Media Releases
Next federal government must deliver for workers
September 18, 2021
Pandemic recovery must be built on investments that improve the lives of all Canadians Canada may very well be headed for another minority government and Canada’s unions want the new federal government elected on Monday to hit the ground running and deliver on promises made over the course of election campaign. Elected officials from all stripes must commit to working…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions united with nurses in demanding urgent government action
September 17, 2021
OTTAWA – As the pandemic strains Canada’s public health care systems, nurses are sounding the alarm that urgent action is needed by all levels of government to fix Canada’s nursing crisis. The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions and provincial nurses’ unions across Canada are holding a National Day of Action today, making sure our health care system is top of mind…
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Media Releases
O’Toole another Conservative who would put our public health care system at risk
September 16, 2021
With the pandemic pushing provinces to the brink, a federal Conservative government would put Canada’s public health care system in jeopardy. OTTAWA – Health care systems are on the brink. Alberta is witnessing 1,500 new cases a day and rising while their health care system is on the verge of collapse. Saskatchewan saw a record 506 new cases. Cases are spiking…
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Media Advisories
Conservative O’Toole would mean low-wage recovery that leaves workers behind
September 15, 2021
Service workers see average wages rise paltry 59 cents during the pandemic, less than a bag of potatoes has gone up Sales and service workers have seen wages rise only 59 cents on average – less than price a bag of potatoes has gone up – since the pandemic struck. There are still nearly 300,000 more unemployed than in February…
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Media Releases
CLC President Bea Bruske: Vote to make sure working moms aren’t left behind
September 14, 2021
Bruske joins group of prominent women demanding all parties make affordable, accessible child care for all a priority OTTAWA—On today’s National Day of Action for early learning and child care, Canadian Labour Congress president, Bea Bruske, joined fifty prominent women and co-signed a letter demanding all candidates and parties commit to accessible and affordable child care for all. “I am proud…
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Media Releases
Child care is on the ballot this election
September 14, 2021
On today’s National Day of Action for affordable quality, accessible, inclusive child care for all, Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with early learning and child care workers and advocates. “We support a publicly funded, universally accessible and affordable early learning and child care system. Without affordable child care, even more women will be pushed out of the labour market,” said…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions stand with hospital workers
September 13, 2021
Canada’s unions are standing in solidarity with hospital workers amid anti-vaccine protests being held in front of hospitals across the country. “Hospital staff across Canada have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic, providing essential care and helping to keep our communities safe. Protesting vaccine mandates in front of hospitals where workers are providing life-saving care and some patients are fighting…
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Media Releases
O’Toole’s conservative plan risks setting women back
September 13, 2021
Erin O’Toole poses threat to years of hard-fought gains for working women Women have been pushed to the economic sidelines by the pandemic but Erin O’Toole’s plan risks making things even worse, according to Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Lack of child care during the pandemic forced a lot of women to the economic sidelines while others…
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Media Releases
New job numbers show there’s work to be done on economic recovery
September 10, 2021
Anemic wage growth in Canada as some workers get left behind Canada’s unions are raising the alarm, warning that Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows signs that the economic recovery is uneven, wage growth for low-paid workers remains weak, and some groups are being left behind. “In the US, wages of lower-skilled workers have begun to rise, but wage growth…
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Media Releases
O’Toole on the defensive over his plan to cut billions from child care, end emergency support for workers
September 9, 2021
During the French debate last night, Conservative leader Erin O’Toole was on the defensive over his vow to tear up child care agreements with the provinces and cut billions from child care just when parents need them most. “For many women, the lack of child care during the pandemic was a key reason they were forced out of the labour…
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Media Releases
Conservatives’ fiscal costing leaves critical question unanswered: what will Erin O’Toole cut to balance the budget?
