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 Industrial Relations Board’s orders, and return to the bargaining table.

Workers need to know that Canada’s labour laws apply equally to everyone, including the country’s public institutions. Respect for the law begins with following it.”

Link to the official letter here.

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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 Industrial Relations Board’s orders, and return to the bargaining table.

Workers need to know that Canada’s labour laws apply equally to everyone, including the country’s public institutions. Respect for the law begins with following it.”

Link to the official letter here.

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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 resolutions have been presented in the last six years regarding a federal apology for Canada’s role in chattel slavery.

Overwhelming historical evidence documenting the trafficking of enslaved Africans has demonstrated the gravity and enduring consequences of these systems. Africans were enslaved in colonial Canada for over 200 years. The Atlantic provinces, as well as Upper and Lower Canada (now Ontario and Quebec), built prosperity as a direct result of the trafficking of enslaved Africans.

International recognition is not merely symbolic; it preserves an accurate historical record and acknowledges both the global suffering caused by such a profound crime against humanity, and its deeply negative generational impacts.

The data on said impacts on Black communities here in Canada is clear. Per Statistics Canada:

• Black Canadians earn 75.6 cents per dollar compared to non-racialized workers.
• Black youth face unemployment rates more than double the national average.
• Black families present in Canada for three generations or more still experience poverty rates double those of non-racialized neighbours.

These outcomes are the measurable legacies of systems that have never been fully acknowledged. The CLC joins the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and other members of Black communities across Canada in calling on the federal government to:

• Provide a full public explanation for Canada’s abstention from the March 25, 2026, UN resolution.
• Formally acknowledge Canada’s historical role in the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans.
• Issue a federal apology to Black Canadians.
• Work in genuine partnership with Black communities to address enduring inequalities.

These actions reinforce and affirm Canada’s stated commitments to human rights, both domestically and internationally, and provide a meaningful path to righting historical wrongs.

Sincerely,

Bea Bruske
President

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OTTAWA — As the federal government reviews the Canada Labour Code, new national polling conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights for the Canadian Labour Congress shows Canadians believe workers need a stronger voice at work, are concerned that large corporations have too much power, and reject proposals that would make it harder for workers to exercise their right to strike.

The survey of 1,950 Canadian adults found that every worker protection measure under review is seen as fair by an overwhelming majority, including improved health and safety enforcement, faster grievance resolution, tougher action on wage theft and misclassification, successor rights, and paid sick day protections. But when asked about requiring workers to wait longer and clear additional hurdles before striking, Canadians were evenly split, giving the proposal no net support at 44% fair and 44% unfair.

The findings suggest Canadians see collective bargaining as one of the few ways workers can balance the power of large employers. Nearly two-thirds (65%) support the right of workers in key industries to strike when negotiations have broken down, including majorities of NDP, Liberal, and Conservative voters. Half of Canadians (50%) oppose giving the federal government greater power to make strikes harder, compared to 39% who support it. An overwhelming 84% say it is important that workers have a strong voice in decisions affecting their jobs, pay, and working conditions during economic uncertainty.

The results come amid deep economic anxiety. While 45% identify the rising cost of living as their top household concern, they do not blame workers for the country’s economic challenges. Nearly half of Canadians (47%) say they have little or no power to improve their own wages, working conditions, or job security, rising to 67% among service workers.

Canadians rank large corporations having too much economic power as a greater threat to the economy than strikes, which finish last among the seven issues tested. At the same time, 90% say strong labour protections are important to the stability of the Canadian economy.

“Canadians draw a very clear line in this data,” said Matt Smith, Executive Vice President at Pollara Strategic Insights. “There is broad, cross-partisan support for the measures that protect workers. But when a proposal is understood as making it harder for workers to strike, support disappears. Canadians see strong labour protections as part of a stable economy, not a threat to it, and they rank strikes last among the economic risks facing the country.”

“Canadians don’t want government wearing a corporate jersey. They expect a fair referee that protects workers’ rights, keeps the playing field level, and ensures everyone plays by the same rules,” said Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress. “This poll makes it clear that Canadians want government to strengthen workers’ rights, not tip the balance even further toward powerful employers.”

The survey also found that individual workers are by far the most trusted voices on labour issues and workers’ rights, with a net trust score of +56. Trade unions and labour organizations are also trusted on these topics (+20), while the federal government (−4) and companies and industry associations (−13) are both distrusted on balance when addressing labour issues and workers’ rights.

About the survey
The survey was conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights on behalf of the Canadian Labour Congress between June 9 and 18, 2026, among 1,950 Canadian adults (18+) using an online research panel, including an oversample of 200 union members. Data were weighted by gender, age, and region using the most recent Census data. Online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error; as a guideline, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of ±2.2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Pollara Strategic Insights is a member of the Canadian Research Insights Council (CRIC), and this research was conducted in compliance with CRIC standards.

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Media contacts
Canadian Labour Congress: CLC Media Relations – media@clcctc.ca | 613-526-7426

Pollara Strategic Insights: Matt Smith, Executive Vice President, West – mattsmith@pollara.com | 604-750-4383

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“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, and workers anywhere in the world should not be subjected to forced labour so corporations can increase their profits.”

The Canadian Labour Congress supports measures to strengthen enforcement against forced labour imports in Bill C-35. However, stronger enforcement of an import ban alone is not enough. Canada also needs mandatory human rights due diligence requirements, meaningful penalties for corporations that profit from forced labour, and real remedies for workers harmed by abuse in global supply chains.

Bruske said Canada should strengthen its laws because it is the right thing to do for workers, not because Donald Trump is looking for a new excuse to attack Canadian jobs and industries through trade and tariffs. She added that workers know the difference between a genuine commitment to labour rights and a trade strategy dressed up as one.

“Workers deserve more than a response designed to avoid Donald Trump’s latest trade and tariff threats,” said Bruske. “Canada should use this moment to build a real forced labour regime that tackles exploitation and holds corporations accountable.”

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Addressing delegates from governments, employers, and workers from around the world, Chang said that workers must be partners in the decisions that will shape the future of work.

“Artificial intelligence is already transforming workplaces and industries around the world,” said Chang. “Workers see the potential, but many are also worried about what it means for their jobs, their privacy, and their futures.”

Chang warned that too many governments and employers view technological change as an opportunity to reduce their workforce, intensify work, and increase surveillance. Instead, she argued innovation must be accompanied by strong labour protections and meaningful worker participation.

Chang’s intervention builds on the Canadian Labour Congress’s recent call for a worker-centred approach to artificial intelligence. Canada’s unions have stressed that workers and their unions must be involved in shaping how AI is introduced and governed in workplaces across the country and called for stronger protections against workplace surveillance and discrimination, as well as independent oversight.

Canada’s unions are also calling for updates to the Canada Labour Code to address the growing use of artificial intelligence in federally regulated workplaces. The proposed changes would ensure workers have a voice in decisions about the use of AI, and strengthen protections for workers whose jobs, working conditions, or rights might be affected by new technologies.

“Workers cannot be expected to carry the burden of economic uncertainty by giving up fundamental rights,” said Chang. “The right to organize, bargain collectively, and strike are essential to ensuring workers have a meaningful voice in the economy and in their workplaces.”

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“A trade agreement that weakens labour standards, undermines workers’ rights, or trades away our industrial capacity is not a good deal,” said Bruske. “And let me say this clearly: no deal is better than a bad deal.” 

As governments begin positioning for the upcoming review of the Canada—United States—Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Bruske emphasized that workers have a direct stake in the outcome and must have a seat at the table.

Bruske warned against repeating the mistakes of past trade models that weakened industries and hollowed out communities, while also rejecting the uncertainty created by trade wars that leave workers paying the price.

“For too long, we have been presented with a false choice,” said Bruske. “Working people should not have to choose between a trade model that sacrifices them and a trade war that uses them as collateral damage.”

Bruske said workers must be part of discussions about the future of trade between Canada and the United States.

“Trade policies are not just about markets and supply chains. It is about jobs. It is about communities. It is about what kind of economy we’re trying to build,” said Bruske.

The CLC said the upcoming CUSMA review must focus on creating and protecting good jobs, strengthening labour standards, supporting domestic industrial capacity, and building a more resilient economy.

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As these technologies become more deeply embedded in our workplaces and communities, it is critical that they are developed and deployed in ways that protect workers’ rights, address growing concerns about job security, and do not deepen existing inequalities, especially for women and marginalized workers.

We welcome the federal government’s proactive approach to this issue and look forward to working together to ensure AI protects rights, strengthens equity, and benefits all workers.

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In a submission released today, the CLC says the government is pairing long-overdue worker protections with proposals that would further restrict bargaining and normalize government intervention in labour disputes.

“The government cannot offer workers overdue protections with one hand while taking away bargaining power with the other,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

The submission focuses heavily on the federal government’s repeated use of section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to end lawful strikes and lockouts and impose binding arbitration.

Since 2024, the federal government has used section 107 eight times. In the previous four decades, the provision had never been used this way.

According to the CLC, those interventions have changed bargaining in the federal sector by signalling to employers that the government will step in when economic pressure builds.

“The right to strike only matters if employers believe workers are actually allowed to use it,” said Bruske.

The CLC also rejects calls from employer groups for further restrictions on strikes and bargaining timelines.

“It is backwards to blame workers for economic disruption while giving employers a pass for the low wages, unsafe conditions, and failed bargaining that lead to strikes in the first place,” said Bruske.

The submission also calls for stronger protections against wage theft and misclassification, expedited grievance arbitration, successor rights, stronger health and safety protections, and safeguards around AI and workplace surveillance.

The CLC says the consultation process itself was rushed and overly broad, giving stakeholders only weeks to respond to more than 60 questions spanning collective bargaining, AI, labour standards, health and safety, and insolvency law.

Link to the Executive Summary here.

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“This is a victory for workers everywhere,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “The world’s highest court has made it clear: workers do have the right to strike under international law. That clarity matters enormously for workers, unions, governments, and employers alike. And we’re proud of the role that CLC played in securing this decision.”

The Landmark ruling confirms that the right to strike is protected under International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize, ending a decades-long dispute over one of the most fundamental rights workers possess.

The Canadian Labour Congress helped advance the case before the ICJ by pushing for the referral of the dispute through the International Labour Organization, contributing the Canadian labour context to the international union submissions before the Court, and supporting the legal effort financially.

“The Stakes for workers around the world were enormous,” said Lily Chang, the CLC’s Secretary Treasurer and Governing Body Member of the International Labour Organization. “Workers cannot have meaningful freedom of association or collective bargaining without the right to strike, and this ruling makes that crystal clear.”

The ruling comes at a critical moment as workers in Canada face growing pressure on collective bargaining rights and job action.

In Alberta, Danielle Smith’s provincial government used the notwithstanding clause to override Charter-protected rights of striking teachers. Federally, the government has increasingly used section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to break legal strikes and weaken workers’ bargaining power. Unions in federally-regulated industries are warning that the government’s broad and rushed consultations on changes to the Labour Code could further restrict the ability of workers to take job action.

The CLC says the ICJ ruling should serve as a clear warning to governments considering changes to labour laws in Canada.

“This ruling must be a line in the sand,” said Bruske. “The Canadian Labour Code cannot become a tool to erode one of the most fundamental democratic rights workers possess. The right to strike must be protected, respected, and upheld.”

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The post Canada’s unions ready to fight to protect public health care in Alberta appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Delegates overwhelmingly adopted a strong resolution opposing legislation from Premier Smith’s government that would entrench two-tier health care in Alberta by allowing physicians to charge patients whatever they want for medically necessary services.

The resolution also opposes any attempt to introduce similar legislation elsewhere in Canada and calls on the Prime Minister and federal Health Minister to fully enforce the Canada Health Act.

Delegates from Alberta took to the convention floor to share firsthand stories about the growing crisis in their province and urged fellow activists from across the country to stand united against the privatization of health care, including Alberta’s Bills 11 and 29.

“When you think about what makes Canada different from the United States, our public universal health care is on top of that list,” said Bruske. “Canada’s unions will defend our health care from Americanization.”

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As workers face rising inequality, precarious work, and growing pressure from automation and artificial intelligence, delegates at the Canadian Labour Congress’ 31st Constitutional Convention adopted an ambitious action plan to strengthen labour rights, expand access to unions and collective bargaining, and build worker power. 

CLC President Bea Bruske said workers should not be expected to absorb the costs of economic instability and corporate-driven change on their own. 

“Canadian workers are being squeezed from every direction,” said  Bruske. “Donald Trump’s trade war is putting jobs and industries at risk. Austerity and cuts to public services are weakening the supports workers and families rely on. At the same time, employers are using automation, AI, and algorithms to increase insecurity and weaken protections on the job. Workers are standing together to fight back

“Winnipeg has a proud labour history. In 1919, workers took to the streets to demand fairness, dignity, and a better future. Today, we are once again raising our voices to demand an economy that works for people, not just corporations and billionaires.”

According to Bruske, a union card is a worker’s ticket to better pay, safer workplaces, respect and dignity, and security in uncertain times. 

“This action plan is about rebuilding worker power in every sector of the economy, in every region in Canada, and ensuring labour rights keep pace with the realities of modern work,” said Bruske.

The “We Build Worker Power” action plan calls for changes to federal and provincial labour and employment laws that raise workplace standards, improve access to unions and effective collective bargaining, and remove governments’ special powers to override workers’ constitutional rights. It also takes aim at the impacts of artificial intelligence while calling for fair scheduling laws, 10 paid days of medical leave for every worker in Canada, and greater protections from psychosocial workplace injuries. 

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The post Thousands of union activists rally to protect Canadian jobs, improve working conditions appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Fighting injustice, discrimination, and inequality is hardwired into the labour movement’s DNA. 

“This plan is about building a labour movement and a country grounded in justice, reconciliation, inclusion, and human dignity,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC.  “Our strength comes from standing together against those who seek to divide and undermine us. Solidarity is how we fight back and how we win.” 

The “We Fight For Justice” action plan calls for transformative changes to Canada’s Employment Equity Act, campaigns that champion pay equity, confront gender-based violence and discrimination, and a renewed commitment from unions to put the principle of “nothing about us without us” into practice and work in collaboration with groups directly impacted by discrimination and inequities.

“Until all of us have made it, none of us have made it.”

This famous phrase from the great Rosemary Brown rang truer than ever for the thousands of delegates in Winnipeg.   

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The post Canada’s unions demand a care economy built on dignity and respect appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Today the 2,000+ delegates to the CLC Convention said “enough is enough” with the adoption of an ambitious action plan to raise living standards, take on corporate greed and excess, and restore dignity and economic security for working people.

CLC President Bea Bruske was clear: Canadians are not only facing an affordability crisis, they are also facing a dignity crisis.

“Workers are being squeezed from every direction while corporate profits soar, and we’ve had enough of it,” said Bruske. “The plan put forward today by Canada’s unions will lower costs, raise living standards, and make dignity and security realities for everyone.”

The “We Fight for Dignity” action plan is focused on shifting government priorities towards the everyday housing needs of people over profit-making corporations and landlords, towards an investment in high-quality and low-cost public services, strengthening Canada’s social safety net, and stronger regulation of corporate behaviour.

“From fair tax policy to rent controls, to laws that ban price-gouging and the use of algorithms that target people for discrimination, Canada’s unions are ready to fight for everyday affordability, corporate accountability, and to restore the economic equality of workers everywhere,” said Bruske.

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“Canada cannot build a resilient economy by outsourcing jobs, relying on fragile supply chains, or leaving workers behind,” said Bea Bruske. “This plan is about building the infrastructure, industries, and skilled workforce Canada needs, and making sure workers share in the prosperity they create.”  

The action plan prioritizes nation-building investments in public infrastructure, transportation, energy systems, skills training, apprenticeships, and workforce development to ensure a skilled and job-ready workforce for the future.  

It also advances for a worker-centred approach to building a worker-centred strategy through investments in clean electricity generation, public transit, electrification, climate adaptation, and industrial decarbonization while protecting and creating good union jobs.  

Canada’s unions will continue to push governments to use public procurement, strategic investment, and industrial policy to strengthen domestic supply chains, raise workplace standards, expand opportunities for marginalized workers, and ensure major projects deliver lasting community benefits.  

The plan also calls for stronger Employment Insurance protections, greater support for apprenticeships and vocational education, and a worker-centred trade agenda that prioritizes domestic capacity, labour rights, and economic sovereignty.

“This plan is about nation-building,” said Bruske. “It is about building a stronger, more resilient Canada that delivers for workers and communities.”

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The action plan recognizes that growing insecurity, declining trust in institutions and frustration with politics have created fertile ground for anti-democratic and extremist movements. The plan argues that strengthening economic security, fighting inequality, and expanding democratic participation are essential to building a healthy, inclusive, and resilient democracy. 

“When workers feel ignored, insecure, and shut out of political and economic 
decision-making, extremism fills the vacuum,” said Bea Bruske. “This plan is about rebuilding democratic participation from the ground up by strengthening workers’ voices, raising living standards, and ensuring ordinary people have real power in shaping Canada’s future.” 

The action plan commits Canada’s unions to advancing a good jobs strategy at the core of a broader democratic agenda to combat growing disaffection with politics and the rise of extremist political activity. It champions worker-centred economics, an affordability agenda, and steadily rising working-class living standards. 

Canada’s unions will continue to demand tax fairness, and expand public investment, including investment in public services, and concrete measures to reduce inequality and insecurity as part of a broader effort to address political frustration and alienation. 

The action plan also commits the labour movement to revitalizing democratic participation and accountability through greater transparency, civic engagement, and political participation and representation. 

