Canada’s unions call for stronger action on jobs and public services

Canada’s unions call for stronger action on jobs and public services

OTTAWA—Today’s federal budget lands at a moment of deep uncertainty. Workers are facing rising prices, a growing trade crisis, and public programs stretched to the limit. With U.S. tariffs already costing Canadian jobs, this budget was a chance to show Canada is ready to stand up for workers, build resilience, protect jobs, and invest in people and public services. “When…

Budget 2025 must create jobs by investing in people and infrastructure—not cuts and corporate giveaways

OTTAWA—As workers and communities face growing uncertainty from Trump’s trade war, inflation, and a rising affordability crisis, Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to use Budget 2025 to invest in people and infrastructure—not cuts and corporate giveaways. “Workers are doing their part to hold this country together, our elbows are up, but they’re being squeezed from every direction,”…

Canada has an opportunity and a responsibility to be a voice for peace

The Canadian Labour Congress urges Prime Minister Carney to reaffirm his July 30 statement to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly this month. “Canada has an opportunity and a responsibility to be a voice for peace. In times of conflict, our commitment to diplomacy, international law, and human rights must guide…

Statement by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, on the Prime Minister’s trade and tariff announcement

Ottawa – Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, released the following statement: “Canada’s unions are ready to work with government to make sure today’s announcement delivers for workers and for our economy. Ottawa‘s strategy must prioritize good jobs and better lives for workers their families. To succeed, we need we need a clear industrial strategy that coordinates across…

Statement from Bea Bruske on Carney’s plan to remove U.S. counter-tariffs

Canada’s unions refuse to accept punishing tariffs on our critical export industries as the “new normal.” These tariffs have been an attack on Canadian workers and our economy, and our government must stand strong. Rolling over to Donald Trump’s demands is not an option. Let’s be clear: capitulation hasn’t delivered Canada a single gain from Trump. Whether it was scrapping…

Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, on the G7 Summit

From Kitimat to Selkirk, Sault Ste. Marie to Alma, and now Hamilton—workers across Canada are bracing for the next round of layoffs. Entire industries are being hollowed out. Families are living in a constant state of uncertainty, fearing the loss of their homes, their savings, and their livelihoods. In this moment of deep economic anxiety, Canadians deserve leadership that listens…

National AccessAbility Week 2025: Federal government must provide a better benefit

Canada’s unions are marking National AccessAbility Week 2025 by calling on the newly elected federal government to shape a better Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) that lifts people with disabilities in Canada out of poverty. “The Canada Disability Benefit was a landmark initiative and legacy program left over by Canada’s last Liberal government,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “However,…

Workers mark IDAHOBIT 2025 united against anti-2SLGBTQI+ hate

Across Canada, unions are marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia with a renewed call to action to challenge the disproportionate and alarmingly high levels of harassment and violence faced by 2SLGBTQI+ people both at work and in our communities. “Combatting all forms of anti-2SLGBTQI+ hate, whether it’s discrimination at work or in our society, is a trade…

Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, on the swearing-in of Prime Minister Carney’s Cabinet

OTTAWA – Today marks a new chapter for Canada, and workers are watching closely. With the swearing-in of Prime Minister Carney’s new Cabinet, working people across Canada are looking not for symbolism, but for action—urgent, bold, and focused. Canadians are struggling with the rising cost of living, a worsening housing crisis, a strained public health care system, and job insecurity…

Grieving families demand real enforcement of the Westray Law

Today, May 9th 2025, marks the 33rd anniversary of the Westray disaster, where 26 miners in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, were killed in an underground explosion, the result of appalling disregard for health and safety laws – and the dignity of workers and their families. No worker should risk their life just by showing up to work. Yet in 2023,…