2SLGBTQI respondents to Egale’s recent survey said they have experienced negative mental health impacts due to the added stress, compared to 30 per cent of the general public.

“We need action from the federal government to support 2SLGBTQI organizations dealing with an increase in demand from community members struggling with a lack of resources due to the pandemic,” continued Rousseau. “We also need federal and provincial governments to mandate collection of disaggregated data across Canada to give health officials and policy makers a greater understanding of the disproportionate impact of this pandemic on marginalized communities, including 2SLGBTQI people.”

Learn more about the specific impacts of COVID-19 on 2SLGBTQI communities in Canada here, and learn more about the history of IDAHOBIT here.

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The impact of COVID-19 on workplaces, communities and families across Canada is unprecedented. Many workers have lost their jobs or contracts, or have been recalled after layoffs. Other workers are on the front lines and putting their health and their families’ health at risk every day. Others are working remotely for the first time.

In the midst of all of this social distancing and the increased economic precarity felt throughout this crisis, workloads have now doubled or tripled for those caring for children, elders and persons with disabilities as schools, community centres and other planned daily activities cease to operate.

“Our lives have significantly changed as a result of this pandemic and this has already negatively impacted the mental health of many in workplaces across Canada,” explained Executive Vice-President Larry Rousseau. “It’s critical that workplaces are equipped with the resources and training necessary to provide accommodations and supports for mental health wellness of their workers.”

Even before the pandemic, mental illness accounted for about a third of all disability claims. With the added stressors of the current crisis, workers are feeling the negative impacts on their mental well-being even more than before.

Fighting for better mental health resources and supports can help to keep workers in their jobs and prevent mental illnesses from occurring in the first place. The Canadian Labour Congress offers a Mental Health at Work online portal. 

This online catalogue provides a series of resources, including how to bargain for better mental health supports in the workplace, geared towards workers and trade union activists who want to ensure their workplaces prioritize mental health outcomes for all.

“Mental Health Week is an opportunity for every workplace to recognize that better mental health care, an end to discrimination against people with mental illness and equitable work opportunities are human rights issues that must be prioritized.

“This week we want to say to workers who are struggling:  it’s okay to not be okay.  You are not alone.  Use the resources and get the help you need, and together we’ll get through this extraordinary challenge,” said Rousseau.

List of Useful Resources:

CLC Mental Health Resource Centre:
https://canadianlabour.ca/uncategorized/mental-health-resources/

Canadian Mental Health Association 
https://mentalhealthweek.ca/toolkit/

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Free mental health e-courses
https://www.ccohs.ca/topics/wellness/mentalhealth/

National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace
https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/what-we-do/workplace/national-standard

Kids help phone
https://kidshelpphone.ca/

Distress Centres
https://ca.edubirdie.com/blog/worldwide-and-canadian-crisis-centres

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“As communities mourn workers we’ve lost this year, including many in recent weeks, we must remember that we owe it to them to do everything we can to protect all those who are still working in the midst of this crisis,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff. “The best way to honour them is to fight for the living. Every person should be able to go to work without the fear of being infected, or of bringing this virus home to their loved ones.”

The theme for the annual memorial this year is “Stop the pandemic at work.” Across Canada, 4.9 million workers have been deemed essential, meaning they have to keep reporting to work. They are risking their lives every day, keeping the rest of us safe and supplied. Many of these workers are paid minimum wage and receive no benefits. Workplace injuries and deaths are preventable, even in a pandemic. All workers, in every sector, deserve to come home safe at the end of their shift.

“Canada’s unions are calling for paid sick leave and adequate personal protective equipment for every essential worker on the front lines right now,” said Yussuff. “This pandemic has demonstrated who the essential workers really are. It is up to us to ensure society never undervalues essential workers again. That means fair compensation, benefits and all manner of necessary protections.”

In Canada, workers have three basic health and safety rights at work: the right to know about what could harm them in their workplace, the right to participate in decisions that affect their health and safety, and the right to refuse unsafe work. Canada’s unions are working to ensure that all essential workers know their rights and are able to exercise them as we all do our part to fight the pandemic.

