Canadians are struggling with the rising cost of living, a worsening housing crisis, a strained public health care system, and job insecurity in the face of global economic instability fueled by Trump’s tariffs. At the same time, we are seeing the cracks in systems meant to protect workers, like Employment Insurance, widen as too many are left behind.

The time for hesitation is over. Workers are counting on this government to deliver real investments in people, in public services, and in the good union jobs that sustain families and communities.

Canada’s unions, representing more than 3 million workers from coast to coast to coast, are ready to work with this new Cabinet. And we understand the stakes—and the urgency of bold action. Our economy cannot afford a wait-and-see approach, nor can we continue to rely on outdated structures or foreign markets. In this moment of economic uncertainty and mounting trade pressures from the United States, we need leadership that will meet the urgency of this moment with courage and ambition.

That means:

• Delivering public health care that includes universal Pharmacare and access to a doctor or nurse practitioner for every Canadian.
• Making life more affordable by tackling corporate greed and raising wages.
• Building truly affordable housing, not just promises and plans.
• Creating good union jobs in every region through investments in clean energy, manufacturing, and public infrastructure.
• Investing in public services that families rely on and reforming EI to ensure no worker falls through the cracks.

Canada’s unions will be holding the new Minister for Jobs and Families, Patty Hadju, accountable to the core priorities of Canada’s workers and the labour movement. Workers expect the Minister to take concrete action to raise wages, respect free and fair collective bargaining, improve workplace safety, and strengthen rights and protections for all workers—no matter how or where they work. It means ensuring that key reforms like the ban on replacement workers are implemented and enforced. And it means urgently updating our outdated Employment Insurance system so that no worker is left behind.

The role of Canada’s Minister responsible for Labour is not just symbolic. It is critical. This is the person tasked with upholding and advancing the rights of working people across the country. That role must be rooted in a firm, unwavering commitment to protecting workers—not serving corporate interests.

Among the new appointments, the Prime Minister has named a Secretary of State, John Zerucelli, for Labour to support the Minister responsible for Labour. While not a member of the Cabinet, this role must be carried with a focused mandate and work closely with the Minister to ensure that workers’ rights and protections remain a central pillar of the government’s agenda.

Now is the time for this government to show workers that their voices will not be ignored. Canadians are not asking for the impossible—they are demanding what is fair, just, and long overdue. Workers built this country, and they will drive our future. The decisions made in the days and weeks ahead will send a clear signal: either this government is prepared to lead with bold and decisive actions, or it will fall short of the moment. Canada’s unions are watching.

We are ready to partner in progress—but we will not hesitate to hold this government to account. Workers are not waiting, and neither can this government.

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Jagmeet has been a tireless, principled, and passionate champion for fairness, justice, and the dignity of work.

I’ve had the honour of working alongside him for many years, and I can say with certainty: his legacy will live on through the millions of lives he’s improved, and through the real, lasting change he helped deliver for Canadians. I am proud to call him my friend.

As the first racialized person to lead a major federal party in Canada, Jagmeet made history—and he did so with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to social justice. His politics have always been rooted in unity—bringing people together across differences and fighting for a Canada where no one is left behind.

As leader, he rolled up his sleeves and did the hard work of turning principles into action. From delivering historic wins like dental care and advancing the fight for universal Pharmacare, to standing firm against corporate greed and advocating for equity and inclusion, Jagmeet has never stopped fighting for what matters to working people.

These are not small victories. These are transformative policies that will improve lives for generations.

Whether it’s advocating for good union jobs, defending our public services, or pushing for true reconciliation with Indigenous communities, Jagmeet has remained focused on building a fairer, more just Canada. He has always stood up to the wealthy and powerful—and stood with working people every step of the way.

Thank you, Jagmeet, for your leadership, your heart, and your belief in a better Canada. The labour movement is proud to stand with you—yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

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Canadians with a diversity of political views have delivered a clear message: they have rejected Pierre Poilievre’s American-style conservative politics. They chose to uphold the values that define us—strong public services like health care, reliable union jobs, and the belief that neighbours look out for one another.

Now, Canadians are looking to this new government to act—urgently.

Canadians are counting on Prime Minister Carney to move quickly. The time for hesitation is over.

