However, the plan does not yet reflect the forward-looking vision required by legislation. As a vision achieved through genuine collaboration and meaningful engagement, it’s imperative for the government to provide greater clarity on how it intends to implement the priorities outlined, and on how it plans to work with the Council.

In particular, the Council welcomes further detail on how the government plans to support the creation and protection of sustainable jobs across Canada, how workers and their communities will be supported as the economy continues to change, and what substantive role the Council will play in advancing this work going forward.

For this effort to succeed, the Council and Canadian stakeholders must have an active and ongoing role in both implementation of the plan and in ensuring that workers’ concerns are fully addressed.

The Council is proud of its first annual report and the 32 recommendations it contains. Those recommendations were shaped directly by workers, their families and their communities affected by the transition, including workers at CAMI plant, whom the Council met with on the day the plant closed. We were disappointed not to see those recommendations reflected in the current plan. Workers showed up. The Council showed up. We encourage the government to do the same.

We will continue to advocate for the implementation of those recommendations, but advocacy without a genuine seat at the table has its limits. Ongoing engagement with the Council and meaningful social dialogue must be central to the development and implementation of Canada’s sustainable jobs plan. This means policies that drive economic growth, create demand for sustainable jobs, protect workers and communities through decarbonization and economic transformation, and support workers through accredited upskilling and reskilling, underpinned by strong social protections and an unwavering focus on good quality, skilled jobs.

The Council will continue its work on the development of recommendations and their implementation into an ambitious and effective sustainable jobs plan.

About the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council

The Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council is an advisory body to the federal government established to consult with Canadians and provide guidance on the creation and protection of sustainable jobs across Canada as the economy transitions.

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To arrange an interview, please contact:

Michelle Llambias Meunier
Co-Chair
asdesroches@cpq.qc.ca

Lionel Railton
Co-Chair
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Protecting the EV supply chains in Canada is about investing in Canada’s capacity to transition to a low-carbon economy with good, unionized jobs that support families—not a backdoor for China to flood our market with its cars.  

The consultations announced today should result in quick and decisive action to protect from unfair Chinese competition and create Canadian jobs in domestic EV supply chains.  

Both the United States and Europe have introduced higher import tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. Similar action from Canada is essential to ensure that the highly integrated automotive sector in Canada, U.S. and Mexico will continue to grow with good, unionized jobs that strengthen our economy and ensure we meet our climate ambitions. 

The post Protecting Canada’s EV Opportunities  appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“Canada’s unions are outraged by the political games on display in Parliament this week as opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and his Conservative Party use procedural tactics to delay, derail, and ultimately block critical pieces of legislation designed to benefit workers across Canada. The Sustainable Jobs Act (Bill C-50) is aimed at shaping Canada’s strategy to protect and create good, low-carbon jobs, while anti-scab Bill C-58 is focused on restoring fairness for workers in collective bargaining, yet the Conservatives are doing everything in their power to block these bills.

“At a time when workers and their families are reflecting on a year that was marked by a crushing affordability crisis, the devastating impacts of climate change and constant undermining of workers’ rights by wealthy corporations, Poilievre has opted to double down on attacking working people.

“Mr. Poilievre’s actions in Parliament differ sharply from the public persona he is trying to create. But recent polls indicate that the public is starting to see through the nonsense. Whether it’s voting against school meals for hungry kids, filibustering legislation that would create and protect good jobs, or siding with corporations over everyday Canadians, Poilievre and the Conservatives consistently oppose the priorities that Canada’s unions advocate for on behalf of all workers. We won’t let it go unchallenged.

“Canada’s unions strongly urge Mr. Poilievre and his colleagues in the Conservative Party to stop using workers and their families as political pawns. Parliamentarians of all stripes must work together for the good of hardworking people across this country. That starts with passing Bill C-50 and Bill C-58.”

The post Statement from Bea Bruske: Poilievre’s Conservatives blocking priority bills for workers appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

The latest report, Putting workers and communities at the centre of Canada’s net-zero energy economy, funded by Natural Resources Canada, outlines actions and investments that governments should make to support workers in the shift to a sustainable economy.

“Canada stands at a crossroads. People across the country and around the globe are experiencing the impacts of climate change in their work and their everyday lives to a degree that’s unprecedented,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. “Our economy must adapt in order to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, but it must also be positioned to take advantage of the massive industrial and economic opportunities that come with a global shift to net-zero. To accomplish that, we must ensure workers have a seat at the decision-making table.”

“Countries around the world are racing to secure their place in a net-zero future,” said Chris Severson-Baker, Executive Director of the Pembina Institute. “At the same time, a people-centered energy transition and industrial decarbonization strategies have the potential to create a host of co-benefits that can improve the everyday lives of Canadians — boosting the economy, creating new livelihoods, improving health outcomes, and creating a better future for equity-deserving groups.”