This year, to respect public health guidelines, mourners will be gathering virtually to hold vigils for those who have lost their lives or had their lives changed forever because of an incident in the workplace.

To join the CLC’s call for a uniform policy of 14 paid, job-protected sick days for all workers, sign our petition here.

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In the midst of a global pandemic, essential workers are now facing heightened risk. The very least we can ask is that every worker has access to paid sick leave.

No one should ever have to choose between their job, their health and the public interest.

Our federal and provincial governments must work together on this. They must put in place a uniform policy of 14 paid, job-protected sick days for all workers in Canada.

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According to Statistics Canada, employment fell by one million in March and the ranks of the unemployed grew by 413,000. Canada’s unemployment rate rose by 2.2 percentage points to 7.8 per cent, the largest single-month increase since comparable data became available in 1976.

“Today’s alarming unemployment numbers underscore the devastation this pandemic is having on workers and has made clear the enormous task in front of us,” said Hassan Yussuff, CLC’s president.

“Right now, working people need secure and adequate incomes, rent and mortgage relief, and a break on bank and credit card fees. The federal government’s commitment to increasing the Canada Child Benefit and expanding the GST/HST credit was welcomed news. As are the emergency benefits package and wage subsidy programs which are integral to preserving jobs and getting money to many of these workers. However, the scope of coverage simply needs to be broadened.”

The latest numbers highlight the impact of current efforts to curb coronavirus infections on communities across the country. Losses were concentrated in accommodation and food services where employment fell by 294,000 jobs, or 23.9 per cent compared to the previous month. Women and vulnerable workers have been hit hardest in this sudden downturn.

All provinces saw increases in the unemployment rate, with the exception of Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island. The largest increases were in Quebec (+3.6 percentage points to 8.1 per cent), British Columbia (+2.2 percentage points to 7.2 per cent) and Ontario (+2.1 percentage points to 7.6 per cent).

April employment numbers are expected to show even higher numbers of job losses. The critical need for social distancing will continue to impact the country’s economic well-being. Beyond that, it will take cross-sector efforts to ensure that a full, robust recovery benefits everyone.

“Economic recovery will take all orders of government, business and industry, workers and labour being at the same table building durable, long-term solutions. The CLC will continue to demand action to support the livelihoods of all workers in Canada, now and in the recovery to come,” said Yussuff.

The post Historic job losses represent enormous challenge appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“This pandemic has led to major disruption in the lives of many Canadians and is taking a financial toll. Many people have no choice but to turn to their credit cards to pay for basic needs,” said Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “The banks have made some moves to help, but it’s simply not enough.

“With the Bank of Canada’s lending rate at a historic low, financial institutions have an opportunity to pass along those savings to help all of us weather this storm. It’s not enough to provide a break for only a segment of borrowers, forcing desperate people to jump through hoops; this policy must apply right across the board for all customers.”

Yussuff sent a letter to the CEOs of Canada’s largest banks and credit card companies late last week urging the reduction. That action is being followed by a broad campaign to encourage Canadians to add their voice to the campaign and to reach out to the banks as well.

So far, over 5,000 people have joined the campaign, sending letters and tweets to raise the issue and over 2,500 have signed on to a petition.

The CLC is calling on all financial institutions to reduce interest rates on all purchases made on credit cards after March 15, and all balances carried forward from prior to that date, for the duration of the COVID-19 health crisis.

“This is a defining moment in our country’s history, and CEOs need to show solidarity and step up to support the common good,” said Yussuff. “Canadians are watching closely and are expecting every institution to do its part to help.”

A copy of the original letter is available here.

To arrange an interview, please contact:
CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

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Health care workers are working overtime, playing a critical role for their patients across the country and around the world, often without access to adequate personal protective equipment.

“These essential health care workers are making unimaginable sacrifices, losing time with their loved ones, and risking their own health,” said Canadian Labour Congress President Hassan Yussuff. “At a time when these workers are being asked to go above and beyond – sometimes acting as the only support for patients because of quarantine – we need to make sure they have every piece of equipment they need to reduce their own risk and any risk to their families.”

Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with all health care workers. These jobs are always challenging – with a lack of funding, threat of violence in the workplace, the trauma and stress faced by many, and an ongoing shortage of professionals ­– but more challenging now than perhaps ever before.

“We need to pay tribute to these workers, and demonstrate our thanks by following the best advice of public health officials – washing our hands, not touching our faces, and staying home whenever possible,” said Yussuff. “We owe it to all essential workers to do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

At the end of this crisis, when the recovery starts, Canada’s unions will continue to press for adequate funding to ensure health care workers always have what they need to provide Canadians with the best possible care. This includes funding for national, public pharmacare, which would reduce hospital visits from those who can’t afford to take their medications as prescribed.

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Canada’s unions have called on the provincial, territorial and federal governments to provide immediate income supports to workers affected by COVID-19 quarantine and closures. We have also called for employers to permit flexible working arrangements and provide paid sick leave while maintaining drug coverage.

Nationally, under the Canada Labour Code: 5 days of leave in a calendar year for sick leave or related to the health or care of any of their family members, includes 3 paid days after 3 months of continuous employment.

Yukon, under the Yukon Employment Standards Act: 1 unpaid day of sick leave every month the employee has been employed by that employer, less the number of days on which the employee has previously been absent due to illness or injury, up to a maximum of 12 days.

Northwest Territories: 5 unpaid days in each 12-month period for sick leave or family responsibility leave in a year after 30 continuous days of employment with the same employer.

Nunavut: Unclear.

British Columbia: 5 unpaid days of leave relating to the care or health of a child in the employee’s care or another member of the employee’s immediate family.

Alberta: 5 unpaid days of leave in a calendar year for sick leave, or for family care responsibilities after 90 days of employment with the same employer.

For COVID-19: 14 unpaid days of leave with no requirement of a specific term of employment or doctor’s note, retroactive to March 5, 2020. This applies to part-time and full-time workers but does not apply to the self-employed or contractors.

Saskatchewan: Under the Saskatchewan Employment Act, 0 days of paid leave and 12 days of unpaid sick leave or for the care of family members.

For COVID-19, an unspecified number of unpaid days of leave for isolation, quarantine or to care for dependents with no requirement for a medical note or for a specific employment period, and retroactive to March 6, 2020.

Manitoba: Under the Manitoba Employment Standards Code, 3 unpaid days of leave in a year for sick leave or for family care responsibilities after 30 days of employment with the same employer.

Ontario: Under the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 3 unpaid days of leave in a calendar year for a personal illness, injury or medical emergency after two consecutive weeks of employment with the same employer; 3 unpaid days of leave for illness, injury or medical emergency of a family member after two consecutive weeks with the same employer; and, 8 weeks of unpaid leave to provide care or support to a family member that has a serious medical condition.

For COVID-19, an unspecified number of unpaid days for those who are in isolation or quarantine, or those who need to be away from work to care for family and children because of school or daycare closures. These measures are retroactive to January 25, 2020, with no requirement for a specific period of employment or for a medical note.

Quebec: Under an Act Respecting Labour Standards, 2 paid days of leave to take care of a relative or person with whom they act as an informal caregiver or in the case of sickness after 3 months of employment; 10 days per year to fulfil obligations relating to the care, health or education of the employee’s child or the child of the employee’s spouse, or because of the state of health of a relative or a person for whom the employee acts as a caregiver and the first 2 days shall be paid according to a formula, and after 3 months of continuous employment.

For COVID-19: Residents of Quebec 18 and over who are isolating because they have symptoms or have tested positive, have been in contact with an infected person; or, have travelled outside of the country may be granted $573 per week for a period of 14 days of isolation or up to 28 days if justified, if they are not receiving compensation from their employer, private insurance or another government program. The order to self-isolate must be given by the Government of Canada, the Gouvernement du Quebec or another responsible authority. To apply, residents must register here.

New Brunswick: Under the New Brunswick Employment Standards Act, 5 unpaid days of leave in a calendar year for sick leave after 90 days of employment and 3 unpaid days of leave in a calendar year for family care responsibility leave.