Already, we are seeing job losses across sectors, and far too many workers are being left behind by an outdated Employment Insurance system that is in urgent need of reform. People expect investments in public health care, in affordable housing, and in the services families rely on. They want a government that will lessen our dependence on the United States, strengthen domestic industries, and create good union jobs in every region of the country—all while clearly upholding Canadian values.

We cannot cut our way to prosperity. Now is the time to build—by investing in people and the public systems that support them.

Canada’s unions, representing over 3 million workers, stand ready to work with this government to deliver real progress. We know that by working together, we can take on the challenges ahead and build a fairer, more resilient economy that works for everyone.

That includes:

• Delivering on public health care, including access to a doctor or nurse practitioner for every Canadian and expanding universal, public Pharmacare;
• Bringing down the cost of living by addressing corporate price gouging and raising wages;
• Investing in the public services families rely on;
• Tackling the housing crisis by building truly affordable homes; and
• Creating good union jobs by investing in social and physical infrastructure, clean energy, and domestic manufacturing.

But we must be clear: the threat from the United States is far from over. Economic volatility, escalating trade pressures, and the growing unpredictability of the U.S. market are already undermining business investment and confidence here at home. Canadian workers and industries are feeling the effects. Canada cannot afford to sit back or play it safe. What’s needed now is a bold, ambitious response—one that meets this moment with the scale and seriousness it demands.

This is a critical moment for Canada. The choices made in the weeks ahead will shape our economy, our communities, and our future for generations.

Canada’s unions are ready to act—with urgency, with resolve, and in partnership—to ensure this government delivers the secure, inclusive, and prosperous country that Canadians voted for.

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ST. JOHN’S, NL–With yesterday’s election call sending voters to the polls on April 28, Canada’s unions are challenging all parties to put working families first. The Workers Together platform, Building a Better Future for Working People, was launched today in St. John’s, Newfoundland, by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), alongside Jessica McCormick, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour.

The platform provides a clear blueprint for the next government at a time when Canadians face mounting pressures from all sides.

“This isn’t just another election – it’s a crucial choice about who will support Canadian workers in these turbulent times,” said Bruske. “Workers and their families are caught between aggressive U.S. trade threats, corporate price gouging, and increasingly strained health care and public services. The next government must be ready to take bold action from day one.” 

As the voice of more than 3 million workers across Canada, Canada’s unions are calling for commitments from all political parties to:  

• Mitigate the trade tariff threat with a worker-first response to secure jobs, support workers, and strengthen communities    
• Ensure everyone has access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner and deliver fully universal public Pharmacare to ensure health care is accessible to all  
• Cap prices on food staples and essential goods to stop corporate price gouging and protect family budgets  
• Build one million truly affordable homes to bring down the cost of housing and tackle the housing crisis  
• Fix our broken tax system by restructuring corporate taxes to fund affordable housing, hospitals and the public services Canadians count on  

The CLC President emphasized that campaign promises alone aren’t enough – Canadians need leaders with proven experience of standing up for workers. 

“Pierre Poilievre has never worked on a factory floor, never run a business, never held corporate interests accountable. How can he negotiate with Trump when he has no experience of getting things done for Canadians?” said Bruske.  

“Workers in Newfoundland and Labrador, like workers across Canada, are facing an affordability crisis compounded by the effects of a trade war,” said McCormick. “Workers and their families need and deserve elected officials who will prioritize their needs – not the interests of the corporate elite.”
 
Canada’s unions are ready to work with political leaders who will deliver results for workers and their families. The solutions outlined in the Workers Together platform offer a clear path forward for any party serious about supporting working families.  

“The time for bold action isn’t just now – it’s overdue. We need a government that will crack down on corporate greed, rebuild public health care, and protect workers against Trump’s attacks. When working people thrive, our whole economy grows stronger. That’s what the Workers Together platform will deliver,” Bruske stressed. 

Click here to view the full platform.

The event was held with workers from both the private and public sectors, highlighting solidarity across various industries.

The Canadian Labour Congress is Canada’s largest labour organization, bringing together dozens of national and international unions, provincial and territorial federations of labour and community-based labour councils.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour unites and represents nearly 70,000 workers across Newfoundland and Labrador.

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

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This platform, for workers and by workers, outlines the urgent need for immediate action to protect Canadian workers and their families.

Bruske and McCormick will be joined by workers who will share their personal stories, emphasizing the real-life impacts of ongoing economic challenges.

