Forward Together

Canadian Labour Congress Responds to Bank of Canada Rates and Fall Session of Parliament

September 16, 2025

OTTAWA, ON — With Parliament’s fall session underway and the Bank of Canada set to announce its latest interest rate decision, Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Bea Bruske and Senior Economist DT Cochrane will address Canada’s state of the economy — marked by rising unemployment, stalled growth, and global trade instability — warning that cuts to public services and program spending will only deepen the crisis, and urging instead an urgent investment-led strategy to create good jobs, strengthen public services, and make life more affordable.

“Workers are already carrying the weight of high costs and job losses. The last thing Canadians need is more cuts. Austerity doesn’t build a future, it breaks it. The federal government must choose investment over cuts: affordable housing, universal pharmacare, child care, and good union jobs that give people hope.” —Bea Bruske, President, CLC

“A good economist should know you don’t cut your way out of a crisis. Yet that’s exactly what Carney’s government is doing. It’s time to stop pretending austerity works and start investing in workers and the communities that keep this country running.” —DT Cochrane, Senior Economist, CLC

WHAT: Press conference to respond to the Bank of Canada’s rate announcement and the federal
government’s economic approach

WHEN: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 11:30 AM ET

WHERE: Press Conference Room 135-B, West Block, Parliament Hill 

WHO: Bea Bruske, President, Canadian Labour Congress
             DT Cochrane, Senior Economist, Canadian Labour Congress

-30-

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

  • Forward Together
  • Bill C-39 could create more labour unrest, union leaders warn

    October 8, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Trade and International Affairs
  • World Day for Decent Work: Canada’s unions fighting to protect the right to strike

    October 7, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Jobs, Economy and Environment
  • Global labour body warns Bill C-39 could violate Canada’s international obligations

    October 2, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Jobs, Economy and Environment
  • CEOs covered by new labour code make up to 199 times more than their workers

    September 29, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Forward Together
  • Bill C-39 would give Canadian government broadest strike intervention powers in G7 

    September 27, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Forward Together
  • Employers cheer Bill C-39 restrictions on the right to strike

    September 25, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Gender Equality
  • Take a stand and Rise Up! for Gender Justice with Canada’s Unions

    September 24, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Jobs, Economy and Environment
  • Canada’s unions united against new restrictions on the right to strike

    September 22, 2026
    Click to open the link