Social Justice and Democracy

Patients over profits: Defending our public health care

April 11, 2025

Nanaimo, BC—Canada’s public health care system is in crisis. Working families are facing impossible choices—whether it’s enduring months-long waits for surgery, searching for a family doctor, paying out of pocket for medication, or navigating costly long-term care for loved ones.

Years of underfunding, privatization, and tax breaks for the wealthiest have left our universal public health care system under-resourced and vulnerable. For-profit corporations have stepped in, charging significantly more than the public system while prioritizing only the most profitable, least complex patients.

Labour leaders will speak out in support of strengthening public health care and stopping the erosion of our universal system.

What: Press Conference—Strengthening Public Health Care

Who:
• Bea Bruske, President, Canadian Labour Congress
• Barb Nederpel, President, Hospital Employees’ Union

When: April 14, 2025—9:30 AM PDT

Where: Outside Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (1200 Dufferin Crescent, Nanaimo, BC V9S 2B7) or via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83482456745?pwd=B8GUpS3Ooj0LXLjEbWyO8fOulzEYT2.1

-30-

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

  • Forward Together
  • Canada’s unions gather in Winnipeg to set workers’ agenda in uncertain times — The CLC’s 31st constitutional convention

    May 4, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Forward Together
  • Statement of Solidarity by Unifor and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) for May Day 2026

    May 1, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Forward Together
  • Spring Economic Update response: Workers need real results now

    April 28, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Workplace Health and Safety
  • Day of Mourning: Psychological health and safety is a workplace crisis we can’t ignore

    April 28, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Trade and International Affairs
  • Rana Plaza: 13 years on—remembering the workers, renewing the fight for safety 

    April 22, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Jobs, Economy and Environment
  • Earth Day 2026: Workers Power Solutions for Our Planet

    April 22, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Canada’s unions stand in support and solidarity with trans and gender-diverse people

    March 31, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Forward Together
  • Statement from CLC President, Bea Bruske, on new NDP leader Avi Lewis

    March 30, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • No More Waiting: Canada’s Unions Demand Action to Modernize the Employment Equity Act

    March 21, 2026
    Click to open the link