September 8, 2021
OTTAWA-The Conservatives released their fiscal costing, but still claim they’ll achieve unrealistic growth while magically reducing future spending – leaving a giant hole in their fiscal program. At the same time, Conservatives admitted they’ll cut billions from our social safety net by tearing up child care agreements. “The Conservatives’ swiss-cheese fiscal plan leaves voters with more questions than answers. Erin…
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Media Releases
O’Toole would build a social safety net out of hot air
September 8, 2021
Conservatives release platform costing, but Canadians already have the tally on broken Conservative promises. Canada’s unions are warning that a huge fiscal hole in Erin O’Toole’s platform and proposals that leave workers behind would put Canada’s already weakened social safety net at risk. Experts have been pointing to how the Conservatives’ unrealistic growth projections create a gigantic fiscal gap in…
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Media Releases
What O’Toole isn’t telling you: Conservative health care promises made to be broken
September 7, 2021
Erin O’Toole’s fiscal plan and promises to balance the budget in ten years doesn’t add up, and that could mean Conservative cuts to health care and vital public services. “Mr. O’Toole’s message discipline is admirable, but experts are lining up to say his promises simply don’t add up,” said Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Erin O’Toole is…
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Media Releases
Bea Bruske: Put working families at the heart of Canada’s recovery
September 6, 2021
OTTAWA – Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress released the following statement on Labour Day: “Over the past eighteen months, workers and their families have faced unprecedented challenges from a pandemic and fiscal crisis. “Parents faced the pressure of working from home while dealing with their kids’ schooling. Workers faced the anxiety of being thrown out of work…
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Media Releases
O’Toole’s dangerous economics risks cuts to health care and services people rely on
August 31, 2021
Conservative leader Erin O’Toole began his day threatening Canadians with a return to spending cuts, putting health care and other vital public services at risk. “Erin O’Toole is now scaremongering about debt and deficits – a page right out of the classic Conservative playbook. This always leads to healthcare cuts, longer wait times, and fewer nurses and doctors,” said Bruske.…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions release ad reminding working Canadians Erin O’Toole is dangerous
August 31, 2021
OTTAWA − Canada’s unions are pushing back against Erin O’Toole’s claims around supporting working Canadians with a video containing hard-hitting truths about O’Toole’s real record of letting down workers. “We have seen his rhetoric around supporting working people. But when you look at his record, you start seeing the real O’Toole,’ said Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress.…
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Media Releases
Bruske: Uber’s flex work proposal would continue to fail to protect gig workers
August 30, 2021
Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, released the following statement about Uber’s “Flexible Work” proposal: “Nobody goes to work asking for more insecurity and vulnerability, but that’s what Uber is offering their workers. These workers are being asked by a giant multinational to give away their rights as employees, and that’s wrong. “This raises the question of whose…
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Media Releases
Record bank profits reveals pandemic’s economic winners and losers
August 25, 2021
Today, RBC and the National Bank released their third-quarter profits, which came in at $4.3 and $2.3 billion, up from $3.2 billion and $2.0 billion in the same quarter last year, respectively. These immense profits made by Canada’s largest financial institutions are yet another example of how Canada’s wealthiest individuals and corporations have benefitted from the pandemic, while so many…
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Media Releases
Bruske welcomes NDP commitment to end profiteering off of seniors’ care
August 24, 2021
ST. JOHN’S – Canadian Labour Congress president Bea Bruske made the following statement today: “Decades of cuts and privatization in the long-term care sector have had tragic consequences during this crisis. “Early in the pandemic, long-term care homes accounted for four out of every five COVID-19 related deaths in Canada. In Ontario, the Commission into long-term care said for-profit companies…
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Media Releases
Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske demands worker-centred recovery
August 24, 2021
Bruske in St. John’s East to canvass in support of candidate Mary Shortall President Bea Bruske launched the Canadian Labour Congress’ election tour in St. John’s today calling on voters to back candidates who support a recovery focused on workers. She was joined by the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour to canvass in support of St. John’s East New…
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Media Releases
Statement on Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination
August 24, 2021
The COVID-19 crisis is not over. COVID-19 is not the seasonal flu. It is much more deadly and has inflicted far greater damage on our health system, our economy, our livelihoods and the individual health of Canadians. Canada’s unions strongly support vaccination against COVID-19 for every Canadian that can be vaccinated. Science has demonstrated that vaccinations – alongside other measures…
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Media Releases
O’Toole speaks out of both sides of his mouth on pensions
August 24, 2021
Conservative O’Toole spent career defending large corporations, can workers trust him now to stand up to his Bay St. buddies? Erin O’Toole’s pensions announcement today is long on rhetoric about concern for workers, but short on real answers to helping workers and pensioners in need. “Mr. O’Toole and the Conservatives’ platform doesn’t say if workers and pensioners will come before…
