Publications

Progress towards a world of work free of violence and harassment

Bruske: Now we must turn to the hard work of implementing this landmark international agreement to better protect workers OTTAWA––Canada’s unions welcome today’s announcement by the federal government that they will finally live up to their commitment to ratify the International Labour Organization Convention no. 190 (C-190) on Violence and Harassment. “We are happy to see Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan’s…

Bruske to PM: Work with premiers to fix Canada’s crumbling care system

As families face shuttered emergency rooms, governments must act now so people can get the care they need OTTAWA––As families in communities across the country face closures of emergency departments, hospitals, intensive care units and birthing centres, Canada’s unions are demanding quick action from Canada’s leaders to address this health care crisis. Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress,…

Bank of Canada governor should stay in his lane and not undermine collective bargaining

It isn’t the 1970s; evidence does not point to a wage-price spiral. So why is Tiff Macklem now warning about wages rather than corporate profiteering? By Bea Bruske, as published in the Toronto Star The spotlight has shone brightly on Canada’s Bank Governor this year. Tiff Macklem’s starring role has put him centre stage in Canada’s ongoing inflation drama. As…

Governments must help families facing economic precipice

Bruske: Mounting evidence of low-income families at grave risk from inflation crisis must be wake-up call to all levels of government OTTAWA––Canada’s unions are calling on Canada’s governments to take immediate action to increase supports for low-income people as evidence mounts of a growing number of families unable to afford skyrocketing housing, energy and food costs. “So many are struggling…

Canada’s unions welcome today’s B.C. court’s decision in Cambie case

Bruske: Now is the time to strengthen our public health care system OTTAWA –Canada’s unions are celebrating today’s decision from the BC Court of Appeal in the Cambie Surgeries Corporation (CSC) case. Protecting and strengthening our public health care system is critical, especially with the current crisis in health care across our country. Today’s decision by the court upholds the…

Canada’s unions welcome Premiers’ call for more federal health investment – but demand greater accountability

VICTORIA––Canada’s unions welcomed the Council of the Federation’s call for increased federal health transfers but Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, warned Canada’s premiers that new funding must take action to fix the health worker crisis and improve patient access and care. “Canada’s health care workers are looking at yet another summer without a break as terrible staffing…

Canada’s unions to engage Premiers at the Council of the Federation on strengthening public health care

OTTAWA––Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, will be available to talk about next week’s Council of the Federation meetings, which will be focused on health care. “Extreme staffing shortages and years of chronic underfunding are placing an unbearable strain on health workers and putting our public health care system at risk,” said Bruske. “Canada’s unions will be in…

Bea Bruske: John Horgan is a true friend to working people

OTTAWA––Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, released the following statement: “Canada’s unions thank John Horgan for being a true friend of working people, in B.C. and across Canada. His leadership will be greatly missed. “John never forgot his own working-class roots and led a labour-friendly government that delivered for working people. Whether it was saving lives through enacting…

Bea Bruske: Canada’s unions express solidarity and demand action on reproductive rights

OTTAWA–– Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, released the following statement: “Today, the Supreme Court of the United States delivered a devastating decision to overturn the landmark precedent set 50 years ago in Roe v. Wade. The decision to rule against the constitutional right to access safe and legal abortion care jeopardizes the reproductive rights of millions of…

Indigenous Peoples Day 2022: Honouring Indigenous cultures on June 21 and beyond

Canada’s unions are marking Indigenous Peoples Day by standing in support and solidarity with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across the country, and calling for greater government accountability, justice and action on reconciliation. Across Canada, celebrations and ceremonies highlighting community practices, performances, art and customs of Indigenous peoples will help mark Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. National Indigenous…