Nova Scotia: Under the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code, 3 unpaid days of leave in a year for leave due to the sickness of a child, parent or family member; or for medical, dental or other similar appointments during working hours.

Prince Edward Island: Under the Prince Edward Island Employment Standards Act, 3 unpaid days of leave in a calendar year for sick leave after 3 months of continuous employment; 1 paid day of leave in a calendar year, in addition to any unpaid leave that the worker is entitled to, after five continuous years of employment; and, 3 unpaid days of leave in a calendar year for family care responsibility leave after six continuous months with the same employer.

Newfoundland and Labrador: Under the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Standards Act, 7 unpaid days of leave for sick leave or family responsibility leave in a year after 30 continuous days of employment with the same employer.

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While we are all struggling to make sense of the current crisis, we have to consider the most marginalized among us, who are always facing threats to their safety and security that the rest of us are now experiencing.

Trans folks are among our health care workers, they are re-stocking the shelves in our grocery stores, they are helping to deliver municipal services, all while facing uncertainty about their own access to much needed medications and gender-affirming surgeries. 

Being an ally means ensuring that trans people are not forgotten in our priorities as we look to rebuild after this crisis. 

“Trans people are part of our movement. We all have a role to play to better protect the rights of our trans members and ensure they have the support they need in our workplaces, in our unions and in our communities,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress. 

Canada’s Unions are proud to mark the International Transgender Day of Visibility 2020 with the launch of a newly updated resource: Workers in Transition: A Practical Guide for Union Representatives and Trans Union Members. This revised version of the popular handbook includes a refreshed glossary of terms related to trans, Two Spirit and non-binary peoples’ experiences, as well as tools and strategies for workers, union representatives and activists to implement trans-inclusive policies and advocacy in all workplaces in Canada.

The labour movement will be a major part of Canada’s economic recovery, and we have the opportunity now to build awareness of the many barriers facing trans workers, and help trade union leaders, union staff representatives, local executives, committee members and shop stewards become better allies.

You can take action today by downloading your copy of the new Workers in Transition handbook now and becoming a trans ally in your workplace and in your community. 

To learn more about the International Transgender Day of Visibility, click here.

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Representing 40,000 employees, Canada’s airline unions participating in the meeting included the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Unifor, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Canada, the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) as well as the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).

“A key priority for today’s call was to ensure that front-line aviation employees still working have the appropriate personal protective equipment,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff. “This includes pre-board screeners, flight crews, and passenger agents who are working to ensure the safety of both employees and the travelling public.”

Union leaders urged the federal government to consider measures similar to those in U.S. Congress where affected airline and airport workers are to be provided top-up benefits similar to those in U.S. Congress where 80% of wages are guaranteed. The Unions also proposed that employers extend health benefit plans and ensure pensionable service is accrued under retirement plans. Moreover, they also wanted to ensure that any federal aid allows laid-off employees to return to payroll and maintains employment levels.

Unions also asserted that any government support be accompanied by tight restrictions on executive compensation. This includes bonuses and stock options, share buybacks and dividend payments, as well as debt repayment designed to increase shareholder value.

“Air travel is a vital part of Canada’s transportation network and economy, and the success of any federal financial aid package will require worker supports,” added Yussuff. “Canada’s unions welcome the federal government’s efforts to work with Labour to ensure the airline industry will continue to flourish into the future.”

To arrange an interview, please contact:

CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

CUPE
Philippe Gagnon
613-894-0146

UNIFOR
Hamid Osman
Hamid.Osman@unifor.org
647-448-2823

IAMAW
Frank Saptel
fsaptel@iamaw.org
416-386-1789

ALPA
media@alpa.org

ACPA
Kym Robertson
krobertson@acpa.ca

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The recommendation that people stay in their homes, along with added financial pressure and stress, can elevate the risk of violence and further entrenches isolation, which increases opportunities for abusers to exert power and control.

Women’s shelters and transition houses across the country are doing their best to remain open for those fleeing domestic violence, despite the current challenges. Federal and provincial governments have announced some new spending to support these necessary services during this critical time.

We all have a role to play.