Delegates are further committed to intensifying efforts to organize and mobilize workers politically, defend collective bargaining and the right to strike.  

The plan calls for stronger protections for human and labour rights in global supply chains, worker-centred trade policies, and continued solidarity with workers and social movements fighting for democracy, equality, and human rights around the world. 

“Democracy cannot survive when working people are left behind,” said Bruske. “Canada’s unions are committed to building a country where workers have security, dignity, and a real voice in shaping the future.” 

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The Westray Disaster – like all workplace fatalities – was preventable.

More than three decades later, much remains the same. Far too many negligent employers are not held accountable for when workers are killed or seriously injured on the job.

In 2004, the Westray amendments were passed into law, establishing criminal liability for organizations – including corporations – for negligence of their fundamental duty to ensure the health and safety of workers.

 “In 2024 – the last year for which there is updated data – there were 1042 accepted fatality claims made to workers’ compensation boards, but over 20 years, there have been only 29 Westray charges. The enforcement of the Westray Law is so weak, it’s inexcusable,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Police, prosecutors, and regulators need training in the Westray Law so it is applied, and accountability reaches the senior leadership whose decisions or lack of decisions can put workers and the public at risk, so the law is the deterrent it is intended to be.”

The Canadian Labour Congress is calling for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, involving federal, provincial, and territorial governments to ensure:

• Mandatory training for police and health and safety regulators on the proper application of the Westray amendments;
• The implementation of mandatory procedures and a national protocol based in sociotechnical science in every jurisdiction for police, Crown prosecutors, and health and safety regulators in investigating how senior executive decisions, organizational systems, and workplace conditions contribute to foreseeable and preventable workplace deaths and injuries.

“Having over 1000 workers a year die on the job is not normal – it’s a disgrace,” concludes Bruske. “Negligent employers will not change their behaviour until the Westray Law is fully enforced which requires mandatory training and protocols to make this happen. Workers, their families, and their communities deserve no less.”

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As we mark May Day across the country, we also acknowledge that Canadian workers face considerable challenges. Our country’s industrial backbone is under threat, and the weight of dire economic times inevitably lands on working people and their families.

On the occasion of May Day, we state proudly that we will continue to work together to protect Canadian jobs and to secure a prosperous future, through worker-centered industrial strategies and a robust Canadian economy that can support Canadian workers for years to come. We will continue to vigorously defend important rights fought for and won by workers, including the right to collectively bargain and the right to strike.

The choices made by governments at all levels in the coming year will shape whether Canada remains a country that builds and produces or one that surrenders its industrial core. This May Day, we recommit ourselves to the fight for a future where every worker has a good union job, a safe workplace, and a seat at the table.

In solidarity,

Lana Payne
Unifor

Bea Bruske
Canadian Labour Congress

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“Workers need bold action that lowers costs, protects jobs and strengthens the public services families rely on,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. “Canada’s unions welcome the positive steps announced today and will work hard to get real results for working people.”

In particular, the Canadian Labour Congress welcomes the major investments made in the development of new skilled trade workers in Canada. “This is a smart investment in the future of our country,” said Bruske. “At the same time, we need to see the government invest in building physical and social infrastructure so these skilled workers can be put to work in good, unionized jobs.” 

The CLC also welcomes the extension of special measures on Employment Insurance, providing up to five additional weeks for eligible workers, including extra support for seasonal workers. The government must build on these temporary measures with significant and permanent updates unions have been calling for.  

One area of concern for Canada’s unions is signals pointing toward increased privatization of Canada’s airports. Public infrastructure must remain in public hands. Privatization risks higher costs, weaker accountability and puts good union jobs at risk.

With an improved fiscal outlook in the government’s Spring Economic Update, the CLC is once again calling on the government to pause and reverse its planned cuts to public service jobs and invest in improving services to Canadians. 

“At a time when we’re experiencing job losses due to the Trump trade war, we should not be adding to the ranks of the jobless through cuts, or reducing the services that Canadians rely on,” said Bruske. “Without real investment in the care economy, wages, staffing, and public delivery, inequality will continue to grow.”

Bruske stressed that any new economic strategy must put workers at its centre by:

• Protecting and creating good union jobs in every sector; 
• Supporting workers facing layoffs and economic disruption; 
• Investing in strong, accessible public services, including the care economy and housing; and
• Taking on corporate practices that are driving up costs for working families. 

“Workers built this country and they will build what comes next,” added Bruske. “We are ready to work with government in meeting the significant economic challenges that the country is facing.”

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There is no domestic supply shock in Canada. The cost of refining gasoline here has not suddenly increased. Yet prices at the pump are rising exponentially, and workers are paying the price.

We’ve seen this before. After the invasion of Ukraine, global oil giants posted record profits, nearly $1 trillion worldwide in 2022, while families struggled with rising costs.

When global instability drives up fuel and transportation costs, it doesn’t just show up at the gas pump. It raises the cost of groceries, heating, and everyday essentials. And it’s working families who are feeling it most.

The federal government may not control global oil markets, but it must act decisively to protect Canadians from the worst impacts with timely relief.

Canada’s unions are calling for three immediate steps that would make a real difference:

1. Expand supports targeted at working-class Canadians, including the Canada Workers Benefit and grocery-related affordability measures.
2. Introduce a ‘fuel rebate’ to help consumers cope with rising energy costs. Relief should be targeted, timely, and focused on those who need it most. 
3. Summon the CEOs of Canada’s largest oil companies to Ottawa to explain how they are going to hold down gasoline prices at the pump. Canadians deserve transparency and accountability on pricing, especially at a time when many corporations continue to make record profits.

While provinces have primary jurisdiction over regulating gasoline and heating prices outside of national emergencies, that cannot be an excuse for inaction. All levels of government must work together to protect Canadians from rising costs.

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However, the plan does not yet reflect the forward-looking vision required by legislation. As a vision achieved through genuine collaboration and meaningful engagement, it’s imperative for the government to provide greater clarity on how it intends to implement the priorities outlined, and on how it plans to work with the Council.

In particular, the Council welcomes further detail on how the government plans to support the creation and protection of sustainable jobs across Canada, how workers and their communities will be supported as the economy continues to change, and what substantive role the Council will play in advancing this work going forward.

For this effort to succeed, the Council and Canadian stakeholders must have an active and ongoing role in both implementation of the plan and in ensuring that workers’ concerns are fully addressed.

The Council is proud of its first annual report and the 32 recommendations it contains. Those recommendations were shaped directly by workers, their families and their communities affected by the transition, including workers at CAMI plant, whom the Council met with on the day the plant closed. We were disappointed not to see those recommendations reflected in the current plan. Workers showed up. The Council showed up. We encourage the government to do the same.

We will continue to advocate for the implementation of those recommendations, but advocacy without a genuine seat at the table has its limits. Ongoing engagement with the Council and meaningful social dialogue must be central to the development and implementation of Canada’s sustainable jobs plan. This means policies that drive economic growth, create demand for sustainable jobs, protect workers and communities through decarbonization and economic transformation, and support workers through accredited upskilling and reskilling, underpinned by strong social protections and an unwavering focus on good quality, skilled jobs.

The Council will continue its work on the development of recommendations and their implementation into an ambitious and effective sustainable jobs plan.

About the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council

The Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council is an advisory body to the federal government established to consult with Canadians and provide guidance on the creation and protection of sustainable jobs across Canada as the economy transitions.

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Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske was joined by leaders from several of Canada’s largest manufacturing and building trades unions representing workers whose jobs, communities, and futures depend directly on trade and industrial policy decisions.

With renewed U.S. tariff threats and growing trade instability, unions warned the federal government against repeating the mistakes of the past: trading away domestic production, good union jobs, and industrial capacity in pursuit of an agreement at any cost.

“Any deal that undermines Canadian jobs or weakens Canada’s ability to build its own economy would be worse than no deal at all,” said Bruske. “The United States has increasingly abandoned the rules-based trading system, using trade pressure to weaken workers, destabilize supply chains, and advantage corporations. Canada must respond from a position of strength, not concession, and refuse to sacrifice workers to appease U.S. demands.”

The CLC is urging the federal government to remain laser-focused on a workers-first trade policy that preserves and expands Canadian jobs, strengthens domestic industry, and regulatory space to invest in domestic manufacturing, supply-chain resilience, and future industries. Canada continues to bleed production and jobs due to U.S. sectoral tariffs on auto, softwood lumber, and other industries, with widening impacts on communities and local economies. The government must urgently work to have these tariffs removed.

At the negotiating table, Canada must defend its right to pursue active industrial policy, enforce strong labour protections, and expand domestic value-added production. Trade rules must not be used to undermine workers’ rights, public services, industrial development, or fair wages.

Unions also pressed for a strong, enforceable labour chapter in any renewed agreement, including expanded use of the Rapid Response Mechanism to hold employers accountable for labour rights violations across North America.

The message from labour was unified and unequivocal: the CUSMA review must strengthen Canadian industries and working-class communities, not hollow them out. The government must engage with unions and bring them into the trade negotiations; unions know their industries better than anyone else. Workers do not want the government trading away their jobs, livelihoods, or economic future just to renew a flawed deal.

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Canada’s unions firmly reject any attempt at regime change through force, coercion, or foreign interference. The future of Venezuela must be determined exclusively by the Venezuelan people, through democratic and peaceful means, free from external pressure.

The CLC joins international calls for the protection of civilians, respect for human rights and physical integrity, due process under the law, and the release of any individuals unlawfully detained as a result of this illegal operation.

We align ourselves with the positions expressed by the governments of Brazil, Mexico, and others in the region who have condemned violence and urged an immediate return to diplomatic engagement. Latin America and the Caribbean must remain a zone of peace.

Canada must join those in the international community in condemning this violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, and must work constructively to support dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful solutions.

“We know the cost of war and foreign intervention. It is always paid by civilians, by workers, and by the most vulnerable,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Canada must stand on the side of peace, international law, and the right of peoples to determine their own future without violence or interference.”

Link to ITUC statement: https://www.ituc-csi.org/ituc-tuca-venezuela

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“When it comes to defending Canadian jobs, this government needs to get its elbows back up. Trump’s tariffs and trade threats are putting Canadian workers on the line, and sitting on the sidelines won’t cut it. We need generational investments in housing and public infrastructure—built by union labour, using Canadian-made materials—to secure good jobs and keep prosperity here at home,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

“You can’t create jobs by cutting thousands of them,” said Bruske. “You can’t grow the economy by shrinking public services. Workers need a budget that invests in people and public infrastructure.”

“With no majority in Parliament, this budget is not a done deal—and Canadians don’t need an election,” said Bruske, “Canada’s unions are calling on the Liberal government to work with other parties to amend the budget to deliver the supports, investments, and safeguards workers need to withstand U.S. tariffs, protect Canadian jobs, and build lasting economic security. This is the moment for Parliament to stand up for working people.”

There are measures worth building on in the Budget, including billions in home building and infrastructure funding, the doubling of the Union Training and Innovation Program and the new $1,100 tax credit for personal support workers. These are exactly the kinds of investments working people need: ones that strengthen skills, raise wages, and improve care.

But to truly protect workers and our economy, we need more of that—and fewer cuts.

Parliament must come together to strengthen this budget: protect public services, strengthen health care, modernize Employment Insurance, ensure labour standards in our trade, close corporate tax loopholes, and make the generational investments in housing, infrastructure, and domestic production Canada needs to secure our economic future. Working people are ready to build that future.

“Workers have shown time and again that when Canada needs rebuilding, they step up,” said Bruske. “It’s time for our government to match that determination.”

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“Workers are doing their part to hold this country together, our elbows are up, but they’re being squeezed from every direction,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “This budget must invest in people and infrastructure”.

Bruske warned that balancing the books on the backs of working people would only deepen inequality and stall economic recovery.

“Any move to shore up Canada’s finances must be done fairly,” she said. “That means asking those who’ve made record profits and amassed the most wealth to pay their share—not cutting services or putting the squeeze on workers.”

Investing in people and communities

Canada’s unions are urging the federal government to launch a new wave of public investment focused on shovel-ready municipal and provincial projects—including housing, schools, transportation, public health, and child care.

“These investments must come with strings attached,” said Bruske. “They must create good union jobs, be community supporting, use Canadian procurement, and guarantee that the jobs stay in Canada for the long term.”

Budget 2025 should also build the next generation of public infrastructure including housing, transit and energy, expand early learning and child care, and make major investments in public health care, including pharmacare and safe long-term care.

“Blank cheques to corporations won’t solve the crises we face,” added Bruske. “Public dollars must deliver public good—good jobs, good wages, and the services working families rely on.”

Protecting jobs and preparing for the future

Canada’s unions are calling for a comprehensive job creation plan built around public infrastructure and a funded net-zero industrial strategy developed with unions. The plan should invest in clean energy, manufacturing, and retrofit programs while ensuring workers in high-emitting sectors can transition to new, secure, unionized jobs with fair wages and benefits.

To help workers through economic shocks, the government must also modernize Employment Insurance—restoring federal contributions, improving benefits, and lowering eligibility requirements—so that no worker falls through the cracks in the next downturn.

Fair taxation and fiscal responsibility

Bruske emphasized that real fiscal responsibility means ensuring everyone pays their fair share.

“Workers shouldn’t be asked to carry the burden of recovery while corporations hoard record profits,” she said.

Canada’s unions are calling for tax fairness measures, including:

• Public country-by-country reporting for multinationals;
• Maintaining the Digital Services Tax;
• Increasing the capital gains inclusion rate;
• Introducing wealth and windfall profit taxes; and
• Investing in the Canada Revenue Agency to close loopholes and enforce compliance.

“When corporations and the wealthy pay what they owe,” said Bruske, “Canada can invest in housing, health care, and good jobs for everyone.”

Housing for everyone

The rising cost of homes and rents is taking a toll on workers whose wages are not keeping up. Workers want their government to make serious efforts to combat financial speculation in housing, starting with taxing house-flipping and vacant properties to capture windfall real estate gains that go to the wealthiest Canadians. 

Canada’s unions are calling on the government to put in place ambitious and direct funding for the construction of new, non-market, affordable public housing, including social housing and co-ops for all, including Indigenous peoples, survivors of domestic violence, and people living with disabilities and particularly for marginalized groups.

Putting workers first

“Workers built this country, and workers will build the future,” said Bruske. “Budget 2025 must put people before profits—by investing in the infrastructure, jobs, and public services that make life more affordable and secure for everyone in Canada.”

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The workers-first forum brought leadership candidates Avi Lewis, Heather McPherson, Rob Ashton, Tanille Johnston, and Tony McQuail together to engage directly with worker concerns. Moderated by CLC President Bea Bruske, the event gathered more than 150 union members, NDP supporters, and labour leaders in person – and thousands more online.

“This leadership race is about building a stronger NDP, one grounded in the needs of working people and ready to deliver for families across the country,” said Bea Bruske.

As Canadians grapple with high costs, increasingly precarious jobs, and Trump’s trade war, unions see the leadership race as a key opportunity to renew the party’s connection to the workers it was founded to serve.

“What we heard from the candidates was encouraging; a real commitment to put workers first,” Bruske added. “The message is clear: workers will have a strong voice in Canada’s political future.”

Canada’s unions are committed to strengthening the party and ensuring workers continue to lead the way forward. Yesterday’s forum sets the tone for the leadership race ahead and affirms that the NDP’s future is tied to its roots in the labour movement. 

The Canadian Labour Congress is the largest labour organization in Canada, representing over 3 million workers through affiliated unions, federations of labour, and labour councils across the country.

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At a press conference this morning, CLC President Bea Bruske and Senior Economist DT Cochrane warned that Canada’s economy is heading in the wrong direction, and that working people are already paying the price.

“The Bank of Canada’s decision today to cut interest rates is a recognition of the pressure families are under, but the move alone won’t fix Canada’s economic challenges,” said Bruske. “Lower rates might provide some relief, but without serious public investment in housing, health care, jobs, and training, Canadians will be left treading water while the government pushes ahead with cuts.”

Since 2022, unemployment has shot up. Close to half a million more are now out of work. Youth unemployment is nearing 15%, and it’s even worse for Black and Arab youth, hitting around 25%. The cost of living keeps rising, and families across the country are feeling the strain.

“Too many people are working hard and still falling behind,” said Cochrane. “Rent, groceries — everything costs more. But instead of building support systems, the government is reaching for the same old austerity playbook that caused so much harm in the past.”

The CLC is calling on the federal government to take a different approach. That means:

• Investing in affordable housing
• Protecting public services like health care, child care, transit, and education
• Fixing Employment Insurance so everyone who pays in can get support when they need it
• Creating good union jobs through smart public investment and stronger labour laws
• Guaranteeing a better future for young people, with access to decent work, training, or education

“Nation-building isn’t just concrete and steel. It’s also about a strong safety net, healthcare, housing, and skills training. The stuff that actually makes people’s lives better,” said Bruske. “That’s what real leadership looks like. Not slashing services while billion-dollar corporations keep raking in profits.”

Cochrane pointed to recent data showing GDP shrinking and business investment dropping fast.

“The private sector is pulling back. That’s exactly when the public sector should step up, not disappear,” he said. “If the government keeps cutting, it’s only going to make things worse.”

The CLC also criticized the lack of a clear economic plan from the Carney government.

“We keep hearing buzzwords like ‘affordable housing’ and ‘growth,’” said Bruske. “But where’s the plan? Where are the jobs? Who is this economy actually for?”

With nearly 10,000 public service jobs on the chopping block and cuts of up to 15% planned across departments, the CLC says workers are being asked to carry the burden again.

