Publications

Liberals must implement committee recommendation on proportional representation

Canada’s unions are calling on the Liberal government to keep its election promise on electoral reform and introduce legislation for a made-in-Canada proportional representation voting system. The Special Committee on Electoral Reform’s report, issued today, recommends a proportional representation voting system that will make every vote count. “The Committee has heard from Canadians across the country that every vote should…

Canada’s unions celebrate adoption of CPP expansion legislation

Canada’s unions are celebrating today’s adoption by the House of Commons of Bill C-26, a legislation that will expand the Canada Pension Plan for the first time in the plan’s history. “Winning a stronger CPP has been a key priority for us for years and is an excellent example of the good that can come from collaborative work between unions…

Unions working to eliminate HIV/AIDS in Canada and abroad

World leaders have unanimously committed to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In order to reach that goal, UNAIDS developed a series of targets called 90-90-90. That means by 2020, there is hope that: 90 percent of all people living with HIV will know their status; 90 percent of those diagnosed with…

In remembrance, we work to end anti-trans violence and prejudice

Each year on November 20 we mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance, to honour those killed as a result of anti-trans hatred or prejudice and to bring attention to continued transphobic violence and discrimination in our communities. Each year, since 1999, we look at the names, faces, and stories of those killed. Sadly, despite increased trans visibility, the statistics remain…

Canada’s unions call anti-pension bill C-27 a betrayal

Canada’s unions are organizing against Bill C-27 a new piece of federal legislation that enables Crown corporations and federal private-sector employers to back out of defined-benefit pension commitments. “This bill was announced without consultation or advance notice, though it directly contradicts election promises to stabilize and improve retirement security,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff, who wrote a letter to Finance Minister…

CLC speaks out in support of private member’s bill banning asbestos products

Canada’s unions are supporting a private member’s bill that would legislate a comprehensive ban on asbestos and all products containing asbestos in Canada. Sheri Benson, MP for Saskatoon West has introduced a private member’s bill called An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (prohibition of asbestos), which would prohibit the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale or…

Bill C-32 a good first step, more must still be done to protect LGBTQ community

Canada’s unions are pleased that the federal government is taking steps to end discrimination against the LGBTQ community with the move to repeal section 159 of the Criminal Code and the appointment of a Special Advisor on LGBTQ issues. Today Minister of Justice Jody Wilson-Raybould announced Bill C-32 which would repeal section 159 of the Criminal Code, a law which…

Supreme Court of Canada victory for BC teachers sends strong message to governments across Canada

In a very rare move, Canada’s Supreme Court has ruled from the bench that the BC government violated the guarantee of freedom of association under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms when it passed legislation stripping class size protections from BC teachers’ collective agreements. “The Supreme Court of Canada has sent a strong message to governments across the country…

Canada needs smarter investment for the future, not more P3 projects

In Tuesday’s fiscal update, the federal government announced that it is prioritizing infrastructure investment to support long-term growth. And while investments in public transit, green infrastructure and rural and northern communities are welcomed, there is concern that investment in clean air, clean water, social housing, and childcare were not addressed. “We support the priorities that the government is continuing to…

Prime Minister must support motion to end discrimination against First Nations children

CLC president Hassan Yussuff is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to comply with the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling ordering an end to discrimination against First Nations children in the delivery of child welfare services on reserves. “Your government made a promise to Canadians that it will implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and we believe…