Publications

What Budget 2017 means for working Canadians

Compared to the significant announcements made in the 2016 budget and fall economic statement, Wednesday’s federal budget is much more modest, lacking the same ambition to address the pressing challenges facing working Canadians. While it provides more details regarding multi-year investments in housing, public transit and other areas, it adds relatively little in the way of new spending. The Canadian…

CLC releases detailed analysis of Budget 2017

Compared to the significant announcements made in the 2016 budget and fall economic statement, Wednesday’s federal budget is much more modest, lacking the same ambition to address the pressing challenges facing working Canadians. While it provides more details regarding multi-year investments in housing, public transit and other areas, it adds relatively little in the way of new spending. The Canadian…

CLC sees skills training, infrastructure and child care as budget highlights

The Canadian Labour Congress says today’s federal budget takes positive steps on a few key issues for working Canadians and their communities. “We are pleased to see today’s budget invest in several key areas that unions have long championed, including infrastructure, skills training, and child care,” said Canadian Labour Congress President Hassan Yussuff. “By investing in skills training and infrastructure,…

On international day against racism, unions build solidarity with refugees

On March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, unions are on Parliament Hill with a unique experience that will let Members of Parliament and their staff see through the eyes of a refugee. “Refugee Crisis” is an immersive virtual reality experience that simulates the harsh reality of being forced to flee one’s home as a refugee;…

10 things unions are looking for in Budget 2017

After the Trudeau government introduced its first budget last year, Canada’s unions were optimistic, but knew that much more would be needed to really build a fairer and more prosperous Canada. Infrastructure funding, and improvements to EI and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors emerged as highlights in the 2016 budget. But working Canadians and their families were left waiting…

So you want to be a feminist government? Here are three simple steps you can take!

On International Women’s Day, Canada’s unions are asking our government to act on their stated feminist principles. “Since the last election, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has repeatedly stated his support for gender equality and declared himself a feminist,” said Canadian Labour Congress Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Byers. “But it’s 2017 and Canadian women are still waiting for some basic changes.” “A feminist…

Remembering missing and murdered Indigenous women at February 14 Memorial Marches

Every year on February 14, marches are held across Canada to remember missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The first happened in 1991 following the murder of a Coast Salish woman on Powell Street in Vancouver. Indigenous women have worked tirelessly with allies for years to draw attention to and stop violent crimes committed against women and girls in…

All parties must unite behind anti-Islamophobia motion

Canadian Labour Congress President Hassan Yussuff is urging all parties in the House of Commons to unite behind M-103, the Private Member’s Motion condemning Islamophobia. “Now is a crucial time for our country to stand up against Islamophobia. Unanimously passing this motion in the House of Commons would be a strong signal that we will not stand by and let…

Canada’s unions mourn the loss of former CLC president Bob White

Canada’s unions are mourning the loss of a great and inspirational leader, former Canadian Labour Congress president Bob White, who has died at age 81. “Bob was courageous leader who blazed a lot of trails in the labour movement,” said CLC president Hassan Yussuff. “He will be remembered by all of us for his fearless leadership and his commitment to…

Barbara Byers to receive Order of Canada Friday

CLC Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Byers will receive the Order of Canada on Friday, February 17. Byers’ induction was announced in December 2015. Byers is being recognized by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada for her contributions as an important voice in the Canadian labour movement. Of receiving the nomination, Byers said: “I was shocked and very…