“Workers didn’t cause this crisis,” said Bruske. “But we’re ready to be part of the solution. What we need from the Carney government is courage. Not cuts.

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“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 industries, regions, and different levels of government while bringing workers into the heart of decision-making. 

We want to work together to ensure that trade diversification efforts are not just about opening new markets, but about building the infrastructure and capacity here at home to succeed. That means major federal investment in warehousing, rail, ports, energy, and logistics, all delivered with prevailing wage requirements and strong labour standards. It also means supporting decarbonization so that Canadian exports can reach Europe and other markets without being penalized by carbon border tariffs.

The new ‘Buy Canada’ plan could become a powerful tool for strengthening our economy and creating demand for Canadian products. But we know from past experience that procurement rules only succeed if they are designed to prioritize creating and protecting good, unionized jobs. Otherwise, public money will flow into corporations and private hands without securing long-term benefits for communities and working people.

Workers welcome enhancements to Employment Insurance — this is a great move that if done right is an essential piece of building a resilient economy. As government moves ahead, it will be important to ensure these improvements cover everyone who needs them, including women, young people, and those in precarious or non-standard jobs.

There are always ways to find savings, but governments must remember that economic strength also depends on strong public services. Canadians need access to health care, child care, and housing that help bring down costs for families. Workers need confidence that Employment Insurance, skills training, and supports will be there when they are needed most. These investments make the economy more resilient and help families weather the shocks that tariffs, trade disruptions, and corporate decisions can bring. With unemployment rising and the job market deteriorating fast, now is the worst possible time for austerity and severe budget cuts to social programs and public-service jobs.

While today’s announcement is welcome, there are still some gaps that need to be addressed. For steel and aluminum producers, the absence of strengthened tariff rate quotas is a missed opportunity. Without this breathing room, workers and employers alike will struggle to adapt to fast-changing market conditions. On electric vehicles, relief for automakers must be tied to clear commitments: investments in Canadian production, guarantees for Canadian jobs, and support for the transition measures that unions are calling for. Canadians expect no less when billions of dollars in public funds are being put on the table.

The funding programs and worker supports announced today are important, but they will only succeed if they look beyond short-term reskilling. We want to ensure these tools prioritize upskilling, retention, and pathways to unionization so that workers can build stable, long-term careers in growing industries.

Canada’s unions will continue to push for a bold and comprehensive plan — one that connects today’s measures into a coherent industrial strategy, ensures public investments build Canadian capacity, and guarantees that the payback is measured in secure union jobs. We look forward to working with government to make that vision a reality, because that’s the only way to secure Canada’s future in a turbulent global economy.”

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Let’s be clear: capitulation hasn’t delivered Canada a single gain from Trump. Whether it was scrapping the digital services tax or making concessions on border security, giving in has only weakened our industries and hurt working people. Removing counter-tariffs now would once again hand Trump an easy victory while leaving Canadian workers and communities to pay the price.

Counter-tariffs are not symbolic. They are Canada’s line of defence in this escalating trade war. Unilaterally removing counter-tariffs now would betray the clear mandate Canadians gave the Prime Minister: fight back against Trump’s trade war and defend good Canadian jobs.

Caving to Trump is not an option. It’s time to hit back hard, to stand up for workers, and to deploy every tool available to protect our industries and our communities. Prime Minister Carney must use Canada’s considerable bargaining power to prevent the decimation of vital industries and the loss of thousands of good jobs.

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Prime Minister Carney’s government chose to impose Section 107 just hours after the strike began—an unprecedented and heavy-handed move to tilt the scales in the employer’s favour. With the backing of the entire labour movement, CUPE stood its ground, defied the order, and forced the company back to the bargaining table—where a fair deal was reached. The outcome makes one thing clear: Section 107 is no longer a reliable weapon for employers.

By refusing to bow to government interference, CUPE flight attendants exposed Section 107 for what it is: an unconstitutional violation of workers’ Charter-protected right to free and fair collective bargaining. Any employer thinking of leaning on Section 107 in the future should think twice—it’s a crutch that just snapped.

Deals are made where they should be—at the bargaining table. That’s good for workers, good for communities, and good for building lasting relationships between unions and employers. The entire labour movement is grateful to flight attendants for their strength and perseverance in standing firm for these rights.

The last 24 hours have shown that Section 107 is unconstitutional, unenforceable, and corrosive to free collective bargaining. Canada’s unions are calling for its removal from the Canada Labour Code. We urge all parties in Parliament to make this a priority in the upcoming fall session—because protecting workers’ Charter rights should never be optional, and employers must never again be allowed to rely on Section 107 to delay or deny fair bargaining.

The lesson from this strike is undeniable: workers win when they fight, and collective agreements are made through negotiation, not government-imposed edicts. Section 107 has been dealt a blow it shouldn’t recover from—and that’s good news for every worker in Canada.

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Time and time again, he’s targeted our industries, our livelihoods, and the communities that keep this country running. The mere instability caused by his unpredictable attacks has made investment decisions impossible—hurting both workers and our industries.

Let me be clear: Canada does not cave. We do not retreat. And we will not be intimidated.

To our governments:

Appeasement does not work. In response to Trump’s demands, Canada has spent millions to address border issues, we rescinded our digital services tax, and scaled back counter-tariffs. Like a bully, Trump’s only response to Canada’s good-faith efforts is nothing but escalation.

This is a moment for strength. A moment to meet Trump’s aggression with the full force of Canada’s resolve. We need urgent action now:

• Impose counter-tariffs in response to the latest tariff attacks from Trump.
• Introduce export taxes on Canadian energy sold to the U.S.
• Mandate that all national infrastructure projects use Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber.
• Invest directly in affected workers and communities by enhancing Employment Insurance, expanding Work-Sharing, and providing emergency income supports.
• Launch ambitious, nation-building projects like affordable housing, clean energy, and public transit that create union jobs and build Canadian resilience.

We must stop reacting and start leading. Canada’s workers are ready to stand up for this country. It’s time our governments stood with them, with boldness and with urgency.

To every worker in Canada:

This won’t be easy. There will be disruptions. Some of us will face layoffs. And there will be those who try to divide us.

But Canadian workers are not strangers to hard times. We know how to fight—and we know how to win. So, let’s hold strong. Buy union-made. Support local. Stand with your union. Get involved in your community. Reject division and stand together, shoulder to shoulder. Because when Canadian workers rise together, no one can take us down.

Donald Trump may think he can rattle us. But what he doesn’t understand is that Canadians don’t back down, we rise up. We fight for our jobs, our families, and our future.

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Dear Prime Minister: 

On behalf of Canada’s unions, I am writing about the unspeakable situation in Gaza and what can only be described as genocide. The October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas was an atrocity. The collective punishment being inflicted on millions of Palestinians in response is a crime of historic scale. 

In June, Canada’s unions called on your government to take several actions to address the horror of what is unfolding in Gaza. The first of which was recognizing Palestinian statehood. 

On behalf of the Canadian Labour Congress, and the more than three million workers we represent, I want to commend you for your recent announcement that Canada will recognize Palestinian statehood. Recognizing Palestine cannot be a reward at the end of negotiations. It is a precondition to the start of a real peace process. In the face of immense human suffering, it is important to see Canada recommit itself to the principles of international law, human dignity and peace. Thank you. 

Recognition of Palestinian statehood is a critical first step, but it alone will not stop the suffering in Gaza. 

Nearly 22 months into this war, more than 60,000 Palestinian people are dead, including more than 15,000 children. The 2.1 million Palestinians in Gaza face starvation and indiscriminate bombardment. Three million more in the West Bank suffer daily humiliation, violence, and a systemic campaign of land confiscation and settlement expansion. 

Canada must take further steps to build on the recognition of Palestinian statehood to end the suffering in Gaza and bring a peaceful resolution. Canada’s unions outlined these steps in our June Letter. 

Finally, Canada must work to strengthen democracy to deliver peace now. Hamas will not be defeated by Netanyahu. Hamas will be defeated by the Palestinian people if they have hope for a free and peaceful future with decent jobs and social and economic security. 

Palestinians need autonomy. They need rights. They need recognition. Israel rightly demands security guarantees, and that demand must be met. But peace cannot be built on subjugation. 

I also share this open letter from Luc Triangle, the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), released earlier this week. The ITUC is the global voice of working people and includes both Israel’s Histadrut and the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) amongst its affiliates. The CLC is a member of the ITUC and supports the calls to action in this letter. 

Prime Minister, Canada has an opportunity and a responsibility to be a force for peace. Thank you for your commitment to recognizing Palestinian statehood. There are those who will seek to weaken the growing international consensus that the horror of what is occurring in Gaza must stop. It is important to remain resolute in the face of that pressure. Our commitment to diplomacy, international law, and human rights must guide our actions towards a just and lasting resolution. 

The full letter is available here.

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The Handala, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was carrying vital humanitarian aid to Gaza, along with 21 peaceful activists committed to human rights and international solidarity.

Among those unlawfully detained are several trade unionists:

• Hatem Laouini, Tunisian trade unionist from the UGTT and representative of UNI Global Union in the Arab region.
• Christian Smalls, founder of the Amazon Labor Union in the United States.
• Santiago González Vallejo, Spanish economist and retired trade unionist attached to the USO International Action Secretariat.

This unjustified detention constitutes a grave violation of international law, an assault on the peaceful defence of human rights, and a direct threat to trade unionists’ right to engage in international solidarity.

The presence of respected union leaders on this mission underscores the global labour movement’s unwavering commitment to peace, human rights and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle said: “We are witnessing ever-escalating series of atrocities in Gaza. Since late May, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed trying to access food. The entire population in Gaza is facing starvation under Israel’s illegal blockade.”

“While the international community is knowingly standing by and watching the mass killing and starvation unfold, these courageous activists undertook brave action to deliver critical humanitarian aid directly to Palestinians in Gaza, including baby milk formula, nappies, food and medicine. The world is in a moral crisis. These people should not be arrested but immediately released. Humanitarian aid should not be blocked, but allowed to reach Gaza without obstruction, and the people of Gaza must be able to peacefully access these supplies.”

The ITUC urgently calls for:

• The immediate and unconditional release of all those detained, including our trade union colleagues.
• International condemnation of Israel’s obstruction of a peaceful, humanitarian mission.
• Robust protection for trade unionists and other activists engaging in solidarity action to uphold fundamental human rights and international law.

The ITUC stands in full solidarity with the Handala mission and all those on board. We reaffirm our unwavering support for the Palestinian people and the right of workers everywhere to engage in peaceful activism.

The Canadian Labour Congress is a member of the ITUC.

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Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s premiers are meeting to discuss the impact of Trump’s trade war on Canada. Workers should be front and centre for Canada’s leaders.

This trade war has already taken a major toll on Canada’s workers. We are losing jobs or working reduced hours. The cost of living keeps increasing. The unemployment rate is at 7% nationally, and in the regions most directly impacted by steel and auto tariffs, it’s in the double digits. We have not seen any progress on the EI enhancements promised in the Liberal platform, but we’re seeing deeper-than-promised cuts to the public services we rely on. Nation-building projects have yet to be announced, and the government has been silent on any plans to build affordable housing.

The government has taken significant steps in quickly changing laws, spending new money on border control and defence, and hastily acting on Trump’s demands against Canada’s Digital Services Tax. But the same vigour is nowhere to be found when it comes to support for workers. Worse still, workers are only finding out about the state of negotiations through Truth Social posts or Trump’s press secretary.

As we approach the August 1^st deadline, workers are rightfully worried. We are worried about whether there will be a deal or whether we will face a 35% tariff. We are worried that the government appears to be preparing us so that even with a deal, we will continue to see tariffs on our products. We are worried about the concessions that the government has already given to Trump and what else they might be willing to give up to appease the American president.

We welcome the government’s recent extension of the temporary adjustment to Employment Insurance regional unemployment and the training support for steel workers. But more needs to be done. To date, government support for workers pales in comparison to its robust support for industry.

Canada’s unions are demanding urgent action from the government to:

• Include workers and their unions in discussions about the trade war. We are the backbone of the economy, and we should be included in these important discussions.
• Invest directly in affected workers and communities by robustly and immediately enhancing Employment Insurance, expanding Work-Sharing, and providing emergency income supports.
• Launch a new wage with job guarantees subsidy for businesses in affected sectors to protect workers affected by tariffs.
• Launch ambitious, nation-building projects and public infrastructure using Canadian materials to create good union jobs and build Canadian resilience.
• Impose counter-tariffs in response to the latest tariff attacks from Trump and use every dollar collected to support Canadian workers and businesses affected by the trade war, and;
• Ensure that new trade deals uphold Canadian values, including labour and environmental standards.

Defending Canada against Trump’s trade war is not a solo mission. It requires a Team Canada approach with workers and their unions playing a central role on the team.

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Prime Minister Carney’s instruction to cabinet to identify deep operational savings is a dangerous step in the wrong direction, one that puts critical public services and the workers who deliver them on the chopping block.

We’ve already seen nearly 10,000 federal jobs lost in the past year, with thousands of more workers in limbo. Now the government is considering cuts of up to 15% in some departments, risking the most significant downsizing of Canada’s public service at a time when the Prime Minister is committing to significant new spending on defence and tax cuts for the rich.

Public services can always be improved, and the workers who deliver those important services know how to make them better. However, across-the-board cuts will only harm the services Canadians rely on and the workers who provide them. Past rounds of austerity have undermined public services and increased government spending on costly external contractors.

Canada’s public service is one of the most efficient public service administrations in the world. Measured as a percentage of the population, the federal public service is smaller than it was in the 1980s, despite providing more services and serving a significantly older population.

At a time when Canadian workers are bracing for the economic impact of Trump’s reckless trade war, the federal government should lean in, not pull back. Trump’s attacks will have real impacts in communities across Canada, especially in manufacturing, steel, aluminum, and supply chain jobs. These workers and their families will need more support, not less. Slashing public services in the middle of an economic downturn will only make things worse. Adding thousands more to the growing ranks of the unemployed will further weaken our economy.

Canada’s unions will not sit idly while workers and public services are put at risk. The intended cuts to government spending are the worst round of austerity we’ve seen since 1995, when Paul Martin’s budget slashed transfers for health care, killed affordable housing programs, and gutted support systems Canadians depended on. If we’re facing a housing crisis, healthcare strain and woefully inadequate EI today, we can trace those problems back to Paul Martin’s austerity budget.

We urge Prime Minister Carney and his cabinet to change course, protect public services, and ensure that workers and communities come first.

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Canada’s unions are deeply disappointed — and profoundly concerned — by Minister Hajdu’s decision to impose a vote on Canada Post’s final offers. Let’s be clear: the strongest, most lasting agreements are reached at the bargaining table, not forced through governmental interference.

This decision is more than just a misstep; it is a serious violation of the principles of free collective bargaining. Instead of remaining neutral, the Federal Government is once again acting on behalf of Canada Post, undermining CUPW’s right to be the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for its members. Rather than supporting fair, good-faith bargaining between parties, the Government continues the troubling union-busting trend we’ve seen from both Liberal and Conservative governments. When the government signals to employers that they can drag out negotiations and then be rewarded with a legislative shortcut, it undermines the foundation of fair and meaningful bargaining. It sends a dangerous message: that employers don’t need to bargain in good faith, they just need to wait it out.

This is unacceptable. It erodes workers’ Charter-protected rights and sets a damaging precedent for all unionized workers in this country. 

Canada’s unions will not stand by while this happens. We will not watch silently as public services are dismantled and workers are pushed aside.

CUPW members are fighting for more than just a contract. They’re standing up for the future of Canada Post, and for the next generation of workers who risk being pushed into gig-style, precarious jobs. If we want to stop the race to the bottom in wages and working conditions, we should be standing with them, not sidelining them.

Canada Post already has what no other private company does: a presence in every community in Canada. While big banks abandon rural towns, Canada Post remains. So why aren’t we investing in innovations like postal banking, which could deliver financial services where they’re needed most?

Canadians are ready for bold, nation-building ideas. Strengthening Canada Post should be one of them. Canada’s unions will not let outdated management strategies tear it down.

Canada Post isn’t just a service. It’s a public institution. It’s a pillar of good, unionized jobs and a vital link for communities across the country. Undermining it is a disservice to us all.

The federal government must respect the collective bargaining process. It must work with workers to build a Canada Post that delivers for the future.

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We welcome the recent joint statement by our heads of state calling for an immediate halt to Israel’s assault in Gaza and for unimpeded access to humanitarian aid.

These are critical first steps toward alleviating the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.

Our governments rightly acknowledged that permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law, and we welcome their opposition to settlement expansion and the recognition that it is illegal and undermines the viability of a Palestinian state.

However, words must be matched by action.

Given the urgency and scale of the crisis, we call on our governments to use every diplomatic, legal, and economic lever available to:

• Demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire;
• Ensure the Israeli government meets its obligations under international humanitarian law;
• Initiate a credible political process aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace

It’s time for our leaders to formally recognise the State of Palestine immediately.

As members of the G7, doing so would send a powerful signal, particularly in the lead-up to the UN conference co-chaired by France in mid-June.

The time for decisive action is now. The need for justice, peace, and recognition has never been more urgent.

Link to the official letter sent to the Prime Minister here

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“2SLGBTQI+ workers make enormous contributions to our workplaces, unions and communities,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Today, and every day, Canada’s unions show our pride by celebrating and fiercely defending the vibrant diversity within our movement.”