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Media Releases
O’Toole’s rhetoric cannot hide his record of hurting workers
August 23, 2021
Erin O’Toole has proven time and again he is no friend of working Canadians Erin O’Toole’s policy announcement today was short on details and left more questions than answers. Canadians are left asking: • Would worker representatives have the same rights and powers as the other Board directors? • Will they have access to all the same financial and corporate…
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Media Releases
Canadian workers to political leaders: it’s high time for paid sick leave
August 20, 2021
Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Bea Bruske welcomes the Liberal party’s election commitment to introduce 10 paid days of sick leave for workers falling under federal jurisdiction. Canada’s unions have been calling for paid sick leave from the earliest days of the pandemic. “Access to paid sick days reduces the spread of COVID and helps workers who keep our economy…
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Media Releases
Hidden in Conservative platform: An attack on public pensions and EI
August 19, 2021
Conservatives would relegate gig workers to second-class citizens in Canada’s workforce OTTAWA – Hidden in Erin O’Toole’s Conservative policy platform is a kick in the teeth for the retirement and job security of gig workers. “Conservatives have a policy plan that includes a blatant attack on public pensions. They would permanently relegate gig workers to second-class status in Canada’s workforce,”…
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Media Releases
All parties in this pandemic election should agree on one big issue – national pharmacare
August 16, 2021
By Beatrice Bruske, Doug Roth and Linda Silas On August 11th, the federal and Prince Edward Island governments signed an agreement to improve the list of drugs available on PEI public plans and “accelerate work to implement pharmacare.” Islanders will surely benefit. But we need to make sure the final outcome is indeed a universal pharmacare program. This would mean…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions say federal election promises must centre on better jobs and strengthening social safety net
August 15, 2021
Canada’s unions are calling on all federal parties to ensure that workers are front and centre in their election platforms for the future prosperity of the nation. With the federal election now underway, ensuring workers aren’t left behind in the recovery must be a key issue, said Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress. “We have weathered this pandemic…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions welcome certification of Uber class action
August 12, 2021
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) welcomes today’s decision from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in favour of Uber drivers seeking legal recognition of their status as drivers. Uber drivers successfully petitioned the court to certify a class action on behalf of all Uber drivers and delivery workers who submit they are employees misclassified as independent contractors. “All workers should…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions encouraged by continued job market recovery but urge parties to stay focused on the long road ahead
August 6, 2021
Canada’s unions are calling on elected leaders to stay focused on running the economy hot, allowing a high-pressure economy to fuel demand for labour and boost wages. While Statistics Canada’s latest job numbers for July demonstrate another strong month for job gains, achieving pre-pandemic measures of employment and unemployment would only return Canada to the highly unequal, and for many,…
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Media Advisories
Job numbers show pandemic’s hardest hit continue to struggle most
July 9, 2021
Canada’s unions are raising the alarm that hundreds of thousands of workers are facing cutbacks to pandemic supports, while the job market remains far from recovery. “Our biggest concern is those workers who are at risk of dropping out of the labour market altogether. “Many workers are just giving up because they can’t find work, or because a lack of…
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Media Advisories
Canada’s unions elect new leaders to help chart a hopeful post-pandemic future for workers
June 18, 2021
(Ottawa – June 18, 2021) Nearly 4,000 delegates at the Canadian Labour Congress’ 29th Constitutional Convention today elected Officers to lead the organization until 2023. The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is Canada’s major umbrella organization of national unions, provincial federations of labour and local labour councils and represents over three million workers. Bea Bruske from United Food and Commercial Workers…
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Media Releases
Head of Canada’s unions set to preside over his final Convention after navigating pandemic response
June 15, 2021
Nearly 4,000 delegates poised to elect new leadership OTTAWA – This week, union members from across the country are meeting online for the Canadian Labour Congress’ triennial convention to debate the labour movement’s priorities and to elect new leadership. The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is Canada’s major umbrella organization of national unions, provincial federations of labour and local labour councils and…
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Op-eds
Canada should crack down on tax evasion and put that revenue to good use
May 20, 2021
By Hassan Yussuff Buried in the government’s 724-page federal budget is an important commitment that has yet to receive its fair share of praise: the promise to increase corporate transparency and crack down on tax evasion and money laundering. Taken on its own, the budget’s promise to create a “public beneficial ownership registry” does not mean much to the average…
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Media Releases
Back-to-work legislation undermines workers’ rights
April 29, 2021