“Workers are already doing everything right. They’re showing up, working hard, supporting their families, but President Trump’s attacks on Canada are putting their livelihoods at risk. And while their costs keep going up, they’re being left to fend for themselves. That’s unacceptable. We urge all political parties and candidates to make clear commitments to defend Canadian jobs and protect workers and their families from the crushing pressure of this economic war.”–Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress

“Workers have a lot at stake in this election. It’s time for us to demand that parties and candidates prioritize the needs of workers and their families. Through the Workers Together campaign, we’re standing up to corporate greed, pushing for fair wages, affordable housing, and policies that put people before profits.”–Jessica McCormick, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour

Event Details:

The press conference will highlight the platform’s key proposals and call for political parties and candidates to make clear, actionable commitments to support workers in this critical time.

WHO:

• Bea Bruske, President, Canadian Labour Congress
• Jessica McCormick, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour

WHEN: Monday, March 24, 11:00 a.m. NDT

WHERE: Delta Hotel, 120 New Gower St.—Salon E (Harbour View) and available on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85862493438

Interviews with all the speakers will be available on-site and remotely.

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

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Donald Trump has a problem: workers. As he eyes a potential victory in November, the Democrats have strategically chosen a union guy to be Kamala Harris’ running mate. 

Despite Trump’s repeated attempts to appeal to workers, the Democrats’ VP pick has unleashed a fresh wave of energy for the party, which is on full display at the Democratic National Convention this week. 

In today’s political landscape, labour-friendly rhetoric is becoming a common theme on both sides of the border, even from those with a history of opposing workers’ rights. 

Here in Canada, with the next federal election on the horizon, pro-worker messaging is being road tested across the political spectrum. Party leaders are keen to tap into the genuine frustrations that workers feel. 

It’s no wonder. With the soaring cost of groceries, housing, and other essentials, many working families are struggling. If a party can convincingly position itself as the one best equipped to address the challenges facing workers, it can secure the support of this crucial voter bloc. 

So, how do we distinguish between politicians who are merely paying lip service from those genuinely committed to supporting workers? We can take a lesson from the U.S. 

Look at Trump’s Republicans. Despite the fact Mr. Trump is a billionaire with a track record of opposing labour rights, Republicans have recently embraced a pro-union stance amidst widespread support for unions among the working class. A union card is a ticket to fairer wages, improved benefits, respect in the workplace, and financial security during retirement – so the very people who used to lead anti-union attacks are now cosplaying as pro-union. 

Contrast this with vice presidential candidate, Tim Walz. A former teacher and football coach, Mr. Walz is relatable. He is someone who could live next door and who you might chat with on the school run. As a proud and active union member with a history of supporting labour-friendly policies, Walz has real credibility with the working class.  

As governor of Minnesota, powered by a grassroots movement of workers and their unions, Walz has enacted policies that resonate with working families, such as tax fairness, paid sick leave, and free school meals for all children in his state. This is the kind of pro-worker C.V. that working families can get behind – which spells trouble for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.  

Mr. Poilievre has attacked union advocates. He has repeatedly voted to force striking workers back to work and imposed low-wage settlements on workers.  

During his tenure in Stephen Harper’s government, he led efforts to attack unions’ ability to operate, boasting about wanting to create union-free workplaces and campaigning for right-to-work legislation in Canada. He also helped attack the Canada Pension Plan, weaken Employment Insurance, and cut healthcare funding by billions of dollars. 

Despite his recent rhetoric, Mr. Poilievre hasn’t had a change of heart since becoming party leader. Over the past year, he and his party have done everything to block pro-worker legislation. They voted against and used procedural tactics to stall the Sustainable Jobs Act, a bill designed to create and protect good union jobs and give workers a say in the future of work. They also opposed legislation to provide rental support and voted against dental care and pharmacare for millions of people in Canada. 

As political leaders pay more attention to the working class than ever before, workers are getting increasingly adept at seeing through politicians who claim to back them while working to undermine workers’ rights and weaken unions.  

Like Donald Trump, any politician who pretends to support workers while pushing an anti-worker agenda has a problem. Being truly pro-worker is the only solution.  

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“As the next federal election draws closer, workers are demanding all parties agree to respect and enhance workers’ rights,” declared Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Political parties must make concrete platform commitments to remove obstacles to organizing and crack down on union-busting companies that engage in workplace threats and intimidation. Any party that fails to back their words with action will face serious consequences at the ballot box when the next election comes.” 

