Publications

An economy rigged against workers could mean a ‘Winter of Discontent.’

By Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, as published in the The Globe and Mail. Lockdowns, Russia’s attack on Ukraine, convoy occupations and worker walkouts – last year wasn’t easy. We all hope 2023 brings less hardship. Certainly, the last thing Canadians want right now is labour unrest across the country, but the strikes we’re seeing across the Atlantic…

Bank of Canada’s eighth consecutive rate hike means workers will take another hit

Bruske: With inflation moderating, Bank of Canada has no excuse to further burden Canadians OTTAWA––Canada’s unions are disappointed by the central bank’s decision to continue with its monetary tightening. The most recent consumer price index numbers in Canada and abroad showed that inflation is moderating – yet the Bank is stubbornly raising interest rates for the eighth time.   “We…

Politicians must collaborate to find solutions for Canada’s struggling workers

Bruske: The choices facing decision-makers in the coming months will shape Canada for years to come and Canada’s unions will be there to demand a better Canada for all workers. OTTAWA- As the cabinet retreat adjourns and all parties prepare for the return of Parliament next Monday, Canada’s unions are urging cooperation and collaboration focused on helping struggling families. December’s…

Canada’s unions congratulate Magali Picard on historic FTQ presidential win

MONTRÉAL – Canada’s unions would like to congratulate Magali Picard on being the first woman and Indigenous person to be elected President of the Fédération des travailleurs et des travailleuses du Québec (FTQ). “On behalf of the CLC and its 3.3 million members, we congratulate Magali on her historic win. We have a long-standing relationship with the FTQ and we’re…

Beware of Premiers bearing promises of a quick health care fix

By Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, and Patty Coates, President of the Ontario Federation of Labour, as published in National Newswatch. Winston Churchill famously said, ‘Never let a good crisis go to waste,’ and clearly Premiers Doug Ford in Ontario and Danielle Smith in Alberta, took note. Both are seizing this crisis in our health care system…

Statement by the Canadian Labour Congress regarding the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)

The Canadian Labour Congress has expressed its grave concerns about the allegations against Luca Visentini, stemming from an ongoing corruption investigation by the Belgian authorities. Visentini was elected to the position of General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation in Melbourne, Australia, in November 2022. He was subsequently arrested and released with conditions as part of the investigation. Visentini…

As we head into the holidays, Canadians are struggling after being hammered by aggressive interest rate hikes

Bruske: In 2023, Parliament needs to focus on the true causes of inflation and address the affordability crisis Canadians will continue to face Today’s numbers are further evidence that inflation is already slowly moderating in Canada. Yet again, Canada’s unions are calling on the Bank to pause its tightening cycle and avoid further hiking rates. “The Bank’s rapid and aggressive…

Statement from Bea Bruske on the mass shooting in Vaughan, Ontario

Canada’s unions are shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic mass shooting in Vaughan on Sunday evening. Canada’s unions wish to express their deepest sorrow and shock at the news of this horrible event, where five lives were brutally lost. We want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were killed in this senseless act of…

International Migrants Day: Canada must do more to help undocumented people secure their rights

Canada’s unions are urging the federal government to be ambitious in developing an inclusive and comprehensive regularization program for undocumented people that includes protections to ensure their safety. An estimated 500,000 undocumented people in Canada live under constant fear and threat of abuse and exploitation due to their immigration status. They frequently face racism, discrimination and wage theft, work in…

Canada’s unions are lifting everyone up

Bruske: As Parliament adjourns, we celebrate progress made and gear up to fight even harder for workers in 2023  OTTAWA — The current parliamentary session has drawn to a close, and Canada’s unions are taking the opportunity to celebrate the progress made this year for workers.   In 2022, many workers and their families buckled under sky-high inflation, eye-popping grocery bills…