We know from research that a 2SLGBTQI-inclusive workforce builds a strong economy. However, the opposite is also true – the discrimination and exclusion that many 2SLGBTQI+ workers face at work and in society have negative impacts on a country’s economic development and prosperity. 

Unfortunately, today’s affordability crisis impacts 2SLGBTQI+ people disproportionately. In 2023:

• 40.7% of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals found it difficult or very difficult to meet financial needs, compared to 32.7% of non-2SLGBTQI+ individuals;
• Racialized 2SLGBTQI+ community members experience even greater income disparities relative to their white counterparts; and
• 2SLGBTQI+ individuals are twice as likely to experience homelessness compared to their heterosexual, cisgender counterparts, while queer women are 4 four times as likely. 

“A strong Canadian economy is one where everyone can thrive, no matter their background, race, religion, or identity. That’s why building a 2SLGBTQI+-inclusive society benefits us all,” adds Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice President of the CLC. “Canada’s unions will continue to lead the charge when it comes to building more inclusive workplaces and defending hard-won gains for 2SLGBTQI+ rights at work and in our communities.”

This Pride season, join Canada’s unions and show your solidarity to celebrate and defend 2SLGBTQI+ rights both at work and in our communities. 

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We are thinking of you. We stand with you. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to the frontline workers—firefighters, emergency responders, public service workers, and so many others—who are working around the clock, often in dangerous conditions, to protect lives and communities. 

We owe them not just our thanks, but our full support—today and every day. 

That support must include fair treatment for all firefighters. Forest firefighters are often left out of the protections and benefits that others receive. They are not included in the Public Safety Occupation provisions of the federal Income Tax Act, which means they don’t get the same pension rights or recognition under the National Occupational Classification. 

Despite their invaluable service, forest and wildland firefighters do not receive the recognition, protections, and retirement benefits that their urban and structural counterparts do. This built-in inequality must be addressed so that these essential workers receive the recognition and protection they rightfully deserve. 

There also needs to be a focus on recruitment and retention, something  Canada’s unions have advocated for a long time.  

These fires are not isolated incidents. They are part of a larger pattern that can no longer be ignored. Climate change is real, and its impacts are accelerating. The time for half-measures and delay is over. 

Workers must have a seat at the table when it comes to shaping the future of our country. The climate crisis is a workers’ issue, a public health issue, an economic issue—and it demands bold, coordinated action. 

To all the workers and families on the frontlines of this crisis, we stand with you in solidarity. We stand for justice, equality, and recognition of the critical work you do—every day, and in every part of this country. 

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This decision will shut us out of the  U.S. market completely, devastating Canada’s steel & aluminum industry and threatening thousands of good-paying, unionized Canadian jobs. 

In light of this escalating threat, Canada’s unions call for immediate government action to protect workers.  

This includes: 

• Emergency reforms to Employment Insurance (EI) that actually support laid-off workers when they need it most, 

• The immediate expansion of Section 53 measures to give the government the flexibility to act swiftly in protecting key sectors. 

• A clear commitment that nation-building projects under the upcoming One Canadian Economy legislation prioritize Canadian steel as a condition for fast-tracking approval, and 

• Wage subsidies and other targeted measures to keep workers on the job and businesses operating. 

Canada must respond with strength and urgency.  Workers cannot be left to face the fallout alone.  

We need a government that is prepared to stand  up for Canadian industries, invest in good union jobs, and protect our economic sovereignty in the face of growing international uncertainty. 

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OTTAWA –– Workers expected an ambitious plan to strengthen our economy, create jobs, and defend communities against Trump’s agenda, however, today’s throne speech provided none of this.

Workers need the federal government to have a plan, backed by bold investment and action, to deliver good union jobs, stronger public services, and economic security for all.

Canadian families continue to bear the brunt of a continued affordability crisis and Trump’s economic chaos. For far too many workers, wages are not keeping up with rising costs. Families are facing an increasingly unattainable housing market, and many are being left behind by a strained Employment Insurance system and an under-resourced public health care system. At the same time, a rising unemployment rate is making it even harder for workers to find stable, secure jobs and support their families.

Prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy over support for those who need it most signals a step away from the bold action needed to tackle the trade war, housing crisis, strained health care, and the climate emergency.

While we welcome the government’s intention to “bring down costs for Canadians”, we are deeply concerned by a Throne Speech that emphasizes deregulation, cost-cutting, and fiscal restraint over meaningful investment in people and the services they rely on.

The Throne Speech’s proposals to eliminate internal trade barriers fail to raise the bar for workers across the board and instead risk weakening standards and protections and undermining provincial autonomy. Unions must have a seat at the table in these conversations because workers cannot be an afterthought when shaping Canada’s future.

The government must prioritize the creation of good jobs and a globally competitive industrial strategy, but not if it comes at the cost of public oversight or by shortchanging the workers who build our economy. It must begin with investments in infrastructure, clean energy, manufacturing, and care services that create good union jobs and support communities.

Tinkering with regulations or shrinking government operations is no substitute for the real, sustained investment that working families need.

On housing, we urge the government to go beyond incentives for private developers and commit to building publicly funded, truly affordable housing. Every Canadian deserves a safe place to call home, not just market-driven promises of “affordability.”

The government’s commitment to attracting global talent is important, but it must go hand-in-hand with strong labour protections, fair wages, and a renewed focus on training and retaining workers already here. Immigration policy must be grounded in equity and sustainability, not as a cover for suppressing wages or undercutting working conditions.

Lastly, we are particularly alarmed by the suggestion of cutting public services at a time when Canadians, reeling from Trump’s trade war, need more support, not less.

Limiting investments now would only deepen inequality and strain already overburdened systems like health care and EI. Similarly, vague promises to use AI to boost productivity must be met with clear commitments to job protection, quality public services, and strong regulations to ensure technology works for and with workers, not against them.

Workers are watching. This moment calls for courageous leadership, not cost-cutting or complacency. The government must work with Canada’s unions to raise wages, strengthen public health care, implement universal, publicly funded Pharmacare, modernize Employment Insurance, and ensure that no worker is left behind.

It’s time for this government to choose: bold leadership, or missed opportunity.

Workers were front and centre during the election, but left out of the Throne Speech.

We’re ready to work with this government, but make no mistake: if it fails workers, we won’t hesitate to hold it to account.

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media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

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Canadians are struggling with the rising cost of living, a worsening housing crisis, a strained public health care system, and job insecurity in the face of global economic instability fueled by Trump’s tariffs. At the same time, we are seeing the cracks in systems meant to protect workers, like Employment Insurance, widen as too many are left behind.

The time for hesitation is over. Workers are counting on this government to deliver real investments in people, in public services, and in the good union jobs that sustain families and communities.

Canada’s unions, representing more than 3 million workers from coast to coast to coast, are ready to work with this new Cabinet. And we understand the stakes—and the urgency of bold action. Our economy cannot afford a wait-and-see approach, nor can we continue to rely on outdated structures or foreign markets. In this moment of economic uncertainty and mounting trade pressures from the United States, we need leadership that will meet the urgency of this moment with courage and ambition.

That means:

• Delivering public health care that includes universal Pharmacare and access to a doctor or nurse practitioner for every Canadian.
• Making life more affordable by tackling corporate greed and raising wages.
• Building truly affordable housing, not just promises and plans.
• Creating good union jobs in every region through investments in clean energy, manufacturing, and public infrastructure.
• Investing in public services that families rely on and reforming EI to ensure no worker falls through the cracks.

Canada’s unions will be holding the new Minister for Jobs and Families, Patty Hadju, accountable to the core priorities of Canada’s workers and the labour movement. Workers expect the Minister to take concrete action to raise wages, respect free and fair collective bargaining, improve workplace safety, and strengthen rights and protections for all workers—no matter how or where they work. It means ensuring that key reforms like the ban on replacement workers are implemented and enforced. And it means urgently updating our outdated Employment Insurance system so that no worker is left behind.

The role of Canada’s Minister responsible for Labour is not just symbolic. It is critical. This is the person tasked with upholding and advancing the rights of working people across the country. That role must be rooted in a firm, unwavering commitment to protecting workers—not serving corporate interests.

Among the new appointments, the Prime Minister has named a Secretary of State, John Zerucelli, for Labour to support the Minister responsible for Labour. While not a member of the Cabinet, this role must be carried with a focused mandate and work closely with the Minister to ensure that workers’ rights and protections remain a central pillar of the government’s agenda.

Now is the time for this government to show workers that their voices will not be ignored. Canadians are not asking for the impossible—they are demanding what is fair, just, and long overdue. Workers built this country, and they will drive our future. The decisions made in the days and weeks ahead will send a clear signal: either this government is prepared to lead with bold and decisive actions, or it will fall short of the moment. Canada’s unions are watching.

We are ready to partner in progress—but we will not hesitate to hold this government to account. Workers are not waiting, and neither can this government.

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“Mental health care supports in Canada will only improve if governments invest in our existing health care infrastructure,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “But Canada’s health care systems are struggling. Rebuilding our cherished public health care systems must be a priority and must include investment in mental health care for all.”

Mental health continues to be a significant issue facing workers in the workplace. According to a 2024 survey from the Canadian Mental Health Association, at least 500,000 Canadians miss work due to mental illness every week, with an estimated economic cost of $51 billion annually.

Health care workers are also facing serious and well-documented challenges, including poor working conditions, stagnant wages and an alarming rise in workplace violence and harassment.

“Workers and their families have been sounding the alarm for years that Canada’s health care systems are in desperate need of strong investment. Our country deserves commitments and real solutions from our new federal leaders to bring all levels of government, employers, and workers on board, and finally fix health care in Canada” added Siobhán Vipond, Executive Vice President of the CLC.

The recent election included specific platform commitments from several parties on improving our health care system and working conditions for health care workers, including improving mental health support for first responders. The CLC welcomes these commitments and urges our newly elected government to implement them. The CLC also reiterates our call for the federal government to introduce a Canada Universal Mental Health and Substance Act with enforceable national standards and a dedicated health transfer to support meaningful investments and infrastructure in this sector.

“Mental health matters everywhere, for everyone, including at work. Canada’s unions are looking forward to working with this new government to rebuild our health care system and ensure that every person across our country can access the mental health care they need,” said Lily Chang, Secretary Treasurer of the CLC.

For more resources on navigating mental health at work for unions, visit the CLC’s Mental Health Online Resource Center.

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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.

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“Our public health care system is on life support,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Staffing shortages have reached a dangerous tipping point. Wait times for surgeries span months or even years. Millions of Canadians are living without access to a family doctor, and far too many must choose between paying for medication and covering basic needs.” 

Canada’s unions are calling out decades of underfunding, understaffing, privatization, and political decisions that have allowed corporate interests to flourish at the expense of everyday Canadians. 

“This didn’t happen overnight. It’s the direct result of choices made by politicians who prioritize tax breaks for the wealthy over investments in public health care,” said Bruske. 

Labour leaders underscored the rise in for-profit care, including the growing presence of American health care corporations operating in Canada.  

“Canada’s health care system was built on the principle that everyone deserves care based on need, not ability to pay,” said Barb Nederpel, President, Hospital Employees’ Union, who represents over 60,000 health care workers in British Columbia. “Our members are exhausted. They were called heroes during the pandemic, and now they’re working in a broken, overburdened system, without the support they need.” 

Canada’s unions are calling on all political parties, especially during this federal election, to commit to: 

• A national health workforce strategy that recruits, retains, and properly compensates health care workers; 
• A full, universal, single-payer Pharmacare program—no more delays or half-measures; 
• Reinvestment in public health, long-term care, and home care to meet the needs of an aging population; 
• An end to growing privatization that leaves patients behind and profits corporations. 

The message was clear: Canadians cherish their public health care system. It is a pillar of national identity and a foundation for a fairer society. 

“We don’t want American-style health care where people go bankrupt for getting sick,” said Bruske. “We want a system that puts patients before profits—and politicians who are brave enough to fight for it.” 

Despite this crisis, health care will not be a focus of this week’s federal leaders’ debate, an astonishing omission and a missed opportunity to address one of the most urgent issues facing Canadians today. Our leaders must stop ignoring the crisis and commit to fixing our health care system. 

Canada’s unions are demanding urgent leadership to fix the crisis, invest in care, and protect what generations of Canadians have built. 

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

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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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613-526-7426

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At a joint press conference today, Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Bea Bruske and Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ) President Magali Picard called on the federal government to deliver urgent and robust support for affected workers, industries and communities.

“Over one million jobs. That’s what’s on the line. These reckless and unjustified tariffs from President Trump are a direct attack on Canadian workers, our industries and our economy,” said Bea Bruske. “Workers are watching. They want to know if their government has their back and is ready to fight for them. We need a plan to protect livelihoods, stabilize communities and stand up to the United States.”

With the U.S. expected to impose sweeping tariffs as early as this afternoon, Bruske emphasized the gravity of the situation, citing the 123,000 jobs in Canada’s steel and aluminum industries and over 587,000 auto and supply chain jobs at risk.

“These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet,” added Bruske. “These are real people, real families and real communities who are already stretched to the brink. The time for warnings is over. This is real, and we need immediate action.”

Beyond manufacturing and resource sectors, Bruske warned that the ripple effects of these tariffs threaten Canada’s broader economy, including critical jobs in healthcare and public services.

“Let’s be clear. When our economy suffers, public services are at risk. Cuts to healthcare and public care services always follow austerity. And right now, in the midst of an election, is not the time to slash support for the very public servants who keep this country running,” said Bruske.

The CLC and FTQ are urging all political parties to deliver bold commitments that put Canadian workers first, including:

• Investing in public healthcare and housing affordability
• Cracking down on corporate price gouging
• Making corporations pay their fair share
• Cutting off U.S. access to key Canadian resources—such as electricity, lumber, critical minerals and oil and gas—until tariffs are lifted
• Supporting communities through job protections and public service investments

FTQ President Magali Picard echoed Bruske’s call to action and emphasized the unity of Canada’s labour movement.

“This isn’t just an economic crisis, it’s a national emergency for workers and families,” said Picard. “We cannot allow our communities to shoulder the cost of a political game being played in the U.S. Canada’s unions are united. We are ready to fight—together—for the jobs, livelihoods and future of every worker in this country.”

Picard stressed the significance of the upcoming federal election and urged Canadians to hold their leaders accountable. “This is a defining moment for Canada. We need leaders who are prepared to go to the mat for workers—who won’t waver in the face of pressure from foreign governments or corporate lobbyists. The path forward will be hard, but if we act with courage and unity, we can protect our jobs, our industries and our communities,” added Picard.

Canada’s unions are united in this fight and will continue to press all levels of government to put working people first in the face of growing uncertainty.

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613-526-7426

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Liberal Leader Mark Carney’s comments today, stating that he would not expand Pharmacare, make it clear that he is siding with Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives instead of standing with Canadians.

Let’s be clear: this is a choice. A choice by Liberals and Conservatives to let corporations and Big Pharma keep profiting while workers and their families pay the price. 

Poll after poll shows that Canadians overwhelmingly support Pharmacare. 

Mr. Carney should uphold the Liberal legacy by following through on the Hoskins Report.

They still have a choice: they can stand with workers and immediately expand Pharmacare.

The NDP has been unwavering in its commitment to Pharmacare. Together, we fought to secure the Pharmacare Act, and we will keep fighting until all Canadians have access to a universal, fully public prescription Pharmacare program.

The fallout from these tariffs will be devastating; thousands of workers will lose their jobs and, with that, their workplace health benefits. Now is the time for leadership, not political cowardice. Canada’s unions have advocated for universal public Pharmacare for decades, and in this moment of crisis, we demand urgent action.

We are calling for the expansion of universal, single-payer public Pharmacare to immediately cover 50% of the most prescribed drugs with full implementation by 2027. 

Across the country, workers and their families are caught between aggressive U.S. trade threats, corporate price gouging, and increasingly strained health care and public services. 

The urgency for universal Pharmacare cannot be overstated—this is about ensuring that every Canadian, regardless of income or employment status, has access to the medication they need.

On April 28th, Canada’s unions will be closely watching to see which politicians stand with workers and which ones side with wealthy corporations.

The next government must be ready to take bold action from day one.

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With more than 9,300 jobs on the line, it is unacceptable that HBC is choosing to funnel up to $3 million in bonuses to executives and managers while denying severance to the very workers who built the company.

Canada’s unions stand in full solidarity with HBC workers and demand that the company reverse course immediately. This is not restructuring, it’s a betrayal. No executive should be pocketing bonuses while workers are left without a safety net.

HBC must honour its responsibilities to its workers, including wages, benefits, and severance. These are not optional.

This situation is yet another example of why Canada’s unions have long advocated for changes to federal laws like the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Pension Benefits Standards Act. For decades, we have fought to protect workers and ensure that they are not left at the back of the line when companies go bankrupt, forcing them to wait behind lenders, suppliers, and tax collectors for the wages, severance, and pensions they are entitled to. In 2023, following years of advocacy, the federal government successfully passed the Pension Protection Act, a crucial step forward. However, these vital protections will not come into effect until April 27, 2027.

We also call on the federal government to ensure that no worker falls through the cracks and that programs like the Wage Earner Protection Program are accessible without delay, and that no Employment Insurance benefits are clawed back in this process.

Make no mistake: thousands of workers at Hudson’s Bay are facing economic uncertainty thanks to corporate greed and government weakness. Every leader in this election must be asked what they will do to strengthen protections for workers and their livelihoods. Workers deserve respect, security, and the dignity of knowing they won’t be abandoned in a difficult economy.

Canada’s unions are watching closely. Hudson’s Bay must act with integrity. It’s time to put people before profit.