Bruske shared findings from a new poll commissioned by the Canadian Labour Congress. The national survey was conducted by GQR Canada from 1-8 April 2024 and surveyed 1,549 eligible voters. Full details of the poll are available on the CLC’s website. 

The poll found:  

• A majority of Canadians, 62%, believe belonging to a union is a good thing. Support is highest amongst women and in the electoral battleground regions of Ontario and the Maritimes.  
• An overwhelming 80% of young workers (18-29), think there are obstacles to joining a union, such as workplace intimidation, employers spreading misinformation, and too many bureaucratic steps that impede organizing.  
• 70% of Canadians want governments to remove barriers to forming or joining a union. Only 9% strongly disagree. 

“So many struggle with higher prices, worsening work-life balance, and deteriorating working conditions. The reality is employers always start out with the upper hand. It’s no wonder so many Canadians see the value of having a union to protect them,” explained Bruske. “But as part of a union, workers can negotiate better. A union card in your back pocket is your ticket to fairer wages, decent benefits, respect in your workplace, and financial security when you retire. That’s why the labour movement is seeing so much momentum and growth across the country.”  

The Canadian Labour Congress is the largest labour organization in Canada, bringing together dozens of national and international unions, provincial and territorial federations of labour and community-based labour councils to represent more than 3 million workers across the country.

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“Workers are standing united, with a clear message to all parties: if you want our votes, you must respect our rights and deliver real help to workers and families. We demand concrete action, not pretty words,” warned Bruske. “All parties must pledge support for concrete actions to dismantle barriers to joining or forming a union and crack down on any company that unfairly obstructs workers from organizing.”

Bruske and her fellow labour leaders warned that workers will hold politicians to account if they fail to support concrete measures,including:

• New Taskforce on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, with a mandate to bring forward concrete recommendations for more balanced labour laws.
• Pledge not to pass back-to-work legislation or laws that impose collective agreements on workers.
• Fast track federal anti-scab bill and advocate for similar laws in all jurisdictions.
• Support automatic card certification in all provinces and territories.

Bruske released new opinion research that showed Canadians support unions because unions provide tangible benefits that improve the quality of life for workers. Sixty-two percent of Canadian voters believe more workers being part of a union is a good thing while 70% agree governments should remove barriers to joining and forming a union. Canadians cite obstacles like employer intimidation and misinformation, alongside too many hoops and onerous bureaucracy that obstruct workers from organizing.

“When unions are weaker, people’s quality of life is diminished. In tough times like today, the most powerful way to make life more affordable is to have a union behind you. We have the evidence to show Canadians get that unions secure good jobs, fair wages, decent working conditions, and better benefits,” explained Bruske. “People understand that unions help build thriving, affordable, livable communities. That’s why we must protect workers’ rights and stop allowing employers to always have the upper hand.”

“We’re ready to work together with politicians who agree to support our work to build a fairer economy, from the worker up,” Bruske concluded.

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“We are sprinting to the finish line today. Our teams of volunteers are working the phones, texting friends and neighbours, knocking on doors,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “After five weeks of hearing what the leaders have to say, today is the day working families can have their voices heard – at the ballot box.”

Canada’s unions have been mobilizing volunteers and engaging voters over the past five weeks, reaching 186,901 people so far – over 122,000 through our text message campaign, more than 5,000 phone conversations, and signing up 59,393 potential voters at the CLC’s voter information website, WorkersVote.ca.

“The pandemic showed us how important frontline workers were in keeping our communities going. It also revealed the inequalities that already existed,” said Bruske. “That’s why we are working doggedly to let people know that Canada needs a recovery plan with workers at its heart. Where lost jobs are replaced with better ones. Where our public health care system is strengthened. And where our social safety net is made ready for the next disaster.”

“We are working hard to motivate our fellow workers to get out and vote. And our message is simple: vote today and you get to help decide what our next government will look like.”

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Canada may very well be headed for another minority government and Canada’s unions want the new federal government elected on Monday to hit the ground running and deliver on promises made over the course of election campaign.

Elected officials from all stripes must commit to working together to move these priorities forward.

“Workers in Canada were targeted by all parties in this campaign, in a way we’ve never seen before. And now it’s time to deliver. Canada’s unions are eager to work with the next federal government to shape a pandemic recovery that makes life better for all Canadians and doesn’t leave anyone behind,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Canada’s unions are urging the incoming government to finish implementing national, affordable public child care; implement universal pharmacare; enact fair tax reforms; permanently improve EI; and replace the existing first-past the post electoral system with mixed member proportional representation.