The Canadian Labour Congress is condemning the Government of Canada’s decision to introduce back-to-work legislation against workers at the Port of Montreal. There is a cruel irony that this legislation is being introduced on the National Day of Mourning for workers who have been injured or lost their lives on the job. The work of unions to strengthen protections of…
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Op-eds
National Day of Mourning: the human cost of COVID-19
April 28, 2021
By Hassan Yussuff as published in The Hamilton Spectator Every year, workers and their families come together on April 28, the National Day of Mourning, to mourn those lost to workplace illness and injuries. This year, Canada’s unions are shining a light on the human cost of the COVID-19 pandemic. The enduring call to “Mourn the Dead; Fight for the…
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Media Releases
Top five labour demands ahead of upcoming federal budget
April 16, 2021
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to focus on the country’s social safety net in its budget to be released Monday, prioritizing five key demands. “The devastating effects of the pandemic were made worse by years of austerity by successive governments,” said Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “As a result of cuts, the…
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Media Releases
Latest job numbers encouraging but a lot rides on federal job investments
April 9, 2021
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to create more than one million jobs in the upcoming budget, pointing to today’s job numbers as further evidence of the need for expanded investments. Statistics Canada released its latest Labour Force Survey today. It shows that more than 1.5 million unemployed and under-employed workers continue to struggle to find work,…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions urge Conservatives to join with government and opposition parties to swiftly pass EI extension
March 11, 2021
Canada’s unions are calling on the federal Conservatives to stop unnecessary procedural delays and political posturing and join with the government and opposition parties to extend EI benefits. Members of Parliament are currently debating Bill C-24, which would extend EI benefits, currently set to begin expiring at the end of March, by another 24 weeks, or into the fall. “Politicians…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions welcome extension of EI and recovery benefits
February 19, 2021
Canada’s unions welcome the extension to income supports announced by the federal government today as a necessary step towards providing further financial security to those who need it. The government announced 12-week extensions for both the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), as well as an additional 24 weeks of eligibility for Employment Insurance. “This will…
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Op-eds
Too many people are struggling to pay for their medications
February 19, 2021
By Hassan Yussuff, Doug Roth, Linda Silas, as published in Toronto Star A silent health crisis is looming as more people struggle to pay for their prescription drugs. Even before the pandemic, the statistics were staggering. About 7.5 million citizens—one in five Canadians—either did not have prescription drug insurance or had inadequate insurance to cover their medication needs. One…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions are warning federal government of looming ‘benefits cliff’
February 18, 2021
Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to extend income support for unemployed workers until at least the end of 2021 or they will soon face a ‘benefits cliff’. The numbers of workers who are currently facing the prospect of an end to their benefits this March are staggering: 844,000 workers were receiving the Canada Recovery Benefit in late…
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Media Releases
Health and labour groups aligned in push for universal access to prescription drugs
February 16, 2021
Heart & Stroke, Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) have teamed up to raise the urgency of a national pharmacare plan. The groups have launched a campaign calling on Canadians to tell the federal government that Canada deserves #PharmacareNow. Heart & Stroke, CLC and CFNU are working together for the first time around a shared…
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Media Releases
Latest job numbers point to need for urgent extension of EI benefits and job retraining
February 5, 2021
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions are urgently calling on the federal government to extend EI and recovery benefits along with increasing support for skills retraining as workers continue to struggle with rising unemployment. Following higher than expected job losses at the end of 2020, workers faced another large drop in employment, with 213,000 jobs lost last month. “We’ve lost the small…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions welcome new terrorist listings for far-right white supremacist groups
February 3, 2021
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions welcome today’s announcement by the federal government that it has added four violent, far-right extremist groups to its list of terrorist organizations. The Proud Boys, the Base, Atomwaffen, and the Russian Imperial Movement have been listed as terrorist entities. This means that these groups can no longer raise money or organize. “These groups are a direct…
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Op-eds
Labour and anti-hate activists must unite to confront white supremacy
January 28, 2021
By Hassan Yussuff and Bernie M. Farber, as published in Toronto Star January 27 2021 As civil society leaders, we have individually and together advanced workers’ rights and inclusive communities. Despite the passage of years, we find ourselves once again facing down a familiar threat: white supremacy and far-right extremism. In fact, we both happened to reconnect by phone on…
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Media Releases
EI for the 21st Century
January 22, 2021
Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) program is falling short. Over the past year, the shortcomings of the program have become all the more clear. EI needs to be reformed to match the current reality of the world of work. Read our recommendations for EI reform here.