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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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Nearly 9,000 jobs are on the line, and Canada’s unions won’t stand by while workers are left in the dark.

Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with HBC workers and urge the company to prioritize workers’ rights throughout the liquidation process.

We demand that HBC honour its commitments—wages, benefits, and severance must be paid. No backroom deals, no vague promises—workers deserve full transparency.

HBC must ensure that frontline workers aren’t the ones left paying the price.

We demand full and timely transparency from HBC on store closures, layoffs, and severance protections.

We call on the federal government to confirm that workers’ EI benefits will not be clawed back because of the severance and termination benefits HBC owes them.

These commitments are not merely legal obligations but a matter of fundamental fairness and respect for the dedicated employees who have contributed to the company’s success.

Workers’ livelihoods are at stake and they deserve clear, honest communication about their future.

Canada’s unions are calling on HBC to put workers first during these creditor protection and bankruptcy proceedings. We stand ready to defend workers’ rights and fight for their financial security every step of the way.

HBC must act with responsibility and compassion as they navigate this crisis.

The well-being of thousands of workers and their families hangs in the balance. We will not stand by as corporate interests trample on the people who built this company.

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Just today, Trump announced yet another round of retaliatory tariffs on steel and aluminum, this time in response to Ontario’s energy surcharge.

“This is spiraling out of control, and workers across Canada are rightfully alarmed. They are looking to their government for urgent and concrete measures to shield them from job losses and economic uncertainty,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC.

Canada’s unions have sent a letter to Prime Minister Designate Mark Carney, pressing him and his incoming cabinet to take immediate steps to strengthen Employment Insurance (EI), particularly for high earners who are now at risk of layoffs. The federal government has yet to fully wield its authority under the EI Act, which grants it the power to launch pilot programs and allocate emergency funding through the EI Commission.

While the newly announced $6 billion aid package and EI reforms provide some short-term relief, they fall far short of the long-term security that workers and communities desperately need. This is a moment for bold leadership—workers cannot afford hesitation or half-measures.

“Canadian workers are under attack in an unprecedented economic trade war, and the government’s response simply does not go far enough,” added Bruske. “We need more than band-aid solutions. We need a comprehensive strategy that ensures no worker is left behind. The government must take decisive action, including imposing export taxes on Canadian energy, to demonstrate that Canada will stand firm in defending its industries and workforce.” 

The letter outlines key priorities to support workers and strengthen the economy, including:

• Expanding and strengthening Employment Insurance (EI): Ensuring EI benefits are more accessible and adequate for all workers. 

• Taking action to preserve good jobs: Implementing industrial strategies to protect Canadian industries and their workers from economic shocks and global instability. 
• Investing in Canada’s domestic economy: Supporting economic diversification, manufacturing, and sustainable industries to create stable, well-paying jobs. 
• Protecting and strengthening public services: Ensuring vital public services remain strong and publicly funded to support all Canadians. 

“This trade war has exposed serious vulnerabilities in our economy, and it’s workers who are bearing the brunt of the impact,” Bruske added. “The government must move beyond stopgap measures and commit to real investments that safeguard livelihoods and build a resilient future.” 

The Canadian Labour Congress urges the federal government to work closely with unions and labour organizations to develop a robust plan that prioritizes workers, secures jobs, and strengthens communities. Canada’s economic recovery depends on it. 

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Link to the letter sent to the Prime Minister-designate available here. 

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Armed conflicts are causing enormous suffering and have devastating spillover effects at a global level. Trade unions of the Labour 7 stand in solidarity with people affected by wars on all continents, fighting for their freedoms, for social justice, for democracy, for their rights and those of future generations. The Labour 7 urges members of the G7 to overcome divisions and to reaffirm their commitment to uphold human rights and international humanitarian law, as well as to promote peace and respect for the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.

In recent months, the resources have been found to significantly increase military spending, when for more than a decade, public services have been starved of resources under wrongheaded fiscal consolidation and austerity policies. This armament race must not undermine social spending nor deprive countries and people of necessary investment in health, education, infrastructure, the ecological transition, job creation, skills development, and social protection. In G7 countries and beyond, inequalities are rising, essential public services are deteriorating, and the cost-of-living crisis, just like in-work poverty, remains a reality for millions of workers and their families. G7 members should commit to pursuing economic, employment and fiscal policies that promote collective bargaining and real-wage growth, decent job creation, the reduction of inequalities and a just transition to net zero economies. Urgent policies must be adopted to tackle all forms of discrimination, including those against women and vulnerable groups, LGBTQI+, ethnic minorities or people with disabilities.

The year 2024 was the warmest ever recorded and environmental disruptions are multiplying, with severe humanitarian, social, and economic consequences, including in G7 countries. Workers are on the frontline of the crisis, being exposed to both environmental degradation and worsening working conditions, as well as to the radical transformation of the labour market. The G7 and its members cannot look the other way—they must commit to net zero pathways based on science and must adopt Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that put a just transition founded on the protection and promotion of fundamental labour rights, including collective bargaining, at the centre. Gathering some of the biggest historic greenhouse gas emitters, as well as fossil fuel producers and consumers, the G7 must live up to its responsibility and commit to enhancing climate finance and advancing a just transition for the workforce, in line with the Paris Agreement and the ILO Guidelines of 2015.

As labour markets are profoundly affected by climate change, the advancement of artificial intelligence and demographic shifts, social dialogue is needed to make sure that the costs and benefits associated with these shifts are shared fairly across societies. Furthermore, as fundamental enabling rights, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining play an essential role in ensuring decent working conditions, including in enforcing living wages and non-discrimination, enhancing social cohesion, and boosting inclusive economic development. The Labour 7 urges G7 members to support workers’ efforts to organize and bargain collectively, both within G7 countries and beyond, as key enablers of sustainable development. The G7 must effectively follow up on previous commitments made, including those contained in the G7 Action Plan on artificial intelligence adopted in 2024.

At global level, however, evidence indicates that violations of labour rights are rising, as illustrated by the ITUC Global Rights Index. Countries are experiencing dramatic setbacks in development, with increases in poverty preventing access to education, health and the realization of other basic human rights, including gender equality. Most people living in extreme poverty have a job but do not earn a living wage. The majority of workers work in the informal economy, with almost one in two not benefitting from any form of social protection. This situation could be further exacerbated by trade wars. The G7 should promote a global level playing field, putting international labour standards at its core. In particular, G7 members must uphold ILO fundamental principles and rights at work, advance WTO trade rules that encourage the ratification and effective implementation of fundamental ILO conventions, and secure policy space for governments to promote decent work and enforce sustainable development commitments in trade agreements.

The global SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) financing gap continues to widen, despite alarming situations of underdevelopment and decent work deficits. If it continues to grow at its 2015–2023 rate, it will reach USD 6.4 trillion by 2030, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The politicization of, and severe cuts in, Official Development Assistance (ODA) are likely to accelerate this trend. Meanwhile the debt crisis intensifies, as 92 countries are projected to have spent more on external public debt service than on SDG investments in 2024. In this context, ahead of the 4^th UN Conference on Financing for Development (30 June–3 July 2025), the Labour 7 urges the G7 to deliver a clear commitment to reform the international financial architecture and to meet their commitment to dedicate 0.7% of their GNI to ODA. The Labour 7 calls upon the G7 to upscale both climate and development finance, including through increased public finance support and additional macroprudential tools on private finance, as well as through measures to lower the cost of capital for developing countries. For the L7, the 2025 Jubilee is an opportunity to advance and reach consensus on debt cancellation and sustainable restructuring of public debts.

This climate and development finance crisis is taking place despite the world growing richer and having the resources to meet internationally agreed objectives. However, global wealth has never been so unequally distributed. Today, the world’s richest 1% own more wealth than 95% of humanity. The concentration of wealth and increased corporate power have allowed large corporations to play an increasingly important—and destabilizing—role in the shaping of global rules and agendas. The Labour 7 urges the G7 to put the reduction of inequality, both between and within countries, at the centre of its work—including through fair and progressive taxation and the promotion of responsible business conduct. G7 members should endorse work undertaken by the G20 towards the adoption of a global wealth tax on the ultra-rich and promote a financial transactions tax as well as a windfall tax on multinational enterprises. They should also actively support the ongoing negotiations for the development of a UN Framework Convention on Tax, building on existing G20/OECD initiatives for tax coordination. The G7 should also scale up its work to ensure corporate transparency and accountability through the ongoing UN negotiations on a binding treaty on business and human rights.

The Labour 7 reiterates its willingness to work closely with the G7 to strengthen multilateralism. In these challenging times, transparent and meaningful engagement with G7 social partners, the Labour 7 and the Business 7, is more important than ever. We expect the G7 to stand by its principles and reaffirm its commitment to the values of international cooperation, democracy and human rights.

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“We are pleased to see that the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care funding agreements will continue until 2031 in almost every province and territory,” said Bea Bruske, CLC President.  “Sustainable federal funding is essential to building a national child care system that meets the needs of working families in Canada.  In the midst of a trade war that will have far-reaching impacts on many workers, access to affordable child care will make a huge difference for parents who need to know their children are safe and well cared for while they go to work or receive training”.

During times of economic stress, workers need stable and reliable public services so they can participate in the labour force and manage the increased costs of essentials.  While our child care system is still expanding to meet the increasing demand for care, having the security of longer-term federal funding will help the sector continue to grow.

“The next step is to help the early learning and child care system expand and flourish with new public and not-for-profit facilities in every community and a robust workforce strategy that will help recruit and retain child care workers by improving wages, benefits, working conditions, and professional development opportunities”, said Siobhán Vipond, CLC Executive Vice-President.

“As we approach a federal election, Canada’s unions urge all parties to commit to $10 a Day Child Care and to continuing to build and strengthen the system so that every working family has quality, comprehensive care they can count on.  Our economy depends on it”, said Bruske.

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To our governments: 

This is a time for action. Canadians expect a strong and decisive response that meets this attack with the full weight of our country’s power. This is not a moment for half-measures or empty words. We must protect Canadian jobs and industries through retaliation and investments in our future. We must enhance Employment Insurance benefits, expand Work-Sharing programs and provide direct financial support to those at the frontlines of this trade war. This is a moment to rebuild our manufacturing, strengthen our supply chains, and create the good union jobs of tomorrow. We must replace lost economic activity with ambitious nation-building projects—affordable housing, public transit, and industrial development that makes our country stronger and more self-sufficient. We need our governments to match the ambition of Canadians in defence of this country. This war will not be won on the cheap.  

To all workers in Canada:

The road ahead will be tough. We will see job losses, we will see economic pain, and we will see attempts to divide us. But Canada’s workers are strong, smart, and resilient. What makes us Canadian is our unwavering belief in the collective—that we take care of each other, that no one gets left behind. Now more than ever, we must live those values. Already you’ve shown your pride at hockey games and in grocery stores. Now is the time to dig in. Get involved in your union. Stand up for your community. Support local businesses and union-made products. Look out for your neighbours. Reach across political lines and reject the forces of division. Because we are stronger together, and together, we will overcome this.  

Make no mistake: Trump wants to hurt Canadian workers. He wants to shake our confidence and weaken our country. But what he doesn’t understand is that Canadians do not break. We will fight for our jobs, for our families, and for our future—come hell or high water.

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Link to Backgrounder available here
Link to Letter to Prime Minister available here

The post Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, on Trump’s tariff attack on Canada appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“Donald Trump’s reckless threats are a direct attack on workers on both sides of the border”, said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Canadians are rightfully alarmed and expect strong leadership from their governments to protect their jobs and defend our industries from these harmful policies.”

Eight in ten Canadians believe American tariffs on Canadian goods will increase the cost of living and nine in ten believe it will have a negative impact on Canada-US relations.

In response to these threats:

• 90% of Canadians support an investment plan to grow our economy, support Canadian industries and create good jobs.
• 77% believe the federal government should retaliate by placing tariffs on American imports and 75% want Canada to cut off American access to Canadian resources like electricity, oil and wood.
• 80% want the government to support people who would be impacted by job losses.
• Two in three Canadians reject an appeasement policy toward Trump.

“This is a moment of unity for Canada,” said Bruske. “Political leaders at all levels of government and from all parties should listen to Canadians and understand that people expect them to stand united for Canada and Canadian workers.”

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OTTAWA — There’s been too much emphasis on the jobs of a few politicians and not enough focus on the jobs of thousands of workers who will be impacted by Trump’s tariff threats.

It is now clear that Canadians will be heading to the polls sooner than expected. In the meantime, the attention must be on the future of workers and their communities.

The stakes could not be higher. Workers are facing a perfect storm of threats: escalating costs of living, stagnant wages, and now the looming specter of a 25% tariff on Canadian products threatened by Donald Trump.

This is a direct attack on our jobs, our industries and our communities. The damage will ripple beyond workplaces, straining families and devastating communities. This is a moment that demands an all-hands-on-deck, cross-partisan approach to stand against economic disruption and ensure stability for the working people who drive our economy. Workers should be central to this effort.

It’s time for action. Workers are watching, and they expect nothing less.

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OTTAWA – At the end of a tumultuous day on Parliament Hill, the federal government’s Fall Economic Statement failed to deliver for workers and once again overlooks the daily struggles of Canadians.

“Workers across this country are battling skyrocketing housing costs, soaring grocery bills, and wages that are not keeping up with the cost of living,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “This Fall Economic Statement falls short of workers’ needs.”

The 2024 FES takes some limited steps to address worker issues, like the proposed new refundable tax credit for personal support workers and the government’s consultations plan on regulatory changes to increase penalties for federally regulated employers committing wage theft. Although these measures could improve accountability, they fall short of ensuring comprehensive protections and fair wages for workers.

The economic document tabled in the House of Commons also failed to address critical issues affecting workers including:

• Fixing Canada’s broken Employment Insurance (EI) system, which remains inadequate as layoffs and plant closures loom amid economic uncertainty.
• Implementing fair corporate taxation, such as an excess profits tax and a wealth tax, to ensure corporations and the ultra-rich pay their fair share.
• Expanding affordable housing supply, childcare access, healthcare and income supports, which are urgently needed to ease the affordability crisis gripping Canadians.
• Committing to a bold industrial strategy that prioritizes good, unionized jobs, sustainability, and a worker-centred transition to a net-zero economy.

While the economic statement touches on the housing crisis, it prioritizes low-cost loans to the private sector and mortgage incentives for homebuyers and funding for co-op housing and incentives for secondary suites, it doesn’t address the core housing needs people across Canada are facing. It ignores the financialization of housing driving evictions and rent hikes, fails to invest in non-market housing, and offers nothing for renters, another missed opportunity to address the affordability crisis.

Instead of delivering solutions this government is focusing on misguided priorities—like privatizing public assets—while working families continue to feel the pinch. The government’s push to facilitate private, for-profit ownership of public assets, such as airports, is deeply concerning.

“Public assets belong to Canadians, not large institutional investors looking to profit at the expense of workers and communities,” added Bruske. “Taxpayer money should be used to strengthen public services, not to fund corporate takeovers.”
The looming threat of Trump’s punitive U.S. tariffs targeting Canadian exports poses a significant risk to workers, industries, and communities.

Yet the government’s Fall Economic Statement offered no concrete plans to protect workers from these economic shocks.

Workers are fed up and are standing up, demanding better from their government. This start with taking immediate action to reduce grocery bills, housing costs, and essential service fees and strengthening workers’ rights and ensuring fair negotiations by ending the misuse of back-to-work legislation.

Canada’s Workers Deserve Better
“Budget decisions are about priorities,” said Bruske. “This Fall Economic Statement reflects a government that prioritizes big business over workers’ needs.” Canada’s unions are clear: workers deserve political leadership that prioritizes affordability, fairness, and job security. Canada’s unions will continue to demand action to ensure workers are at the centre of the government’s economic decisions.

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OTTAWA- The government’s decision to order CUPW workers back to work is a stark reminder of this government’s continued interference in collective bargaining. The misuse of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code undermines workers’ fundamental rights, prolongs disputes, and erodes trust at the bargaining table. 

Let me be clear: the best and most enduring agreements are negotiated—not imposed—through good-faith discussions at the table.  

For over 150 years, Canada Post workers have connected communities, serving as the backbone of our postal system and our economy. They deserve fair wages, better working conditions, and dignity in retirement.  

The invocation of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, Part I marks the fourth instance just this year in which the government has used this extraordinary power, impacting seven distinct groups of workers whose Charter-protected rights to engage in legal work stoppages have been trampled.  

Such repeated interference not only infringes on these fundamental rights but also sets a dangerous precedent, signaling to employers that they can rely on the government to side with them instead of respecting the collective bargaining process. We demand an end to the abuse of Section 107 by the government, and clear guardrails to curtail the uses of this section at the whim of politicians.  

At the same time, it is disappointing but not surprising to see Conservative Leader, Pierre Poilievre calling for government intervention to trample workers’ rights. Despite the lofty statements he makes in support of workers and their unions, Mr. Poilievre has repeatedly shown that when the rubber hits the road, he will never stand up with workers and their right to strike. 

As we approach the next federal election, the government must consult with unions and workers about the misuse of Section 107 and commit to respecting workers’ rights. Undermining collective bargaining undermines democracy itself. 

Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with postal workers and all workers who make the difficult decision to strike in pursuit of fairness. Workers are being left behind while corporations post record profits, exacerbating the growing economic inequities in this country. Government interventions that undermine collective bargaining rights only further tip the scales against working people. 

The only path to lasting stability and fairness is mutual respect and good-faith negotiations—nothing less. We demand better for all workers across this country. 