“Canadians have heard promises of universal pharmacare for many years now, without any real results. A universal, single-payer program would help reduce household expenses and allow everyone to access the medications they need,” said Bruske.

Canada’s unions have also long championed a national affordable child care system. And we’re getting closer: many provinces and territories have signed agreements with the federal government to provide $10 a day child care for children under the age of 6.

Tax fairness is another issue that must be addressed urgently. The top earners in Canada have accumulated even more wealth over the course of the pandemic while average working families are struggling to make ends meet.

“The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the existing inequality in Canada, and for many people, things have only gotten worse,” said Bruske. “We want to see concrete measures to reduce income inequality and help people get back to work in good jobs. And we want the government to commit to fixing our social safety net so that we’re ready the next time disaster hits.”

The pandemic highlighted the need for an adequate and accessible unemployment benefit system and all parties have agreed that Employment Insurance reform is needed. With temporary pandemic benefits set to expire at the end of this month, the incoming government will need to get to work addressing the gaps in the current EI system.

The post Next federal government must deliver for workers appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“We support a publicly funded, universally accessible and affordable early learning and child care system. Without affordable child care, even more women will be pushed out of the labour market,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “In a few days, Canadians will vote in a crucial election and the stakes are high for working families. Child care is on the ballot in this election.”

Bruske added that she has been urging all parties to strengthen Canada’s social safety net, including investing in a universal child care system. Erin O’Toole and the Conservatives decided instead to cancel already signed funding agreements with the provinces and cut billions from child care.

“At a moment where we should be investing billions more for affordable child care, Conservative Erin O’Toole is threatening to tear up agreements and eliminate thousands of new child care spaces. Mr. O’Toole is turning his back on working women,” said Bruske. “This would be devastating for so many people desperate for affordable child care spaces for their children.”

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Women have been pushed to the economic sidelines by the pandemic but Erin O’Toole’s plan risks making things even worse, according to Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

“Lack of child care during the pandemic forced a lot of women to the economic sidelines while others were thrown out of work and forced into the precarious gig economy. Throughout the pandemic, women were on the frontlines keeping our communities safe while working to keep their families safe,” said Bruske. “At this crucial moment, Erin O’Toole threatens years of hard-fought gains for working women.”

O’Toole’s Conservatives have declared they will eliminate tens of thousands of new, quality child care spaces, canceling child care agreements with the provinces. Experts agree that these spaces are desperately needed by working families today. The Conservative platform also includes measures that fail gig economy workers, introducing a risky private scheme instead of real access to EI and pensions.

“Mr. O’Toole is full of pretty words as he looks for votes, but it’s clear he’s not actually listening to working women about the real challenges they face today,” added Bruske. “With child care and public health hanging in the balance this election, Erin O’Toole is not worth the risk.”

The post O’Toole’s conservative plan risks setting women back appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“For many women, the lack of child care during the pandemic was a key reason they were forced out of the labour force. Today, many parents are still struggling to find spaces for their kids,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “It is cold-hearted and irresponsible for Mr. O’Toole to turn to these women and say no to the high-quality, affordable child care spaces that would finally allow them to return to the labour force.”

O’Toole was also caught again showing his anti-worker tendencies while talking about labour shortages, saying that emergency support for workers should be shut down. Earlier in the pandemic, O’Toole also said that more money should have gone to business, less to workers.

“A lack of child care spaces, low wages and poor working conditions. These are some of the key factors leading to labour shortages,” said Bruske. “Yet Mr. O’Toole is just another Conservative blaming workers. He cannot pretend to be a friend to working families while saying they should be cut off from critical emergency pandemic support.”

Bruske added that O’Toole’s proposal for gig economy workers, which appeared to be written by Uber, shows just how far out of touch O’Toole is with the reality facing workers today.

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“The Conservatives’ swiss-cheese fiscal plan leaves voters with more questions than answers. Erin O’Toole still refuses to say what he’s willing to cut to balance the budget,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.“ Last time he was in government, Mr. O’Toole and the Conservatives cut heath care funding and scaled back EI, while handing out generous tax breaks to their corporate friends. He’s already promising to cut child care. What else is he planning to cut, this time?”

