Canada’s unions are celebrating the passage of the Sustainable Jobs Act, Bill C-50, through the House of Commons today.
“Thanks to the hard work of union members across Canada, the federal government is making sustainable jobs and a shift to net zero a top priority. Workers have the expertise to help decarbonize our economy, and this bill will guarantee unions and workers seats at the table on the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “We now call on Senators to pass this legislation quickly, so we can continue this important work while keeping workers and communities at the heart of Canada’s climate plans.”
This major milestone would not have been reached without the continued advocacy of workers, and the dedication of New Democrats and the federal government. Bill C-50 will ensure that sustainable jobs are good union jobs, with good pay and benefits. It will create new sustainable jobs, help shift energy workers into sustainable jobs, and decarbonize good jobs to make them sustainable.
Workers and unions were incredibly disappointed that Conservatives chose to fight the inclusion of worker voices in shaping a sustainable future built on good, unionized, net-zero jobs. The best outcomes for workers will come from ensuring the Partnership Council is up and running as soon as possible, so workers can contribute to delivering on the investments, training, and programs to create, support and protect sustainable jobs across Canada.
