Federal-provincial health care deal: Canada’s unions cautiously optimistic
February 7, 2023
Bruske: Health care deal is a step in the right direction — Now governments must deliver OTTAWA — Canada’s unions welcome the federal government’s pledge to increase health funding to provinces and territories. New money being added will help address some of the challenges but with no strings attached, this deal will only scratch the surface of the problems our…
Workers mobilize to Parliament Hill urging action on polycrisis
February 7, 2023
Bruske : Hundreds of workers will meet with MPs to call for urgent action on the biggest challenges facing Canadian workers and their families OTTAWA–– Hundreds of workers and labour leaders from across Canada are mobilizing to Parliament Hill today to sound the alarm about the mounting issues facing workers. “Workers are being hit over and over again. Rising costs…
Statement by Bea Bruske: We need to strengthen and expand our public health care system
February 2, 2023
Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, released the following statement after meeting with Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos to discuss the upcoming meeting with Canada’s premiers. OTTAWA – Canada’s unions are grateful to have had the opportunity to attend a productive and constructive meeting with Minister Duclos. We had the chance to reiterate that any new funding added to…
Workers are sounding the alarm—parliamentarians must take heed
February 1, 2023
By Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress as published in The Hill Times Ask any worker in Canada how they are faring right now, and they will most likely tell you that they are struggling. The issues facing workers and their families are stacking up. Eye-watering costs for food, housing, and other necessities are hammering workers’ wallets. Inflation…
BHM 2023: It’s time Canada takes care of Black care workers
February 1, 2023
Black History Month is an important time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, achievements and struggles of Black communities in this country. In recognition of the vital role Black workers have played in this nation’s care systems, Canada’s unions are calling for fair and decent work for care workers. From the hidden experiences of Black Nova Scotian domestic workers in…
Canada’s unions welcome improved long-term care standard —but demand an end to for-profit care
January 31, 2023
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions welcome improvements to the National Long-Term Care Services Standard but they must be even stronger. The standard released today focus on resident-centered care, a model of senior care that is accommodating and respectful of the resident’s personal wishes and that works directly with the health workers providing the care. “We are happy to see the government…
Canada’s unions are celebrating Canada’s ratification of International Labour Organization Convention 190
January 30, 2023
Bruske: Workers deserve a safe workplace. This historic convention will establish the right to a world of work free from violence and harassment OTTAWA––C-190 is the first global treaty that acknowledges the universal right to a world of work free from violence and harassment, and establishes a clear framework for ending it. Once ratified, governments are accountable for preventing and…
Canada’s unions: urgent action needed to end Islamophobia, protect Muslim communities
January 29, 2023
On the second National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia, and the sixth anniversary of the horrific attack, Canada’s unions remember the victims and survivors, and continue to call for increased government action to address rising hate. “This day serves as an important reminder of the lethal impacts of Islamophobia and the need…
An economy rigged against workers could mean a ‘Winter of Discontent.’
January 26, 2023
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
January 25, 2023
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…