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Workers will advocate, propose solutions, and demand immediate action on three key priorities: making life more affordable, supporting workers, and strengthening Canada’s public health care system.

The rising costs, on everything, has imposed an immense strain on working families. Canada’s unions are urging the federal government to take decisive action to make life more affordable for Canadians.

“This isn’t just an affordability crisis—it’s an inequality crisis. Canadians are being squeezed from every angle, and the government has a responsibility to act now”, said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Housing, groceries, healthcare—these aren’t luxuries; they are basic human rights. It’s time for bold action to make life affordable and hold corporations accountable for their role in this crisis.”

Canada’s unions are demanding strong government actions that support workers and the economy. This includes expanding EI access, investing in skills training, strengthening the care economy, and improving workplace standards and union access to protect workers’ rights and ensure better working conditions.

Furthermore, Canada’s unions are demanding concrete actions to protect and strengthen our public healthcare system. From coast-to-coast, workers agree that healthcare must remain a universal right, driven by need—not by the ability to pay or private insurance coverage. The growing shift toward privatization threatens equitable access to care. People don’t need less access to care, they need meaningful investments in public healthcare.

“Every day, workers are feeling the pinch of higher costs, a strained and underfunded public health system with an exhausted and overburdened workforce, and inadequate workplace protections. Lobby Day is our opportunity for workers to bring these urgent concerns directly to decision-makers and demand action,” said Bea Bruske. “Canada’s unions are ready to work with the government to find solutions that will improve the lives of millions of Canadians.”

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The damage from such tariffs will not stop at the workplace. Families will feel the economic strain, and entire communities will suffer as good jobs disappear and opportunities shrink. This is not just a trade issue; it’s about protecting the future of workers and their families.

The federal government must take this threat seriously and act quickly. Workers are demanding leadership that prioritizes their well-being. We need decisive action to safeguard jobs, defend industries, develop an industrial strategy, and prevent working families from bearing the brunt of reckless and unnecessary trade policies.

This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for Canada and workers must be front and centre of any decision from the government.

Canada’s unions stand ready to fight alongside workers, unions, and communities to defend jobs and protect our shared future. In 2023, Canada imported 277 billion dollars from the United States. If the American government triggers a full-blown trade war, it’s workers on both sides of the border who will pay the price.

In the long term, the government must focus on a new industrial strategy for Canada to protect our workers from the whims of any US administration. 

We call on the government to send a clear message: we will not let our workers and industries become collateral damage, we will stand strong, act boldly, and prioritize Canadian workers.”

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Workers are being left behind while corporations rake in record profits; this is not fair.

Too many Canadians are struggling to make ends meet. This is not just about port workers; it’s about an economic system where the gap between the wealthy and working people continues to grow. Workers are simply fighting for fair wages, job security, and safe workplaces—basic rights that should never be up for debate.

No one takes the decision to strike or endure a lockout lightly. Workers are left with no choice when employers refuse to engage in fair negotiations, especially when those same employers have enjoyed windfall profits during the pandemic.

Despite their record-breaking profits during the pandemic, port employers have refused to engage in good-faith negotiations, pushing workers to the brink. Now, by resorting to binding arbitration under section 107, the government is sending a dangerous message: employers can bypass meaningful negotiations, lock out their workers, and wait for political intervention to secure a more favourable deal.

Imposing binding arbitration or back-to-work legislation undermines workers’ rights to collective bargaining, weakening their ability to fight for fair wages and safe workplaces. Political interference tips the scales toward employers and sets a dangerous precedent. Canada’s unions believe lasting solutions come from fair negotiations, not government-imposed deals. The government must let collective bargaining take its course to protect the rights of all workers.

Port workers are simply asking for what they deserve—fair wages, job security, and safe working conditions. These demands are not unreasonable, particularly when employers have reaped extraordinary financial gains in recent years. 

Canada’s unions stand united in calling on the government to respect the Canada Labour Code and allow for a fair collective bargaining process that respects workers and ensures they receive their fair share in an era of record corporate profits.

Workers deserve a fair deal, and the only way to achieve lasting stability is through mutual respect and good-faith negotiations. 

Workers are not asking for the moon—they’re asking for their fair share in an era of extraordinary corporate wealth. The government must decide: will it stand with working people, or will it continue to tip the scales in favour of those who already have more than enough? 

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The passing of the Pharmacare Act is a direct result of decades of advocacy from the labour movement, civil society groups, and the tireless efforts of political leaders. The Canadian Labour Congress’ Pharmacare campaign has brought together tens of thousands of workers and activists, hosting cross-country town halls and lobbying parliamentarians. In just the past few weeks, hundreds of calls were made to senators. The CLC also recognizes the New Democratic Party (NDP) for its decades of dedication to this fight and thanks the federal government for delivering on its promise to prioritize pharmacare through the confidence-and-supply agreement. 

“This is a monumental win for workers and their families,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “For too long, people across this country have had to choose between putting food on the table and paying for the medications they need. Bill C-64 brings us one step closer to ending that predicament, but we still have work to do.” 

Canada’s unions urge all levels of government to move swiftly and decisively to ensure this is just the beginning. Bill C-64 sets the framework, but it is essential that provincial and territorial governments sign bilateral agreements to implement the program fully and equitably across the country. 

“We are celebrating today, but we know this is just the first step toward a truly comprehensive, single-payer public pharmacare program,” added Bruske. “We call on every province and territory to get on board, so that no Canadian is left behind. This is an opportunity to build a stronger, fairer healthcare system for all.” 

The Canadian Labour Congress remains committed to ensuring the implementation of a national pharmacare program and looks forward to working alongside the federal government, provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities to make this a reality. 

“We must continue working together to finish what we’ve started,” Bruske said. 

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“Workers are the backbone of this country, they power our economy, and the government has an obligation to invest in programs that support them,” said CLC President Bea Bruske. “This fall, the government has a clear choice: either invest in people, or allow the challenges facing workers to worsen.”

The cost-of-living crisis has left many workers struggling to afford basic necessities. The CLC is calling for the government to step in and provide relief by ensuring a fairer tax system is in place in which the wealthiest pay their fair share and that housing and groceries are affordable for everyone.

The CLC is issuing a stark warning about Canada’s healthcare crisis, citing chronic underfunding and the growing threat of privatization. The CLC is urging the Senate to pass Bill C-64, long-promised pharmacare legislation, and significantly invest in public healthcare, including long-term care. Privatization, Bruske warned, threatens to undermine the universal healthcare that Canadians rely on and will further deepen inequities in access to care.

Finally, the CLC demands for the government to focus on enhancing support for Canada’s workforce by reforming the Employment Insurance (EI) system and pension programs to ensure workers can access benefits when they need them most. Canada’s unions are also calling for a national strategy to expand skills training and upskilling opportunities, allowing workers to adapt to a rapidly changing economy.

“Our EI system is outdated, and too many workers fall through the cracks when they lose their jobs. Now is the time for the government to create a more inclusive and supportive EI program,” said Bruske. “At the same time, we need to invest in training that prepares workers for the future, so no one is left behind as industries evolve.”

As Parliament resumes, Canada’s unions will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize workers’ rights, urging the government to commit to real, lasting change that benefits everyone in Canada

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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.”

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Protecting the EV supply chains in Canada is about investing in Canada’s capacity to transition to a low-carbon economy with good, unionized jobs that support families—not a backdoor for China to flood our market with its cars.  

The consultations announced today should result in quick and decisive action to protect from unfair Chinese competition and create Canadian jobs in domestic EV supply chains.  

Both the United States and Europe have introduced higher import tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. Similar action from Canada is essential to ensure that the highly integrated automotive sector in Canada, U.S. and Mexico will continue to grow with good, unionized jobs that strengthen our economy and ensure we meet our climate ambitions. 

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OTTAWA – As Parliament adjourns for the summer, Canada’s unions are celebrating major and historic victories for the labour movement. However, the struggle is far from over.

We are finally charting a course towards a sustainable future with workers at the forefront. Last October, Poilievre’s Conservatives stalled Bill C-50 in committee for over a month, engaging in nothing but shenanigans and squandering time and public funds.

Today, workers can celebrate the Royal Assent of the Sustainable Jobs Act, a landmark legislation that grants workers a decisive voice in shaping their future.

The CLC would like to thank the government and the NDP for moving Bill C-50 through the House of Commons and Senator Hassan Yussuff for sponsoring the Bill in the Senate.

The next imperative is for the government to collaborate with industry and workers to set concrete goals that create and protect good union jobs as we confront climate change and establish the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council.

“This legislation might never have materialized if workers from coast to coast hadn’t raised their voices,” declared Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “By bringing together workers, unions, and businesses, governments now have the potential to drive innovation, decarbonize existing jobs for long-term sustainability, and generate new low-carbon job jobs that enable workers to support their families.”

Another monumental triumph for the labour movement is the passage of Bill C-58, the Anti-Scab legislation, which received unanimous support from MPs and clearance by the Senate. After decades of relentless advocacy, Canada now has federal anti-scab legislation. This is crucial for protecting workers and their right to strike. The use of scab labour not only undermines this right but also exacerbates labour disputes and intensifies hostility on picket lines.

“I’ve heard countless stories from workers who have faced direct confrontations during strikes, jeopardizing their safety and livelihoods. This must never happen. We are pleased to see this long-overdue protection for workers that will significantly restore balance at the bargaining table,” added Bruske.

Earlier this week, CLC President Bea Bruske, alongside Jason Maclean, Chair of the Canadian Health Coalition, and Manuel Arango, Vice President at the Heart and Stroke Foundation, urged Senators to pass Bill C-64, the Pharmacare Act, without amendments or further delays.

“Canadians could be accessing free birth control and diabetes medication this summer if the Senate were to pass Bill C-64 now. People have waited long enough to access free birth control and free diabetes medication and devices. Our message to the Senate is clear: pass this bill now and let’s get these medications to people who need them immediately,” stated Bruske

As the countdown to the next election begins, workers stand united with a clear message to all political parties: if you want our votes, you must respect our rights and deliver real help to workers and families. We demand concrete actions, not empty promises.

Last April, Canada’s labour leaders from across the nation issued a stern warning to politicians from all parties that workers demand more than just supportive rhetoric.

“Workers will hold politicians accountable if they fail to support concrete measures to protect workers’ rights and continue allowing employers to have the upper hand,” warned Bruske. “All parties must commit to concrete actions that dismantle barriers to joining or forming a union and crack down on any company that unfairly obstructs workers from organizing.”

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OTTAWA- Pharmacare is about ensuring that families across Canada have access to better health care by covering prescription medications. It fills a critical gap in our healthcare system but, the Senate’s delay in passing Bill C-64 is jeopardizing this critical legislation.

“Millions of Canadians have waited long enough to benefit from free diabetes medication and birth control,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “The Senate needs to pass the bill without amendments before they break for the summer.”

Canada’s current drug insurance system is a fragmented patchwork of 100 public and over 100,000 private plans, causing major disparities in accessibility, affordability, and coverage. This inconsistency leaves millions of Canadians struggling to afford their prescriptions.

Each province and territory operates its own distinct prescription drug plans, creating a complex system further exacerbated by the disparities among private insurers. As a result, 7.5 million Canadians lack insurance coverage and bear the cost of their medications out-of-pocket.

“Pharmacare is the most significant enhancement to our healthcare system since the introduction of public healthcare in Canada. The urgency for this cannot be overstated. Nearly one million Canadians have had to sacrifice basic necessities like food and heating to afford medications, and another million have resorted to borrowing money,” added Bruske.

“For too long, many among us have struggled to afford their life-saving prescription drugs, making risky tradeoffs between following doctor’s orders and paying the rent,” says Manuel Arango, Heart & Stroke’s Vice President of Policy and Advocacy. “This bill is a historic first step toward equal access to prescription drugs for all people in Canada. We urge the government to seize this moment and pass the Pharmacare Act before the end of June.”

‘’Over 50 civil society organizations under the CHC umbrella endorse and support Bill C-64, the Pharmacare Act, a cause we’ve advocated for decades. Representing various sectors including healthcare, seniors, migrant rights, sexual health, and women’s rights, we urge the Senate to swiftly pass Bill C-64. It’s vital for millions to access free birth control and diabetes medication.” Jason Maclean, Chair, Canadian Health Coalition

Implementing pharmacare will save money for Canadians. With a national pharmacare program, bulk purchasing and streamlined administration can reduce overall drug costs, putting money back into the pockets of families. Pharmacare will also alleviate the strain on our healthcare system.

The swift passage of Bill C-64, An Act respecting Pharmacare, is necessary for millions of Canadians to access free birth control and diabetes medication, providing much-needed relief from the high cost of living.

Canada’s unions are calling on all Senators to stop withholding Bill C-64, a crucial piece of legislation that will put money back in people’s pockets, and allow easier access to diabetes medications as well as allow women greater freedom over their sexual and reproductive health.

Our message to Senators is clear: Pass Bill C-64 without further delays.

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The delegation which included the General Secretaries of the ITUC and the Global Union Federations, as well as several top union leaders from across the world, met with representatives of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) as well as union leaders representing workers in the West Bank and Gaza. They also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustapha, and several government ministers during the mission on 28-30 May 2024. Several global unions are already deeply engaged with their Palestinian colleagues, all committed to supporting and sustaining the struggle of Palestinian workers.

The delegation made clear that “we express our solidarity with Palestinian trade unions and workers in these difficult times. We are deeply concerned by the grave humanitarian crisis faced by the people of Gaza, and we stand with Palestinians, Israelis, and people the world over calling for peace, equality, and justice.”

Immediate priorities must include an immediate and permanent ceasefire with full respect for international humanitarian law, immediate access to humanitarian assistance, the release of all hostages and others held without due judicial process, and enabling the safe return of all workers trapped by the conflict.

The delegation also recalled the ITUC and other global unions’ long-standing policy for a two-state solution, and the call for a just and durable peace through the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 to facilitate a real economic future for an independent Palestine. This involves ending the occupation of the West Bank, dismantling all illegal settlements, and recognizing the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state.

The delegation urged governments to resume and increase funding to UNRWA. “UNRWA’s role is vital in providing essential services and supporting Palestinians at a time when they are most in need.”

“We came here to reinforce the depth of our commitment to Palestinian workers and their unions – we are all part of the same family. Our goal is a democratic and sovereign Palestine, living in just and lasting peace and security alongside Israel. We know that trade unions are an essential element of any democracy, and that strong and democratic independent unions will be a key building block towards that end in Palestine. “

The delegation reported hearing moving testimony from Palestinians who have paid a terrible price during the current war. On top of the distressing reality of destruction and loss of life in Gaza, we have heard about settler violence and restrictions on human rights such as freedom of movement and economic hardship in the West Bank.

Nevertheless, what shines through is the commitment to trade unionism and its potential to help deliver a just settlement in the broader chaos of this conflict.

Our responsibility as global trade unionists is to nurture that sentiment and we call upon the global labour movement to deliver on its principles of peace, humanity, democracy, and solidarity. This includes continuing to invest in a constructive dialogue with trade unions in both Palestine and Israel which recognizes their critical role in their respective societies”.

“Global unions will neither forget nor forsake our sisters and brothers in Palestine. We will redouble efforts to support your unions and support you. Trade unions have remained a constant – democratically rooted in their communities and well equipped to provide concrete support during the reconstruction which should embed the principles of decent work and quality public services.”

Many of the global unions have already provided significant aid to workers through unions in Gaza and the West Bank. For example, Education International has provided financial assistance for more than 1,000 teachers in Palestine and provides shelter centres for more than 5,000 children in Rafah. The International Federation of Journalists provides direct support for reporters in Gaza and operates a solidarity centre with workspace and equipment in Khan Younis, and the International Transport Workers Federation and PSI have launched a Palestine solidarity fund to provide immediate relief and longer-term support for Palestinian transport and public service workers and their families. BWI provided humanitarian support and shelters for construction workers and their families.

The delegation concluded: ‘Trade unions are part of the global peace movement. We stand for peace alongside such important values as democracy and humanity. That’s why we are here.”

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According to the Association of Workers Compensation Boards of Canada, an astounding 348,747 lost time claims were made in 2022, the last year for which complete data is available.

Shockingly, this number doesn’t even count those who decline – or are illegally persuaded by their employers not – to report their injuries.

On Day of Mourning, Canada’s unions issued a demand for “Safe work now!”, a call to action for employers and governments to make work and workplaces truly safe for all workers.

“Every workplace injury is preventable, says Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. ” These injuries – be they physical or psychological – should never be seen as “part of the job”. Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that workers aren’t hurt or maimed.”

To ensure that every worker returns home whole from the job at the end of every work day, Canada’s unions demand from every level of government:

• Holding criminally negligent employers accountable through proactive enforcement of the Westray Law – not just for fatalities, but injuries as well;
• Substantive action to ensure workers know about the hazards in their work and workplace, regardless of the type of products they use;
• Development and implementation of comprehensive strategies to remove toxic substances from the workplace;
• That every workplace be free from violence and harassment; and
• Increased proactive workplace health and safety investigations and stronger enforcement of health and safety laws.

“Workers compensation systems must also provide workers with the compensation they deserve in a fair and transparent manner,” says Bruske. “Easy access to the rehabilitation and vocational services they need is also essential.”

Workers demand that governments have their backs, so they can get back on track: “Any shirking responsibility for injured workers by employers and governments is simply unacceptable: it’s time for safe work, now.” 

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OTTAWA — Today marks a significant milestone in the history of the labour movement as Canadian Labour Congress President, Bea Bruske, and Canadian Labour Congress Executive Vice President, Siobhán Vipond, stood with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and his caucus to celebrate the passage of Bill C-58, the legislation to ban the use of replacement workers.

