Publications

An economy rigged against workers could mean a ‘Winter of Discontent.’

By Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, as published in the The Globe and Mail. Lockdowns, Russia’s attack on Ukraine, convoy occupations and worker walkouts – last year wasn’t easy. We all hope 2023 brings less hardship. Certainly, the last thing Canadians want right now is labour unrest across the country, but the strikes we’re seeing across the Atlantic…

Bank of Canada’s eighth consecutive rate hike means workers will take another hit

Bruske: With inflation moderating, Bank of Canada has no excuse to further burden Canadians OTTAWA––Canada’s unions are disappointed by the central bank’s decision to continue with its monetary tightening. The most recent consumer price index numbers in Canada and abroad showed that inflation is moderating – yet the Bank is stubbornly raising interest rates for the eighth time.   “We…

Politicians must collaborate to find solutions for Canada’s struggling workers

Bruske: The choices facing decision-makers in the coming months will shape Canada for years to come and Canada’s unions will be there to demand a better Canada for all workers. 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…

As we head into the holidays, Canadians are struggling after being hammered by aggressive interest rate hikes

Bruske: In 2023, Parliament needs to focus on the true causes of inflation and address the affordability crisis Canadians will continue to face Today’s numbers are further evidence that inflation is already slowly moderating in Canada. Yet again, Canada’s unions are calling on the Bank to pause its tightening cycle and avoid further hiking rates. “The Bank’s rapid and aggressive…

Canada’s unions are lifting everyone up

Bruske: As Parliament adjourns, we celebrate progress made and gear up to fight even harder for workers in 2023  OTTAWA — The current parliamentary session has drawn to a close, and Canada’s unions are taking the opportunity to celebrate the progress made this year for workers.   In 2022, many workers and their families buckled under sky-high inflation, eye-popping grocery bills…

The Bank’s forgotten mandate: Support maximum sustainable employment

BRUSKE: More balanced economic policies needed to avoid devastating job losses OTTAWA –– A year after the Bank of Canada received a new mandate, Canada’s unions are asking what happened to the new directions that added employment considerations when the Bank is setting Canada’s monetary policy. “A year ago, amidst great fanfare, the Bank received direction that Canada’s monetary policy…

Premiers and PM must get health deal done

BRUSKE: Political bickering must be replaced with all-hands-on-deck urgency to save kids’ lives OTTAWA––Canada faces a rising number of children getting seriously ill and even dying from the ‘tripledemic’ of COVID, flu and RSV. Canada’s unions are calling on politicians at all levels to stop the blame and bickering and come together behind providing health care workers with the resources…

New child care legislation includes important commitment to non-profit child care and a qualified and well-supported workforce

Bruske: We welcome new child care legislation and will fight to strengthen it as it moves through committee 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…

Missed opportunity to push pause on rate hikes and put people first

BRUSKE: We should do everything we can to avoid job losses and a painful recession OTTAWA––Canada’s unions reacted with disappointment to the Bank of Canada’s decision today to rush ahead with the seventh interest rate hike this year. “Economists have urged the Bank of Canada to let the impact of previous rate hikes take hold before taking further action that…

Canada’s unions applaud the introduction of federal paid sick leave

Bruske: Thousands of workers in federally-regulated workplaces will benefit; now we need paid sick leave for all workers. OTTAWA — Canada’s unions are pleased to see new legislation making ten days of paid sick leave available for all workers in federally-regulated private-sector workplaces come into effect today. Access to paid sick leave is a critical tool to keep our communities…