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Media Releases
End-of-year unemployment data shows need for continued support for workers
January 8, 2021
“Even as the vaccine roll-out begins, we can see that the tough times aren’t behind us yet,” said Canadian Labour Congress President Hassan Yussuff. “The end-of-year unemployment data remind us that strong government support continues to be a vital lifeline for workers and their families who are struggling through the economic shock of the pandemic.” The December Labour Force Survey,…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions call for pathway to permanent residency for all migrant workers
December 18, 2020
Canada’s unions are marking International Migrants Day by calling on the federal government to offer a pathway to permanent residency to all migrant workers who wish to apply. The federal government recently announced that it will be accepting applications for permanent residence from refugee claimants working in the healthcare sector. This important announcement recognizes the crucial contributions refugee workers have…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions welcome federal government commitments on climate change
December 11, 2020
OTTAWA – Coming on the heels of the government’s climate accountability legislation, today’s 2030 climate emissions reduction plan contains significant announcements for working people. Expanded investments in energy efficiency, conservation and large-scale retrofitting of residential and commercial structures will create significant numbers of new jobs and require expanded investments in skills training and growing Canada’s construction trades. Green and climate-resilient…
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Media Releases
Latest job numbers signal bleak winter ahead
December 4, 2020
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions are raising the alarm that many workers are facing a bleak winter of unemployment and under-employment with no immediate relief in sight. November’s labour force survey released today by Statistics Canada showed high rates of long-term unemployment. A total of 1.5 million people are currently unemployed and looking for work; 400,000 have been without work for…
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Media Releases
Darryl Flasch – Winner of the 2020 Carol McGregor CLC Disability Rights Award
December 3, 2020
Every year on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Canadian Labour Congress will recognize a union member for their disability rights activism. This award is named in honour of Carol McGregor, an outstanding disability rights activist, member of BCGEU/NUPGE and the CLC Disability Rights Working Group―and who was much loved by all those who worked with…
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Media Releases
Fiscal update’s emphasis on investments will spare Canadians further economic hardship and spur recovery
November 30, 2020
Canada’s unions say the federal government’s fiscal update will help the nation’s workers weather current health and economic hardships through the pandemic. Today’s update extends critical income support and economic measures to help Canadians and businesses. While today’s commitments on key priorities remain modest and reflect past promises, the government has signalled it will make further investments as the recovery…
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Media Advisories
Canada’s unions to respond to federal government’s fiscal update
November 27, 2020
Canada’s unions will be responding to the federal government’s Economic and Fiscal Snapshot, scheduled for Monday, November 30. Canada’s unions have been calling for targeted federal investments to help workers and their families get through the pandemic and to ensure a swift economic rebound and recovery. Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, will be available to comment once…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions say slowing job recovery necessitates urgent government intervention
November 6, 2020
Canada’s job growth is showing signs of slowdown and Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to quickly lay out its plan to stem long-term unemployment. The latest figures from this morning’s release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey demonstrates a weakening jobs rebound. The survey showed a slowing recovery, with employment rising just 0.5 percent in October, a…
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Op-eds
Canada’s workers engage MPs during first-ever Virtual Action Week
November 5, 2020
By Hassan Yussuff, as published in National Newswatch On any given day of a normal year, Parliament Hill is buzzing with people lobbying elected representatives. According to the federal government’s lobbying commissioner, there were 18,728 monthly communications reports submitted in 2019 20. Those communications reports were generated in large part by paid, registered lobbyists working with large corporations. This year,…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions launch nation’s first-ever virtual lobby week
November 3, 2020
OTTAWA – Hundreds of workers from communities across Canada are meeting virtually with their MPs this week, part of the country’s first-ever national Action Week, organized by Canada’s unions. Participants will be calling on elected representatives to push for federal investments towards job creation, health care and child care, among other necessary programs. Over 200 meetings are scheduled. “The pandemic…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions welcome increased federal immigration targets
October 30, 2020
Ottawa – Canada’s unions are applauding the federal government’s announcement today that it plans to welcome more than 1.2 million immigrants to Canada over the next three years. The proposed plan will bring skilled workers, family members and refugees to Canada between 2021 and 2023. “For many years, Canada’s unions have called on the government to increase immigration targets. We…
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Media Advisories
Canada’s unions hosting virtual Action Week