How to help someone you know or those suffering in your community

What should you do if you are concerned about a co-worker, friend or family member that you believe is experiencing abuse?

• Remind them that you care about their health and well-being.
• Encourage them to reach out to their local shelter to get support and to develop a safety plan.
• Keep the lines of communication open to reduce isolation.
• Union representatives who have been assisting members with workplace safety planning can work with them and a shelter worker to adapt it to the new context.

How can you help in your community?

• Consider donating to local shelters so they can continue to offer services during this crisis. Contact your local organization to find out how you can help.

What to do if you need help

• Reach out to any women’s shelter or helpline, which will provide information, support and referrals to other services. You do not need to seek shelter to get help.
• Even if leaving does not feel like an option, shelter workers can provide assistance with developing a safety plan, offer a listening ear and help you better understand your situation.
• If you belong to a union, create or adapt a workplace safety plan with your union representative. If you don’t belong to one, work with your employer and a shelter worker.
• If you are in immediate danger, call 911. You do not need to tell the 911 operator why you are calling if you are afraid of your partner’s reaction. Even if you just say “I would like to order a pizza”, police will come to your home.

Useful links

Sheltersafe provides information and can help identify a shelter in your community. Crisis and distress lines are available in most provinces and territories, and 211 can identify local sources of support in many communities.

Remember, employers must ensure that Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) remain accessible during the pandemic. These may be useful for those experiencing violence right now.

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Income support will be critical to minimizing the economic impact of COVID-19.

In addition, the Canadian Labour Congress is calling on all governments and employers to take every step necessary to protect the health and well-being of workers, including health care workers who are on the frontlines of this public health emergency. These measures include:

1. Permitting flexible work arrangements, telecommuting, video and teleconferencing, ending non-essential travel, and postponing unnecessary meetings and events.
2. Providing paid sick leave under short-term disability and sick leave plans while maintaining drug coverage.
3. Providing 14 days paid sick leave for workers under prevailing federal, provincial and territorial labour standards to cover the quarantine period. 
4. Waiving any requirement for a doctor’s note to permit sick leave.
5. Prohibiting coronavirus testing as a condition of continued employment.
6. Working with Service Canada to take full advantage of the improved EI Work-Sharing Program to minimize layoffs.
7. Working closely with health and safety committees and unions to provide accurate and timely information to employees about accessing benefits and support.
8. Providing compassionate care and bereavement leave support to employees, as well as mental health counselling and support.
   

   Specific to health care workers, employers should, among other things:

    

9.  Provide an adequate supply of appropriate N95 respirators on hand as well as PAPR (for aerosol-generating procedures, e.g. intubation) and other personal protective equipment.
10. Conduct a risk assessment to determine all points of potential entry (and how to restrict them) and other points of potential exposure for workers (e.g. screening, triage, isolation rooms).

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“We continue to share our recommendations with the federal government as this situation progresses. While there has been an important move in easing measures around Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, the government will need to go much further to protect the most vulnerable,” said Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).

After decades of cuts, Canada’s unemployment safety net is wholly inadequate and paid sick leave policies across the country are insufficient.

In 2018, only 33 per cent of unemployed women and 38 per cent of unemployed men received EI benefits. Seasonal workers, those with precarious employment and the self-employed are most vulnerable and will require urgent support.

“While we acknowledge the important measures all levels of governments are taking to ease the burden on the business community to help save jobs in the private sector, more must be done to assist front-line workers in health care fields who are vital in the fight against COVID-19,” said Yussuff.

Further, CLC urges the federal government to:

• Reduce the entry requirement for EI regular and sickness benefits;
• Immediately increase the current benefit rate from 55 per cent to 60 per cent;
• Establish an emergency benefit with a low minimum contribution requirement to support otherwise ineligible workers;
• Implement regulations to waive the requirement that claimants obtain a doctor’s note if they require quarantine;
• Make additional government funds available to provide special income relief for health sector workers who may be subject to quarantine or who become sick;
• Instruct utilities, banks, landlords, credit card companies and financial institutions to extend and relax mortgage, rent and bill payment requirements, loan servicing obligations, and other responsibilities facing consumers and households;
• Work with First Ministers to declare that no one be fired for self-quarantining or recovering from infection, and that if a worker loses their job for these reasons, they will be reinstated;
• Double the GST/HST credit to provide income support to low-income Canadians; and
• Increase the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) paid to low- and modest-income families.

