Publications

Second Labour Code submission warns Ottawa not to entrench powers to end legal strikes

OTTAWA — The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) says the federal government’s second round of consultations on the Canada Labour Code raises troubling new concerns by asking how the government’s power to intervene in lawful strikes should be preserved, rather than whether it should continue to exist. “The government is asking the wrong question,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC.…

Emancipation Day: Justice requires action, not just reflection.

OTTAWA — Canada’s unions are marking Emancipation Day by reiterating their calls for the federal government to strengthen the Employment Equity Act. Emancipation Day recognizes the abolition of slavery in Canada and other British colonies on August 1st, 1834. It is a day to reflect on this nation’s history and participation in slavery, and to remember and honour those who were…

Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress

OTTAWA — “The Bank of Canada has now been found twice in two weeks to have broken Canada’s anti-scab law. Parliament passed this law to protect workers’ right to strike and ensure collective bargaining is fair. When employers use scab labour, they undermine that fundamental right. The Bank of Canada should immediately stop using scab labour, comply with the Canada…

Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress

OTTAWA — “The Bank of Canada has now been found twice in two weeks to have broken Canada’s anti-scab law. Parliament passed this law to protect workers’ right to strike and ensure collective bargaining is fair. When employers use scab labour, they undermine that fundamental right. The Bank of Canada should immediately stop using scab labour, comply with the Canada…

Letter to the Prime Minister: Call for federal acknowledgement and apology for Canada’s role in the trafficking of enslaved Africans

Dear Prime Minister, On behalf of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), which represents over three million workers across Canada, I am writing to you today about a matter of historical and moral importance. On March 25, 2026, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans a crime against humanity. Canada abstained. At least four…

New poll: Canadians draw a line: protect workers, don’t restrict strikes

National Pollara survey finds strong cross-partisan support for the worker protection measures under review, concern that large corporations have too much power, while the proposal to make workers wait longer before striking receives no net support OTTAWA — As the federal government reviews the Canada Labour Code, new national polling conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights for the Canadian Labour Congress…

Bruske: It’s time to fight back

CLC President Bea Bruske issued the following statement: Donald Trump’s threat of 50% tariffs is a direct attack on Canadian workers, our industries, and our economy. The Prime Minister should recall Parliament to pass emergency measures that protect Canadian jobs, support affected workers and industries, and respond with the full strength of Canada’s economic tools. Canadians know one thing about…

Statement from the Canadian Labour Congress in Solidarity with Striking BC Nurses

Canada’s unions and the more than 3 million workers we represent stand shoulder to shoulder with BC’s nurses. The breaking point has been reached. Like all workers in healthcare, nurses report chronic staffing shortages, unsafe working conditions, rising workplace violence, and wages that fail to keep pace with the realities of the job. They are now sending a clear message:…

Elbows up for Canada Day: A better deal for a stronger Canada

OTTAWA – CLC President Bea Bruske issued the following statement on Canada Day: This Canada Day, we must stand firm against the Trump administration as we begin negotiations on the future of CUSMA. A new agreement should strengthen, not weaken, our ability to invest in Canadian industries, protect public services, uphold strong and enforceable workers’ and labour rights, and expand…

Canada’s unions support stronger action on forced labour, reject Trump’s tariff pretext

OTTAWA – Canada’s unions support stronger measures to keep goods produced with forced labour out of Canada, but reject attempts to use workers’ rights as a pretext for a trade war. “Forced labour is a fundamental violation of workers’ rights,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Workers in Canada should not be forced to compete against exploitation,…