The labour movement has long fought for anti-scab legislation, recognizing its crucial role in protecting workers and their right to strike. The passing of Bill C-58 is not just a legislative win but a monumental victory for workers across the country.

Walking the picket line is a tough decision, made even harder when faced with the threat of scab labour. This reality intensifies the stress on workers who are already making difficult choices for their families and communities. The use of replacement workers undermines the right to strike, escalates labour disputes, and increases hostility on picket lines. Too many workers have faced direct conflicts during strikes, threatening their safety and livelihoods. This must end.

“This achievement was made possible with the efforts of thousands of union activists across the country who stood up and demanded better from the government”, said Bea Bruske, CLC President. “With a ban on the use of replacement workers, we take a real step toward true protection for workers’ rights, restoring fairness to the collective bargaining process, less labour disruptions, avoiding work stoppages and building a more balanced economy.’’

This win is a result of decades of advocacy by the NDP alongside the labour movement. Political leaders who truly support workers understand that banning scabs is essential for fair bargaining and worker protection.

“I want to extend my gratitude to Jagmeet Singh and Alexandre Boulerice for their steadfast support and Minister O’Regan for his collaboration,” added Bruske.

We must now call for anti-scab legislation in all provinces. Quebec has had such a law for over 45 years, and British Columbia for 30 years, with positive impacts in both provinces. Strong anti-scab legislation is vital for the future of all workers, protecting their rights and restoring fairness at the bargaining table.

There is unanimous support from all MPs for banning replacement workers. The Standing Committee has carefully scrutinized and strengthened the bill.

Canada’s unions are urging Senators to pass Bill C-58 without further delays.

The future of workers and the integrity of our labour system depend on it.

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“When we look at the price increases since April 2021, it becomes clear that the Bank’s interest rate hikes have not made life more affordable for workers and their families,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. 

Over the last three years:

• Consumer Price Index (CPI) has risen by 14%.
• Grocery prices have surged by 21%.
• Pasta prices have climbed by 54%.
• Bread and flour prices have climbed by 23%.
• Vegetable prices have increased by 22%.

These numbers show how inflation keeps making things more expensive, stressing the importance of carefully thinking about the limits of monetary policy and the need for the federal government to do more.

The annual inflation rate dropped to 2.7% in April 2024. Inflation is just 1.1% when we exclude shelter, which is made more expensive by high interest rates. The Bank is actually making the problem worse… 

“Governor Macklem knows that interest rates were never the right policy for inflation caused by supply disruptions and corporate price gouging, and he needs to lower interest rates,” emphasized Bruske. “Unemployment is rising, which will make it even harder for families already grappling with exorbitant costs for rent, mortgages, and essential groceries.”

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“We remember the 26 miners who died 32 years ago because of what a judge called ‘a complex mosaic of actions, omissions, mistakes, incompetence, apathy, cynicism, stupidity, and neglect’” says Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “We mourn them and honour their memory by fighting for work to be safe.”  

In 2004, after a fight led by the United Steelworkers that lasted over a decade, the Westray Law was passed, allowing for negligent employers to be prosecuted under Canada’s Criminal Code.    

Each year, roughly 1000 workers are killed and since the Westray Law took effect, over 18,000 workers have died because of their work.   

“The Law is an important tool and would save lives if it was enforced as it was intended. While not every death is the result of criminal negligence, robust and transparent enforcement of the Westray Law is needed to make work safer now,” continues Bruske. “20 years is too long for workers to wait for justice” 

The Canadian Labour Congress demands: 

• The appointment of dedicated investigators and prosecutors for workplace deaths and injuries, along with mandatory, standardized training for such positions; 
• Ensuring Crown attorneys are educated, trained and directed to apply the Westray amendments to the Criminal Code; 
• Mandatory training for police and health and safety regulators, supported by the necessary resources, on the proper application of the Westray amendments; and  
• Mandatory procedures, protocols and co-ordination in every jurisdiction for police, Crown prosecutors and health and safety regulators. 

“Workers have been advocating for meaningful enforcement of the Westray Law for 20 years,” said Bruske. “It is well past time for those employers who demonstrate a negligent disregard for the lives of those who work for them to feel the full weight of this law.” 

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With a diverse membership base, the NSTU is home to over 10,000 active members, consisting of educators from Primary to Grade 12 in public schools, as well as teachers from the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority.

As an organization deeply rooted in its commitment to educational excellence and professional development, the NSTU advocates for the rights and welfare of teachers while striving to create an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning.

“The NSTU’s affiliation with the broader labour movement is another example of the growth and solidarity of Canada’s unions. Workers across Canada stand united in their fight for the rights and dignity of all workers, including teachers. We’re proud to welcome them onboard,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen provincial governments attempt to undermine teachers, erode public education systems by reducing funding, weaken teachers’ unions and public boards, and trample queer and trans children’s rights to privacy and safety in schools.

“Recognizing the critical role educators play in shaping our society and supporting children throughout Nova Scotia, it’s important that we value their contributions, recognize their professionalism and promote the recruitment and retention of qualified teachers,” added Bruske.

“The NSTU has been grateful for the support and solidarity it has received from other unions across the province as we work to address the growing challenges facing our public school system,” says NSTU President Ryan Lutes. “Strengthening the bonds with other unions through the CLC is crucial to our efforts in advocating for safe and healthy learning environments for students and their teachers.”

Canada’s unions lead the charge in making transformative change for workers and families through advocacy and organizing.

NSTU joins a united labour movement of over 50 national and international unions under the CLC umbrella, collectively advocating for over three million workers.

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The unemployment rate jumped to 6.1% in March, a cumulative increase of a full percentage point over the past year. Meanwhile, GDP numbers released this week came in well under expectations.

“High interest rates just slam the brakes on the economy. Starting to cut rates in June isn’t like suddenly hitting the gas. It just means easing off the brakes just a little bit to provide some relief to families struggling to pay their rent or mortgages,” declared Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “How many more workers have to lose their jobs or default on their mortgages before the Bank of Canada does the right thing and cuts interest rates?”

Bruske added that some are getting hit harder by this economic slowdown. According to Statistics Canada, racialized Canadians are seeing higher job losses. The unemployment rate for Black Canadians rose 3.9 points over the past year to 10.8%. Meanwhile younger 15- to 24-year-old workers saw the steepest losses with 28,000 net jobs lost just in March while the youth unemployment rate rose to 12.6%.

“The longer the Bank of Canada delays cutting interest rates, those with the least will suffer the most,” warned Bruske. “The Bank of Canada must not sacrifice those who have the least power on the altar of high interest rates. It’s past time the Bank of Canada cuts interest rates and starts loosening the reins so Canada’s job market and economy can start to grow again.”

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“As the next federal election draws closer, workers are demanding all parties agree to respect and enhance workers’ rights,” declared Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Political parties must make concrete platform commitments to remove obstacles to organizing and crack down on union-busting companies that engage in workplace threats and intimidation. Any party that fails to back their words with action will face serious consequences at the ballot box when the next election comes.” 

Bruske shared findings from a new poll commissioned by the Canadian Labour Congress. The national survey was conducted by GQR Canada from 1-8 April 2024 and surveyed 1,549 eligible voters. Full details of the poll are available on the CLC’s website. 

The poll found:  

• A majority of Canadians, 62%, believe belonging to a union is a good thing. Support is highest amongst women and in the electoral battleground regions of Ontario and the Maritimes.  
• An overwhelming 80% of young workers (18-29), think there are obstacles to joining a union, such as workplace intimidation, employers spreading misinformation, and too many bureaucratic steps that impede organizing.  
• 70% of Canadians want governments to remove barriers to forming or joining a union. Only 9% strongly disagree. 

“So many struggle with higher prices, worsening work-life balance, and deteriorating working conditions. The reality is employers always start out with the upper hand. It’s no wonder so many Canadians see the value of having a union to protect them,” explained Bruske. “But as part of a union, workers can negotiate better. A union card in your back pocket is your ticket to fairer wages, decent benefits, respect in your workplace, and financial security when you retire. That’s why the labour movement is seeing so much momentum and growth across the country.”  

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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“Workers are standing united, with a clear message to all parties: if you want our votes, you must respect our rights and deliver real help to workers and families. We demand concrete action, not pretty words,” warned Bruske. “All parties must pledge support for concrete actions to dismantle barriers to joining or forming a union and crack down on any company that unfairly obstructs workers from organizing.”

Bruske and her fellow labour leaders warned that workers will hold politicians to account if they fail to support concrete measures,including:

• New Taskforce on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, with a mandate to bring forward concrete recommendations for more balanced labour laws.
• Pledge not to pass back-to-work legislation or laws that impose collective agreements on workers.
• Fast track federal anti-scab bill and advocate for similar laws in all jurisdictions.
• Support automatic card certification in all provinces and territories.

Bruske released new opinion research that showed Canadians support unions because unions provide tangible benefits that improve the quality of life for workers. Sixty-two percent of Canadian voters believe more workers being part of a union is a good thing while 70% agree governments should remove barriers to joining and forming a union. Canadians cite obstacles like employer intimidation and misinformation, alongside too many hoops and onerous bureaucracy that obstruct workers from organizing.

“When unions are weaker, people’s quality of life is diminished. In tough times like today, the most powerful way to make life more affordable is to have a union behind you. We have the evidence to show Canadians get that unions secure good jobs, fair wages, decent working conditions, and better benefits,” explained Bruske. “People understand that unions help build thriving, affordable, livable communities. That’s why we must protect workers’ rights and stop allowing employers to always have the upper hand.”

“We’re ready to work together with politicians who agree to support our work to build a fairer economy, from the worker up,” Bruske concluded.

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“This is a huge win and we’re thrilled to welcome the CFLPA to our team,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. “This shows how the labour movement in Canada is constantly growing and diversifying, and our collective future is brighter with the addition of the CFLPA. There are over three million CLC affiliated workers who now stand in support of the CFLPA in their ongoing fight for respect, fair treatment, and equity for CFL players”.

The Canadian Labour Congress is the largest labour organization in Canada. The CFLPA applied to join the CLC and today was voted in as an affiliate by its delegates, and per the organization’s constitution. The CFLPA and its approximately 650 members who work and support communities across Canada, will join a powerful group of unions actively working together to improve working conditions and support workers’ rights everywhere.

“The CFLPA has a proud and successful 59-year history of advocating for fair and safe working conditions for our members and using our influence to help improve the lives of all workers across Canada,” said Brian Ramsay, Executive Director of the CFLPA. “We’re very excited to formally affiliate to the CLC and bring our perspective and experience to the broader labour movement in Canada”.

“We are excited and proud to join the CLC team and the three million affiliated workers in Canada and internationally,” said Solomon Elimimian, CFLPA President. “Just like on the playing field, there is strength in numbers and this alignment makes us all stronger in our ongoing work toward ensuring fair and respectful working conditions”.

The CFLPA is the union for professional football players in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Since 1965, the Association has worked to establish fair and reasonable working conditions while protecting the rights of all CFL players. In addition to negotiating and enforcing the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CFLPA provides a variety of member services, builds corporate and community partnerships, and works diligently for the betterment of its membership. The CLC represents over three million workers in virtually all sectors, industries, occupations, and regions of the country, and over half a million retirees.

Media inquiries:
For the CLC: Chantal St-Denis, CLC Communications
cstdenis@clcctc.ca
613-355-1962

For the CFLPA:
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Communications
b.heisler@cflpa.com

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“We appreciate moves to increase taxes on the wealthiest Canadians and profitable corporations, and investments in housing and school meals will help families in need. However, the sky-high price of groceries and essentials continue to stretch household budgets, and much more ambitious action is needed to make life affordable,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Amidst rising unemployment, the government’s failure to fix our broken Employment Insurance system, its inability to respond to health workers’ low pay and overwork, inaction to invest in a full universal pharmacare system, and the lack of support for migrant workers are disappointing.”

The School Food Program will feed 400,000 more students every year, including many from racialized, Indigenous, and low-income families. Budget 2024 also reflects progress made through the federal government’s agreement with Canada’s New Democrats, including investments in housing affordability.

However, more action is necessary to tackle the housing crisis. The government must get back to building public housing, address the financialization of housing, and take action to make renting more affordable.

We are concerned by plans to incentivize pension investments that could lead to privatization. Every worker deserves financial security in retirement; the government must strengthen public pensions and do more to ensure every worker has access to a decent workplace pension – pensions should not be used to expand privatization.

Furthermore, the proposed cuts to public sector jobs are alarming. Canada’s unions will fight to ensure these cuts do not impact workers or the services that Canadians rely on. “Public spending must prioritize the workers and families who drive our economy,” emphasized Bruske. “That means investing in public services and investing in people.”

Investments in the Canada Disability Benefit are a good first step; however much greater levels of support are required to support people with disabilities across Canada.

While we welcome funding for childcare spaces and plans for a sectoral table on the care economy, the lack of investment to address the health crisis is concerning. Bruske added, “Decades of cuts, the health workforce crisis, and creeping privatization mean our care system—and the workers holding it together—are stretched to the limits. We need investments to ensure our loved ones can access the care they need.”

“Budget 2024 provided improvements to our tax system by increasing the capital gains tax, but greater ambition is needed on tax fairness to not leave revenue on the table,” said Bruske. “With figures like Pierre Poilievre siding with bosses and promoting false solutions, it’s crucial for the government to step up. We need bolder action to tackle corporate greed and fund support for struggling families.”

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“Thanks to the hard work of union members across Canada, the federal government is making sustainable jobs and a shift to net zero a top priority. Workers have the expertise to help decarbonize our economy, and this bill will guarantee unions and workers seats at the table on the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “We now call on Senators to pass this legislation quickly, so we can continue this important work while keeping workers and communities at the heart of Canada’s climate plans.”

This major milestone would not have been reached without the continued advocacy of workers, and the dedication of New Democrats and the federal government. Bill C-50 will ensure that sustainable jobs are good union jobs, with good pay and benefits. It will create new sustainable jobs, help shift energy workers into sustainable jobs, and decarbonize good jobs to make them sustainable.

Workers and unions were incredibly disappointed that Conservatives chose to fight the inclusion of worker voices in shaping a sustainable future built on good, unionized, net-zero jobs. The best outcomes for workers will come from ensuring the Partnership Council is up and running as soon as possible, so workers can contribute to delivering on the investments, training, and programs to create, support and protect sustainable jobs across Canada.  

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With the government’s willingness to ban replacement workers and restore card check certification, Premier Kinew is prioritizing the well-being of working families by restoring fairness at the bargaining table.

“Although the Opposition Progressive Conservatives stalled proceedings in the chamber, it’s still a great day for workers in Manitoba. Premier Kinew’s commitment to workers is evident in the enactment of vital legislation to support them. I applaud Premier Kinew’s efforts to restore the streamlining of unionization and workplace democracy and his focus on promoting fairness at the bargaining table,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Workers face difficult decisions when considering whether to walk the picket line. Though it shouldn’t be the case, financial calculations are often a factor in determining whether to exercise one’s rights and stand up for fair treatment. In these uncertain economic times, the pressure on workers is even greater, and these decisions can have profound impacts on families and communities.

The safety and well-being of workers should always be paramount, especially during labour disputes. The use of scab labour not only undermines the collective action of striking workers but also exacerbates conflict and hostility on picket lines. By pitting workers against each other and creating an atmosphere of desperation, employers further jeopardize the safety and livelihoods of all involved.

“Workers everywhere should be able to exercise their right to strike without worrying about the threat of scab labour,” continued Bruske. “I encourage political leaders across Canada to follow Premier Kinew’s lead and introduce legislation to ban the use of scab labour in their jurisdictions.”

In spite of the fact that today’s move by the Manitoba government to return to automatic certification in the province was altered by the opposition, it nonetheless represents a significant step towards empowering workers and strengthening their rights in the workplace.

Since the early 1990s, governments across Canada have prohibited labour boards from automatic certification, leading to the decline in unionization rates, also coinciding with the switch from automatic certification to mandatory voting. Requiring workers to go through a formal vote, even when there is demonstrated majority support through signed membership cards, creates unnecessary hurdles that can be exploited by employers to pressure employees against unionizing.

“Signing a union card is the best way for workers to improve their working lives. Being part of a union and having a collective agreement means stability, predictability, and better conditions for workers. This strengthens our communities and benefits our economy,” stated Bruske.

Bruske highlighted the significance of collective bargaining and the positive impact it has on workers’ well-being, emphasizing the role of unions in fostering stability and improving working conditions. “By eliminating this unnecessary barrier and returning to automatic certification, governments can uphold the integrity of workers’ rights to collective bargaining and ensure a fair and transparent process,” added Bruske.

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On February 27^th, while Parliamentarians from all parties voted unanimously in support of Bill C-58, legislation that would ban replacement workers, 239 Unifor members in Nova Scotia went on strike. By the end of that very same day, the employer, CN Rail, brought in scabs. Although this is a provincially regulated workplace, it merits every politician’s attention.

“I’ve heard some concerning stories from workers who faced direct conflict during a strike, threatening their safety and livelihood. The horrific event that happened in Northern Ontario less than two weeks ago is a terrifying example. This should never happen,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Scabs, sometimes called “replacement” workers, are brought in during a lockout or strike to take regular workers’ jobs. The employers’ use of scab labour—pitting desperate workers against each other— undermines workers’ right to strike, intensifies labour disputes and escalates hostility at the picket lines – threatening the safety of these workers and their communities.

