Publications

Canada’s unions call for stronger action on jobs and public services

OTTAWA—Today’s federal budget lands at a moment of deep uncertainty. Workers are facing rising prices, a growing trade crisis, and public programs stretched to the limit. With U.S. tariffs already costing Canadian jobs, this budget was a chance to show Canada is ready to stand up for workers, build resilience, protect jobs, and invest in people and public services. “When…

Canadian Labour Congress available for comment on Budget 2025

OTTAWA — Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Bea Bruske will take part in the federal government’s Budget 2025 media lock-up and will be available for comment during the lock-up and afterward in the foyer of Parliament.  CLC Senior Economist, DT Cochrane, will also participate in the lock-up and be available for comment following the budget’s release.  CLC Executive Vice-Presidents Siobhán…

Budget 2025 must create jobs by investing in people and infrastructure—not cuts and corporate giveaways

OTTAWA—As workers and communities face growing uncertainty from Trump’s trade war, inflation, and a rising affordability crisis, Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to use Budget 2025 to invest in people and infrastructure—not cuts and corporate giveaways. “Workers are doing their part to hold this country together, our elbows are up, but they’re being squeezed from every direction,”…

Bruske on pre-budget measures: When government listens to workers, we see progress

OTTAWA—Canada’s unions welcome today’s pre-budget measures that recognize the essential role of workers in building a stronger, fairer economy. These investments show that when government listens to working people, we can make real progress together. Doubling the Union Training and Innovation Program is a smart investment in Canada’s future. Unions deliver the most comprehensive, advanced, and high-quality training in the…

Statement by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress

In response to the Prime Minister’s pre-budget address OTTAWA – Prime Minister Carney is right to say that Canada faces uncertainty, but for many workers, that uncertainty is now a reality. Across the country, workers are being squeezed by an affordability and housing crisis, job losses tied to the ongoing trade war with the United States, and growing anxiety about…

Canada’s unions put workers at the heart of NDP leadership race

OTTAWA –– The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) put workers’ issues in the spotlight on Wednesday, hosting the first major public event of the NDP leadership race. 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…

Statement by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress

OTTAWA –– Canada’s unions are gathering this week at our Canadian Council to strategize at a time when the escalating trade war is having a devastating impact on Canadian workers and communities. Across the country, people are losing jobs and struggling to make ends meet. “The reality facing workers right now is grim,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian…

Workers first: The CLC hosts a forum with NDP leadership candidates

OTTAWA — On Wednesday, October 22, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) will host a worker-first forum with official NDP leadership candidates, a sanctioned leadership race event officially recognized by Canada’s NDP. The forum will bring together Avi Lewis, Heather McPherson, Rob Ashton, Tanille Johnston, and Tony McQuail for a series of moderated discussions focused on their vision and leadership approach…

Progress on trade in Canada must reflect a commitment to Indigenous rights

Canada’s unions are marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by calling on government to fulfill its obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP). Bill C-5, An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act, passed in June 2025, provides an opportunity to facilitate…

Postal workers under attack: labour leaders join Ottawa rally for public postal service

OTTAWA, ON – On Wednesday, October 1, CLC Executive Vice-Presidents Siobhán Vipond and Larry Rousseau will stand alongside workers, allies, and other labour leaders to demand fairness, job security, and respect for Canada’s striking postal workers at a rally on Parliament Hill. Postal services in Canada are under attack, and postal workers are bearing the brunt of decades of bad…