Bruske also noted that the Conservatives’ plan promises a review of the tax system to “improve competitiveness”, which is Conservative-speak for more tax giveaways to those at the top.

“We urgently need a wealth tax and a fairer taxation system. It’s long past time Canada rebalanced our tax system so we can repair our tattered social safety net,” said Bruske. “But Conservatives always cut taxes on corporations and give the wealthiest a free ride – while cutting health care and the vital services working families rely on.”

To arrange an interview, please contact:
CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-355-1962

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“Mr. O’Toole’s message discipline is admirable, but experts are lining up to say his promises simply don’t add up,” said Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Erin O’Toole is trying to hide his future cuts behind pleasant rhetoric.”

Columnist Stephen Maher asked in this weeks’ Maclean’s: “Now that he is the front runner, O’Toole has a lot of questions to answer, about the economy, climate, race, gun control, private health care…”

In the Hill Times, Michael Harris wrote: “The Conservative leader’s commitments to gun control, women’s empowerment, and fiscal responsibility don’t stand up to scrutiny.”

A few days before that, when asked on CTV’s Power Play, “Do you buy Erin O’Toole’s numbers in terms of economic growth?”, former Deputy Parliamentary Budget Officer Mostafa Askari replied: “No. Absolutely not. We have not had 3% sustained growth in Canada for the past 25-30 years.”

Bruske also noted that when he was in Stephen Harper’s Conservative cabinet, O’Toole cut billions from health care while slashing taxes for profitable corporations. Harper had also promised not to cut health care during an election campaign, and then broke his promise once elected.

“If you examine Mr. O’Toole’s plan closely, you find that his priorities are all wrong,” concluded Bruske. “Conservatives have no plan for alleviating inequality, strengthening public health care or bolstering our social safety net so it’s ready for the next crisis – whether health or climate related.”

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“Erin O’Toole is now scaremongering about debt and deficits – a page right out of the classic Conservative playbook. This always leads to healthcare cuts, longer wait times, and fewer nurses and doctors,” said Bruske. “The fact is, Conservatives Jason Kenney, Doug Ford and Brian Pallister all broke their promises and cut health care when elected. It’s clear O’Toole plans to be just another Conservative cutter.”

O’Toole went further, making the contradictory and unfounded claim that spending on emergency help for people threatens our social safety net. Today’s inflation is the result of pent-up consumer demand and supply disruptions, not a consequence of investing in people. In fact, stimulus spending during the last fiscal crisis did not lead to inflation.

“Retreating from needed support programs and reducing investments in the care economy won’t help rebuild our social safety net and ensure a strong recovery, it puts them at greater risk,” said Bruske. “Either Mr. O’Toole doesn’t understand basic economics or he’s trying to fool Canadians into giving him a mandate to cut help for people.”

With the lowest net debt in the G7 and gaping holes in our care system, Canada’s unions have been calling on the parties to put working families at the centre of their recovery plans. Where lost jobs are replaced with better ones; Canada’s social safety is disaster-proofed through investments in housing and childcare; and public health care is strengthened through pharmacare and removing profit from long-term care.

“Last time O’Toole and the Conservatives were in power they put Canada on a path of tax cuts to the wealthy and austerity for everyone else. This meant a decade of health cuts, slow economic growth, and rising inequality,” concluded Bruske. “Erin O’Toole’s priorities are all wrong. His dangerous economics would leave working families behind, just when they need help the most.”

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President Bea Bruske launched the Canadian Labour Congress’ election tour in St. John’s today calling on voters to back candidates who support a recovery focused on workers.

She was joined by the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour to canvass in support of St. John’s East New Democrat candidate Mary Shortall.

“Newfoundland and Labrador has been hit hard by the pandemic. We need to attract jobs back to this province and have a worker-centred recovery,” said Bruske. “People here are concerned about the rising cost of living and being left behind. Mary Shortall will be a strong Member of Parliament committed to replacing lost jobs with better ones and making life more affordable.”

The unemployment rate in Newfoundland and Labrador reached 17.2% at the peak of the pandemic shutdowns and still hasn’t recovered.

“Workers helped us through this pandemic, often while risking their own health and wellbeing,” said Shortall. “They deserve a fair recovery plan that won’t leave them behind. This means good jobs, universal pharmacare, affordable housing and childcare, and addressing climate change.”