October 29, 2020
People from across Canada will be lobbying MPs next week, in the first large-scale virtual lobbying event since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic exposed deep disparities and vulnerabilities in our economy and society. It has also radically changed the lives of people across Canada. Workers want the federal government to disaster-proof the economy by committing to investments…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions welcome employment gains, but urge continued focus on jobs
October 9, 2020
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions welcome the job gains reported in the September findings from Statistics Canada’s monthly labour force survey released today, but are warning that expanded government investment will remain crucial to a full economic recovery. “Despite ongoing gains, the latest numbers continue to signal medium-term risks to Canada’s labour market,” said Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour…
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Op-eds
Canada’s unions stand united against all forms of racism and against police violence
October 8, 2020
As communities across Canada, and around the world, grapple with COVID-19, racialized communities have not only been disproportionately impacted by the health fall-out, but are also dealing with the violent legacy of colonialism, police brutality, and systemic racism. Canada’s unions are committed to standing in solidarity with racialized and Indigenous communities in upholding principles of equity, justice, and human rights.…
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Op-eds
Canada’s unions call for mental health supports for all
October 1, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of people across Canada. It is important to recognize the negative impact, and reflect on the stigma still associated with mental illness in our workplaces and communities. Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), this week from October 4 to 10, is part of a national public education campaign in…
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Op-eds
Canada’s unions have a plan to move us forward
September 25, 2020
By Hassan Yussuff, as published in The Hill Times As we transition from reacting to COVID-19 to living with the virus, Canada’s unions are providing a clear blueprint for a robust recovery that leaves no one behind and addresses the inequities laid bare by the pandemic. Workers and their families have been hit hard by this crisis. Practically overnight, millions…
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Op-eds
A robust immigration system is key to our recovery
September 25, 2020
By Hassan Yussuff, as published in The Province COVID-19 has forced rethinks on many aspects of our lives that we previously took for granted. That includes thinking about how our communities function, and specifically about who ensures that they continue to, even in times of upheaval. This has brought more visibility to the workers who many of us don’t often…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions: Throne Speech signals commitment to invest in workers
September 23, 2020
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions welcome the policy direction the government has laid out in today’s Speech from the Throne, with a focus on investing in job creation and social programs that will support those most impacted by the pandemic. “The government is making it clear that it is listening to the concerns of workers and their families by recognizing that…
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Media Releases
Throne speech must move the country forward
September 18, 2020
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to make firm commitments towards investing in the country’s economic recovery in the upcoming Speech from the Throne. “Social programs like national pharmacare and child care will help to rectify structural inequities that this pandemic has made all the more clear,” said Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions applaud cancellation of U.S. tariffs
September 15, 2020
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions commend the federal government for acting decisively to end the standoff over U.S.-imposed tariffs on the country’s aluminum exports. Earlier today, the American government reversed the highly contentious tariffs just hours before the Canadian government was set to impose its own retaliatory actions. Those actions would have had significant repercussions in the U.S. and would have…
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Media Releases
Canada’s unions celebrate BC court rejection of private health care
September 10, 2020
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions applaud the decision by the BC Supreme Court to uphold the integrity of the country’s single-payer health care system. The Cambie Surgeries Centre case put Canada’s public medicare system on trial and threatened the principle of universal and equal access to health care. The court’s decision to reject the arguments made by Dr. Brian Day is a…
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Op-eds
The fate of Canada’s workers is intertwined with COVID-19
September 7, 2020
By Hassan Yussuff, as published in The Globe and Mail Last year, workers in Canada marked the 100th anniversary of the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike. It was the largest labour uprising in the country’s history and paved the way for reforms that redefined fair and safe working conditions across the nation. Yet, in all the commemorations, a major part of…
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Op-eds
Canada, let’s do better
September 5, 2020
By Hassan Yussuff, as published in the Toronto Star As we continue to cope with the challenges of COVID-19, we must recognize the opportunity presented by such massive upheaval, and move to implement deep social change in our communities. We must re-imagine what our society can be and re-shape the country to address long ignored inequities – inequities that this…
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