Quebec has had an anti-scab law for over 45 years and British Columbia for 30 years, these laws, and the proposed federal anti-scab bill, not only shorten labour stoppages, they reduce the damaging effects scabs have on inflaming disputes and bring back fairness at the bargaining table.

More and more private and public sector workers are turning to their unions to stand up and demand better. From employers and from governments.

“Workers know that walking the picket line is not easy.  And the threat of scabs being present in some jurisdictions is very real.  That amplifies the stress workers face when making decisions for themselves, their families and their communities.  That’s why, achieving anti-scab legislation at the federal level is critical,” added Bruske.

Workers in Nova Scotia, and in every province and territory, deserve to have their constitutional right to bargain and to strike protected, without the persistent menace of the use of scabs that would prolong work stoppages and incite drawn-out, desperate, and destructive conflicts.

Like non-unionized workers, union members have seen their wages fall in the face of the ongoing affordability crisis.

Workers have seen their purchasing power fall behind, as their wages fall behind inflation while wealthy CEOs are reporting huge profits. Meanwhile, their employees are forced to go to the food bank because they can’t even afford to shop in the store they work in.

“I met with workers who told me that before they are prepared to walk the picket line, they have to make a financial calculation. And in these uncertain and difficult economic times, this is not a decision to take lightly,” added Bruske. “These are kitchen table family discussions about whether you can afford to take the employer’s measly offer or if you are prepared to go out.  And let’s be honest, sometimes the decision is made for workers when they are locked out by their employer.”

In the meantime, politicians like Pierre Poilievre pretend to be a friend to workers. He remained completely silent on where he stood on banning scab labour for months while continuing to deliver meaningless one-liners and come up with petty slogans.

“If Pierre had a true change of heart and really wants to support worker’s rights, perhaps he should send a memo to his provincial counterparts in Nova Scotia and Ontario as soon as possible,” added Bruske.

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The disproportionately high number of women living in poverty and their lack of access to care services are deeply interconnected. Developing a national, comprehensive strategy for Canada’s care economy would go a long way to easing the burden that care – both paid and unpaid – places on women.  

As Canada’s cost-of-living crisis continues, many workers and their families are struggling to manage the soaring costs of food, shelter and other essentials. Women and others who are disproportionately poor or low-income are being hit hardest. These challenges are exacerbated by the over-representation of women in low-wage, part-time and precarious jobs, and by their unpaid labour caring for children, aging parents and loved ones with disabilities.  

“This is about gender justice. It’s no secret that women perform the bulk of unpaid and paid care work, which pushes women into part-time, precarious, temporary, or minimum-wage jobs. The majority of minimum wage workers in Canada are women,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “The consequences of the unequal division of care work on women’s economic security are severe, and the current affordability and housing crises are making life even more challenging – especially for the most marginalized women.” 

Women face higher rates of housing insecurity, food insecurity, and are less likely to qualify for employment insurance. The statistics are even worse for women living at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities: Indigenous, Black and women of colour, 2SLGBTQI women and nonbinary people and women with a disability.  

“It’s no wonder there are workforce crises in health care, childcare and other care sectors. Jobs caring for children, older adults and people with disabilities tend to be underpaid and precarious, and wages within the care economy are being eroded by inflation. These are jobs predominantly held by women, many of them immigrants and women of colour,” said Siobhán Vipond, Executive Vice-President of the CLC. “Addressing the care crisis will have a massive impact on women’s jobs, women’s incomes, and their labour force participation, which also benefits Canada’s economy.” 

Canada’s unions see a vision for our country where everyone has a right to the care they need, and the people who provide care are visible, valued and supported. The federal government must develop a comprehensive and integrated care strategy that would enshrine the right of every person to the care they need to live full and dignified lives, reduce and redistribute women’s disproportionate responsibility for care, support paid and unpaid care workers and strengthen Canada’s care economy across all sectors.  

Canada needs a Care Economy Commission to study, design and recommend a national care strategy that would:   

• Create a broader and more inclusive labour market strategy to achieve high-quality, equitable care jobs;   
• Examine paid and unpaid care work and develop a roadmap to meet the increasing demands for care; and   

• Reduce and redistribute women’s unpaid care work by improving access to public care services for children, older adults and people with disabilities.  

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Canada’s unions are happy to see significant progress made on banning replacement workers, a crucial missing piece of Canada’s labour laws for decades. This was made possible by thousands of union activists across the country who stood up and demanded better from the government.

This is an important step towards truly protecting workers and their right to strike, this legislation must apply to any work regularly performed by bargaining unit workers and should not deny workers the right to legally strike by creating more essential service barriers.

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.

By banning 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.

Now, we need Parliamentarians of all stripes to work together and amend the legislation to ensure it comes into force as soon as it receives Royal Assent. It is pivotal in order to bring immediate protection for workers’ rights and restore fairness to the collective bargaining process. We’ve waited long enough.

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We are very encouraged by the news that the Liberals and New Democrats have reached a deal on pharmacare. This achievement represents the most significant enhancement to our healthcare system since the creation of public healthcare in Canada. It’s a milestone that will profoundly impact the lives of Canadians by making healthcare more accessible and affordable.

The urgency of this victory cannot be overstated. With nearly one million Canadians forced to sacrifice basic necessities like food and heating to afford medications, and another million resorting to borrowing money, the need for change was clear and immediate.

I have personally heard from workers unable to afford their diabetes medications, and parents faced with the heart-wrenching choice between feeding their children or providing them with essential life-saving medicines. These are the struggles many Canadians face daily – not the fake outrage that Mr. Poilievre is talking about these days. The introduction of a universal single-payer pharmacare program is not just a policy change; it’s a lifeline that will bring tangible improvements to the lives of countless individuals.

This program is also a significant financial relief for ordinary Canadians. Consider the costs of essential medications like Type 2 diabetes medications and supplies, which can reach $10,000 annually per person, or the annual expense of oral contraceptives for women at around $240. This pharmacare program is a step towards making life more affordable for all.

Furthermore, this initiative will lead to significant savings. Instead of a patchwork of medication insurance, workers can have the security of a universal and single-payer program. This means that workers and employers can redirect these savings towards better wages, stronger paychecks, or enhanced retirement savings.

This achievement is a testament to the power of collective effort and advocacy. It’s a big deal, made possible by the leverage exercised by the NDP in this parliament. Canadian workers have fought tirelessly for this program for decades, and it is through the NDP’s commitment to prioritizing the needs of real people in this minority parliament that we have reached this groundbreaking moment.

Today, we celebrate this monumental victory, a testament to what we can achieve when we stand united for the health and well-being of all Canadians.”

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Canadians are witnessing Conservative decision-makers wreak havoc. Rather than addressing the pressing crises of health care, affordability, and climate change, Conservatives across the country are indulging in political games. And who loses? Working-class families.

A year after a landmark health care agreement between the federal government and provinces and territories, Conservative premiers have failed to act and failed to care. Canada’s unions are hearing from health care workers who are under pressure to work harder and faster, facing dangerously high patient-to-care worker ratios.

These workers deserve support and action to strengthen our public health care system and better retain and recruit health care staff—but Conservatives won’t be the ones to deliver. Conservative premiers are actively pursuing the privatization of our public health care system, and Pierre Poilievre was a cabinet minister in a Conservative government that drastically cut health care.

Meanwhile, hard-earned paycheques are being swallowed by the sky-high price of groceries and other necessities. Workers need a helping hand so they can build a good life but instead, we get cuts for everyday people and a gravy train for corporate giants—such as the Ford government’s handouts to big business while slashing public services. Danielle Smith wants to throw hard-working people under the bus by dismantling the Canada Pension Plan, while Mr. Poilievre opposes a universal public pharmacare plan that would put more money in workers’ wallets.

At the same time, Canadians are grappling with the very real impacts of the climate crisis, but Conservative leaders don’t have a serious plan for working people and our communities. How much did Danielle Smith’s seven-month moratorium on renewable energy set back Albertan workers? And Poilievre’s Conservatives are trying to block pro-worker legislation, jeopardizing jobs and opportunities in a sustainable economy.

With so many real and urgent issues on the agenda, Canada’s unions oppose Conservative efforts to stoke a culture war by attacking trans kids and adults rather than offer real solutions, as we’ve seen Blaine Higgs, Scott Moe, and now Danielle Smith do. The playbook is familiar: shirk responsibility for making life harder for working people, stoke fear about a scapegoat, and then ride the fear train for power and personal gain.

Make no mistake, Conservatives stand against workers. Canada’s unions will defend working people and their families against Conservative games at all costs. We will fight for sustainable jobs, we will fight to make life more affordable, we will fight for our public health care system—and we will fiercely oppose attacks on vulnerable Canadians.

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Politicians must be held accountable to make evidence-based, compassionate decisions and Smith’s proposed policies are the exact opposite, relying instead on disinformation and putting trans and queer kids at risk. 

Premier Smith claims to “care deeply” about trans and gender-diverse children and youth. But her proposals are a cynical attempt to violate queer and trans children’s rights to privacy and safety in Alberta.  

We are witnessing an increase in legislated transphobic violence, namely, the rise of so-called “parental rights” policies and legislation in Canada and we will not stand for it.  

Canada’s unions will not stand for Smith’s tactics to sweep the real issues under the rug at the expense of 2SLGBTQI+ youth. We need to prioritize the health and well-being of 2SLGBTQI+ youth by rejecting transphobic policies. 

This announcement is the latest in a string of decisions by Smith’s government that have had a detrimental effect on Albertans and does nothing to fix the real crises they face. Choices made by the Smith government, for example, have exacerbated the affordability crisis and have led to a spike in food bank usage. At a time when Smith is losing support from Albertans generally and UCP members specifically, she has taken a page from a damaging conservative playbook to try and gain political points. 

This week’s announcement also makes Smith the third conservative Premier to use trans kids as political pawns, and we won’t stand for it. Canada’s unions will not be idle while Premier Smith and other conservative leaders play politics with trans and gender-diverse communities, we will continue to unite workers across the country and work in solidarity with 2SLGBTQI+ advocates to strike down these discriminatory policies. 

We cannot allow our governments to overstep their boundaries to push their personal agenda or use kids as a political tool to deflect attention from their failure to confront the real challenges facing workers and their families – like the cost-of-living crisis.”

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OTTAWA––As MPs head back to Parliament, Canada’s unions urged decision-makers to put people first by alleviating the cost-of-living crisis, fixing the healthcare crisis and the workforce crisis, and helping communities cope with the devastating impacts of climate change.

“Workers and their families are facing tough financial choices to make ends meet, and many worry for the stability of their jobs as we collectively face a crucial economic and climate transition,” said Bruske. “Workers need the government to act as families fall further behind.”

Tangible actions the government can take to offer real and immediate relief to Canadians include creating a windfall profits tax on large food retailers and using the revenues to fund an extension of the grocery rebate and implementing a single-payer universal public prescription drug plan that provides coverage for all, no matter their income, age, or where they live.

“I’ve heard troubling stories from workers telling me they stay up at night trying to figure out how they’ll pay rent, put food on the table and provide the medication their kids need. We’re paying over 40% more for basics like pasta and butter and 50% more for the fruits and vegetables that keep us healthy” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Workers expect the government to help. They need MPs to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis and provide immediate relief from sky-high food prices.”

Workers are also waiting on MPs to pass Bill C-50, the Sustainable Jobs Act, which would offer workers hope and stability and ensure they have a seat at the decision-making table when it comes to their future.

“It’s a new year, but some things haven’t changed – the Conservatives are still the same anti-worker party they always were,” said Bruske. “Before the break, the Conservative’s stance on the Sustainable Jobs act was nothing but shenanigans — wasting time and public dollars. Let’s be honest, if Poilievre was on the side of workers like he claims to be, he would support this bill and stop blocking it.”

Across his record on healthcare, austerity, anti-labour laws, and cutting support for unemployed workers, Poilievre undermines workers and their unions.

“Workers and their unions see through Poilievre’s nonsense,” said Bruske. “I encourage Mr. Poilievre to let his actions prove his promises: does he support workers or not?”

Another pressing issue for workers is housing. With rising rents and house prices hitting record highs – it’s increasingly hard for workers and their families to find an affordable place to live. Canada’s strategy is not enough to provide for the anticipated demand for shelter from Canadians. To address this issue, the government should invest in housing similar to the scale seen after the Second World War.

“The underinvestment and policy decisions by federal and provincial governments since the 1990s have crippled our housing supply to the point of crisis. It’s not enough to ‘incentivize’ private developers, workers need their government to have greater ambition,” said Bruske. “But one thing is clear: immigration did not cause the housing crisis. Everyone benefits from people wanting to come to Canada and contribute to our economy and our culture. We should encourage and facilitate that, including making sure we have the infrastructure to support them.”

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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“We’ve seen too many health care horror stories. A sick newborn waiting over eight hours to be admitted, a senior more than 12 hours to be seen by an ER doctor. A year after historic health agreements, patients still aren’t getting the timely care they deserve while health workers continue to face unsafe working conditions and growing burnout,” cautioned Bruske. “Without concrete action to repair it, we’ll see another year of Canada’s health care system failing our children, seniors, and seriously ill patients of all kinds.”  

Led by B.C., only four provinces have signed new bilateral deals. With a March 31^st deadline fast approaching so new investments can flow this year, Bruske cautioned that governments must act quickly to get deals done so provinces can implement effective new measures.  

“Canadians are looking for real relief, which means new bilateral deals must also include strict conditions that cap wasteful spending on private agencies and dramatically increase the number of permanent nursing positions,” added Bruske. “A photo-op has never cured anyone. Workers and families are looking to the federal government to defend patient care and protect our public health care from provinces trying to use the crisis to line the pockets of private investors with wasteful health care privatization.”   

Bruske urged governments and parties to come together behind solutions backed by new investments to address this national crisis.  

“The NDP–Liberal Supply and Confidence Agreement brought us a new dental care program, which will alleviate pressure on emergency rooms. This is the kind of innovative progress Canadians are looking for, yet Poilievre’s Conservatives voted against dental care for low-income kids and seniors,” concluded Bruske. “The last time Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives were in power, they unilaterally cut billions from provincial health care funding. They dug a big hole for our health care system and more Conservative cuts now would put Canada’s universal public health care at risk.”  

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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“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.”

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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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“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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OTTAWA—Canada’s unions are pleased to see the federal government launch a Union-Led Advisory Table to help workers succeed in Canada’s economic future, announced today. 

The Advisory Table will be chaired by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, and will include 15 labour leaders from across Canada with expertise across sectors. The table will advise the government on pressing issues facing workers and will provide recommendations on how best to support workers affected by economic change. 

“I am proud to chair this advisory table and thank the government for taking this much-needed step,” said Bruske. “Unions have led the way in the face of the ongoing affordability crisis, and we know that to stabilize our economy, we need workers at the table. They are at the heart of Canada’s economy.” 

The union-led advisory table will complement the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council included in the Sustainable Jobs Act and will not duplicate it. This new initiative will guide conversations on what Canada needs to do to strengthen the workforce and ensure workers find their footing in a changing economy. 

“The workforce is changing rapidly with the environmental transition and the digitalization of work. To achieve a smooth transition, it is crucial for workers to be considered and heard,” said Bruske. “Our economy is shifting, and Canada’s unions are ready to work with the government to ensure no workers are left behind.” 

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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OTTAWA––Workers from across Canada took to Parliament Hill this week to urge the government to create a public, universal pharmacare system.

“This government had a chance to show that they are serious about pharmacare, but we saw no mention of it in the recent fall economic statement,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “This government has been talking about implementing pharmacare for years. Canadians have waited long enough, it’s time for this government to walk the talk.”

Pharmacare is a cornerstone of the Liberal-NDP supply and confidence agreement, with the two parties agreeing to introduce legislation by the end of 2023.

“The Liberals are running out of time to make pharmacare a reality,” said Bruske. “Hundreds of workers are in Ottawa this week to make it clear they expect the government to stand by its promise and make a universal public prescription drug plan happen and provide coverage for all.”

In addition to pharmacare, Canada’s workers are ramping up pressure on parliamentarians to pass Bill C-58 to ban scab labour and Bill C-50, the Sustainable Jobs Act rapidly.

Bill C-58 is currently being debated in the House and Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Caucus have yet to state a clear and coherent stance on it. Despite the bill receiving support from the NDP and the Bloc Québecois, Poilievre continues to claim he needs more information before making a decision.

“Workers want to know: Do the Conservatives support the bill – support workers – or not?” said Bruske. “Poilievre is loud on rhetoric and good with soundbites, but completely silent on his real agenda – workers see through his nonsense.”

“In not clearly stating his support of Bill C-58, Pierre Poilievre has once again shown his true colours. He can talk all he wants about being for workers, but he has a chance right now to show that he’s with them and instead of doing that he is stalling the process – just like with Bill C-50,” said Bruske. “Poilievre has a long track record of attacking workers’ rights and siding with profitable corporations over everyday people, which makes clear the kind of leader he is. We remember when he introduced anti-labour laws and helped rich corporations pay even less in taxes and voted to cut support for unemployed workers. We know that he will vote against workers’ interests, every time.”

Canada’s unions also call on the government to take immediate action to move Bill C-50 forward and for the Conservatives to end their obstruction of the act.

“It’s time to move forward. Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives have wasted enough time. Workers see through the Conservatives’ nonsense,’’ said Bruske. “Workers and their families are struggling to make ends meet and worry that they’ll be out of work as we transition our economy. I urge the Liberal government to introduce legislation to enact universal pharmacare and to move forward with bills C-50 and C-58.”

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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