Canada’s unions are demanding an economic recovery where a day’s work provides a living wage, fair working conditions and a path to unionization.

“We will be criss-crossing the country over the next four weeks campaigning for candidates who are offering real solutions to lost jobs, disaster-proofing our social safety net, strengthening public health care, and tackling climate change in a way that no worker is left behind,” concluded Bruske.

Learn more about how Canada’s union are helping to shape the recovery at canadianplan.ca.

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“Over and over again, Conservatives have demonstrated hostility towards Canada’s workers. Today, Andrew Scheer is doubling down on that hostility and seeking a mandate to cut,” said Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Hassan Yussuff. “With a platform loaded with job-killing service cuts, it’s clear that Andrew Scheer represents an equal threat to Canadians as Stephen Harper.”

Over the last four years, measurable progress has been made to protect the rights of workers, create a stronger Canada Pension Plan, move towards pay equity across the federal sector, and protect victims of domestic violence. These are advancements that working Canadians hold dear, yet so much more remains to be done.

“The next government must put the well-being of all Canadians at the top of its agenda. We cannot go backwards on jobs, social programs, equity or fairness. We now know exactly what a Conservative government means—cuts to public services, attacks on workers and giveaways to connected, wealthy insiders,” added Yussuff. “After years of progress, we need a government committed to building a fair Canada for everyone, not one seeking a mandate to cut. We simply cannot risk going backwards.”

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“Gender Equality Week was created to celebrate recent gains while reflecting on the work that needs to be done to improve gender equality and women’s rights across Canada,” said Marie Clarke Walker, Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “With a federal election underway, we are asking political leaders to take this opportunity to prove their commitment to women’s rights and gender equality.”

Gender Equality Week runs from September 22 to 28, 2019 and was first introduced by the federal government in 2018 through Bill C-309, the Gender Equality Act. This year’s theme is #EveryoneBenefits and is inspired by the vision of a gender equal society and the benefits of advancing gender equality to women, men and people of all gender identities.

“On election day, voters will have the chance to reject the politics of division by voting for a party that stands firmly for gender equality and women’s rights,” said Clarke Walker. “We hope to make that choice much easier by asking candidates to distinguish themselves through concrete platform commitments.” 

The CLC’s plan for “A Fair Canada for Everyone” asks political parties to commit to taking action on five key priorities for working people and their families – actions that can make a real difference for women and help promote gender equality.

Women deserve good jobs, liveable wages and fair working conditions.

Unions are calling for action on pay and employment equity, access to universal, affordable child care and a federal task force on care work and care jobs.

Women deserve opportunities to learn and advance their careers. They deserve adequate support to balance work, family and personal time.

Women should not face barriers in accessing medication.

Many women do not have workplace benefits and face difficult choices when they or a loved one requires medication they cannot afford. Everyone in Canada deserves a universal, single-payer, public prescription drug plan that would guarantee pharmacare for all.

Women deserve retirement security.

Thanks to the persistent gender pay gap, senior women are among Canada’s poorest populations. After a lifetime of hard work (whether paid or unpaid), no one should have to struggle to make ends meet. Action on retirement security means improved Old Age Security benefits and a reformed Guaranteed Income Supplement.

Women must be at the centre of climate action.

The climate crisis will have a disproportionate impact on women and marginalized populations. Smart investments in a clean future will put people at the centre of climate action. Investments in renewable energy, clean technology and green manufacturing can provide a source of good, green jobs for women. Climate action can also include investments in social infrastructure to help create and support good jobs and resilient communities.

Women deserve a government focused on equity and inclusion.

Canadians need a government committed to challenging hate and intolerance in all its forms. They need a government ready to improve our immigration and refugee policies, track and report on hate groups, and commit to strengthening Canada’s action plan against racism.

They also need an action plan to implement the recommendations of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“The CLC’s election campaign outlines a plan that would promote gender equality and make a real difference in the lives of women and their families,” said Clarke Walker. “Everyone benefits if we unite together to challenge racism, welcome refugees and support real reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. This election we are demanding fairness.”

This Gender Equality Week, unions are calling on voters to attend local election town halls and debates to ask candidates what their party is prepared to do to promote gender equality and a fairer Canada for everyone.

CLC Secretary-Treasurer Marie Clarke Walker will be hosting a Facebook Live event on Wednesday, September 25 at noon EST featuring a conversation about what is at stake for gender equality in the federal election.