“Single and vulnerable parents living paycheck to paycheck are going to struggle to pay rent and utilities if they have to scale back hours and turn down shifts to deal with the child care crisis. We know that these measures will disproportionately affect women.

“All across Canada, working people have been listening to public health authorities and doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19—it is now time for Canada to support them.”

Read more: Supporting workers in a time of crisis — Key steps for governments and employers.

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“We know that universal, public pharmacare will be less expensive and keep more people healthy and out of the hospital,” said Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “For 7.5 million Canadians that are uninsured or underinsured, pharmacare won’t just change their lives, it can save them.”

Canada’s minority governments have a history of advancing public policies that have significantly improved the lives of millions of families. On top of pharmacare, labour activists are also pressing the need for a $15 federal minimum wage, protections for worker pensions and the ratification of ILO Convention 190 on ending violence and harassment at work.

“On C-190, Canada brought this to the ILO and we have an opportunity to show real leadership by becoming one of the first countries to ratify it,” said Yussuff.

The creation of a federal minimum wage for workers in federally regulated workplaces would lift up more than 70,000 workers. These workers have been without a minimum wage since 1996, it is long overdue.

It has also been too long that workers have been told they have to wait for the creditors to be paid before they get the pensions they are owed. The government needs to protect these workers so they can retire with confidence.

“This government has a historic opportunity, and mandate, to build a more progressive Canada,” added Yussuff. “When Canadian workers come together, our collective voice has real weight with decision-makers. Canada must grasp this opportunity to make pharmacare a reality and improve Canadians’ lives.”

The Canadian Labour Congress is the voice of Canada’s labour movement representing over 3 million union members who work in every industry across the country.

To arrange an interview, please contact:

CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

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The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) reaffirmed their commitment and solidarity with Unifor Local 594 workers who are ready to bargain a fair deal.

“The union has demonstrated a strong desire to bargain with their employer to get back to work,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff. “Today, I’m calling on CLC’s affiliates to extend their support to these workers, and pressure the employer to bargain in good faith. It’s time to end this lockout.”

Executives at Federated Co-operatives Limited locked out Unifor Local 594 members on December 5, 2019. The dispute deepened through the use of replacement workers and picket lines.

“Over the last 60 days, this protracted dispute has not only harmed refinery workers, but the broader Regina community and needs to end,” added SFL President Lori Johb. “Regina area families, farmers and Co-op members have suffered enough. The community is frustrated and wants this lockout over.”

For more information and to set up an interview, please contact:

media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

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“The Hoskins Report is done, the election promises have been made, the Ministers’ mandate letters are clear and the majority of MPs are with us. Canadians are ready. It’s time for pharmacare,” said Canadian Labour Congress President Hassan Yussuff. “With a critical mass of support, it’s time for this Liberal government to seize this historic opportunity to implement universal, single-payer national pharmacare.”

The Hoskins Report stated that an initial investment of $3.5 billion will be required in Federal Budget 2020 as the first step toward implementing universal pharmacare. The group of advocates emphasised this investment is needed immediately to kick start this process.

“Right now, 7.5 million Canadians have inadequate drug coverage or none at all. In fact, 16 per cent of people in Canada go without medication for heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol because of cost,” added Heart & Stroke CEO Yves Savoie. “We can’t wait any longer.”

Besides Budget 2020, stakeholders identified other milestones to ensure the implementation of this key missing piece of Medicare can be a success. Most importantly, they discussed how to bring pharmacare supporters and Canadians along this historic journey, and where it can lead us into the future.

“The cost savings of a single-payer model has been proven time and again,” added Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions President Linda Silas. “With government and opposition support, we’re closer than ever to making single-payer pharmacare a reality,”

The group of pharmacare advocates is made up of organizations representing civil society, business, labour and patient interest groups.

For more information:

CLC Media
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

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