Voters can sign up for real-time election updates from the CLC as the campaign progresses.

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You can be forgiven if you’ve avoided thinking about the upcoming federal election all summer, but Labour Day is here. That means it’s time to return to the fall routine and start thinking about how you are going to cast your ballot.

You may have seen politicians working the barbecue circuit, vying for the support of workers and their families. They often claim to know what voters need. Let’s tell them what voters want.

After all, voting for the country we want is both a cherished right, and a significant responsibility.  And it’s under threat.

Lies, misinformation, and propaganda proliferating online are dividing and distracting people like never before.

We know that domestic and foreign actors will likely continue to foment division through contentious topics like immigration and the environment. We must remain united and focused on what truly matters: a present and future that leaves no one behind.

Not only are we facing an uncertain future, but the strides working people have made in the last four years are also in jeopardy. 

Canada’s unions are cutting through the noise with a simple message to voters: Canadians must elect a government that is committed to a fair Canada for everyone.

This is much more than a slogan but a clear call to action on five key areas that will shape the future of this country. Each of them centre on the health and well-being of Canadians.

Canada’s unions have successfully worked with governments and health experts to make universal pharmacare a ballot box issue this fall.

That’s because over 3.5 million Canadians struggle to pay for the medications they need. Private insurers and pharmaceutical companies have a vested interest in preserving a status quo that sees Canadians paying some of the highest drug prices in the world. Canada remains the only developed country with universal health care, without a universal pharmacare plan. A single-payer system would rein in drug prices and save Canadians over four billion dollars per year, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer.

Also key to the well-being of Canadians is the assurance that they will be able to live in dignity in retirement. Following the Conservative party’s defeat in the last federal election, Canada’s unions lobbied for an expansion of public pensions and won a 50% increase to Canada Pension Plan benefits, along with top-up payments for 900,000 low-income single seniors and the restoration of Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement for those over the age of 65, down from 67.

We need a government that is committed to improving public pensions and protecting hard-earned private pensions when employers go bankrupt. 

We also need to talk about the economic health of our nation’s working people. With a rise in precarious, temporary, and low-wage work, more and more people are struggling to get by. We need to vote for a government that clearly defines what it will invest towards creating good jobs for all Canadians.

It’s also time for bold action that tackles our climate emergency while creating economic opportunities in green industries. We deserve a government that is committed to clean air and water, invests in public transportation, and supports workers and communities transitioning to a greener economy.

With hardline Conservative governments now running the majority of the provinces, we cannot forget what a decade of Stephen Harper’s Conservatives did to working people and their families and risk the rollback of hard-won social gains and the rewriting of the Canadian constitution.

Can Canadians afford a government that cares more about private corporations and tax cuts for the super-rich than it does about everyday working people? Can we risk electing a government that refuses to address the climate catastrophe? Can we accept a government that is prepared to exploit people’s fear and insecurity to fuel racism and intolerance?

This Labour Day, let’s recommit to standing together for an inclusive Canada where everyone prospers.

Hassan Yussuff is the President of the Canadian Labour Congress. Follow him on Twitter @Hassan_Yussuff.

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That means unions will be calling on Canadian workers to vote for candidates who support universal pharmacare, retirement security, climate action, equity and inclusion, and good jobs for everyone.

“Over the last four years, our work has resulted in impressive gains: expanding public pensions, protecting victims of domestic violence, investing billions in infrastructure projects, banning asbestos, and making pay equity the law,” said Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).

“While these have been substantial victories, we are only getting started. Low wages, precarious work and underemployment continue to hurt too many Canadians; fear and insecurity are fueling racism and intolerance, and climate change threatens the survival of our planet.”

“We will do our part to mobilize Canadians to choose candidates who will make Canada more fair for workers and their families,” said Yussuff.

“We will be urging every candidate to commit to creating good jobs. We will be pushing the political parties for climate action for a sustainable planet. We will be challenging hate and divisiveness with equity and inclusion.”

By launching a national campaign, “A Fair Canada for Everyone”, the CLC will be working with labour councils, federations of labour and unions across the country to advance the issues at stake for workers and their families.

“Labour Day is a national reminder that workers can come together to improve workplaces and communities, so it is a fitting time to launch our election campaign for a fair Canada for everyone,” adds Yussuff.

To read details about what unions are calling for in this election, visit faircanadaforeveryone.ca

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