“This report rightly puts skills development and training at the heart of a blueprint needed to achieve Canada’s climate targets and carve out new sources of competitive advantage in a net-zero world,” said Pedro Barata, Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre. “The recommendations point to the need for place-based and sectoral approaches that bring together stakeholders – including workers – to co-design and implement solutions to the challenges facing Canadian workers, starting now, in the places where they will be felt first and most acutely.”

The report shows that 2 million people will be working in the Canadian clean energy sector by 2050, that investing in workers and regional economies can increase GDP by a cumulative $55 billion between 2040 and 2050, and supports for accredited, non-profit training can drive down unemployment and increase wages for workers in resource sectors.

“We absolutely cannot afford to let these opportunities pass Canada by,” added Bruske.

Canada can either be a leader with a plan to train workers, decarbonize industries, support economic diversification, and ensure our workers are leaders in a net-zero global economy, or miss this golden opportunity.

“A framework for international and national just transitions is needed. It must address equity, social, economic, and environmental dimensions, aligning with the ILO guidelines adopted by governments at the ILC in June on Just Transition,” said Diana Junquera Curiel, Acting Director of the Just Transition Centre. “Labour rights, social dialogue, and social protection are being pushed by unions into the climate discussions, emphasizing the need for international justice for a Just Transition and workers at the table in Just Transition policies.”

Decision-makers across the federal government, provinces, territories, the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council and Sustainable Jobs Secretariat will find in this report recommendations to support workers with skills and training, income security, engagement and labour rights, as well as economic-focused actions to optimize and leverage the energy transition for the good of workers and their communities. The sustainable blueprint for Canada will provide a roadmap to ensure workers can see a path forward for their future.

ABOUT:

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.

The Pembina Institute is a charitable thinktank working to solve today’s greatest energy challenges — reducing the harmful impacts of fossil fuels while supporting the transition to an energy system that is clean, safe and sustains a high quality of life.

The Future Skills Centre (FSC) is a forward-thinking centre for research and collaboration dedicated to driving innovation in skills development so that everyone in Canada can be prepared for the future of work. The FSC is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program.

The Just Transition Centre was established in 2016 by the ITUC and partners. The Centre brings together workers and their unions, businesses and governments in social dialogue and stakeholder engagement with communities and civil society to ensure that labour has a seat at the table when planning for a Just Transition to a low-carbon world.

ENGLISH VERSION

The full English report can be accessed here.

FRENCH VERSION

The full French report can be accessed here.

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The post Canada’s unions release roadmap for workers to see a path forward in Canada’s changing economy appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Today Canada faces a once-in-generation economic, environmental, and political challenge, and we won’t get a second chance to get this right. 

Our neighbour and biggest trading partner is aggressively adapting their workforces and industries. Countries around the world are accelerating their transition to a zero-carbon economy. If we fail to act now, our industries will lose out and our workers will be left behind. Our livelihoods and communities will be put at risk. 

We are facing serious economic and political challenges, for sure. But today’s challenges can become tomorrow’s opportunity if we can show our special ability as Canadians to work together. That’s why Canada’s unions are actively engaging governments and businesses. Some issues make strange bedfellows. But we must rise to meet these challenges, and that means workers, businesses and governments must come together and act for the common good.  

The government has introduced positive new legislation that provides a roadmap for Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The Sustainable Jobs Act looks to address climate change and build a low-carbon economy through creating and supporting good, sustainable, union jobs in successful, low-emission businesses. The kinds of family-supporting, middle-class jobs that allow us to build the healthy and thriving communities we want to live in. With some tweaks, the Sustainable Jobs Act will make a real difference for millions of workers and thousands of businesses.  

But make no mistake, we certainly will never build the communities we want to live in with precarious, low-wage jobs. Governments can’t just hand out billions in blank cheques to private companies and then hope good things happen. We must always make sure communities benefit when we invest public dollars in private companies.  

Workers stand on the frontlines of climate change, including fighting wildfires, restoring downed power lines, and rebuilding our communities after extreme weather hits. Workers are also front and centre dealing with the impacts of this economic transition. Like the energy workers worried about the future, the farm workers battling droughts, or the construction workers who keep on building through sweltering heatwaves.  

As the democratic representatives of workers, the labour movement must have meaningful seats at the decision-making table. Workers and the businesses that employ them must be at the table with governments if we are serious about crafting solutions. There should certainly be no opposition to the principle that, as Canada shifts to a low-carbon economy, no workers or industries are left out of this conversation.  

This might be a global challenge, but our solutions must be local. Building a low-carbon economy will mean new opportunities across the country, in every sector and every region. Clean energy manufacturing, critical minerals, non-emitting and renewable energy, electric vehicles, and the list goes on. Unions are ready to work with businesses, so they are well-positioned to succeed in tomorrow’s economy.  

In 2015, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said moving to a low-carbon economy would “require a transformation in our energy sectors.” Now, workers are looking to MPs from all parties to work with us to quickly pass a strengthened Sustainable Jobs Act. Then we can get down to the hard work of creating good jobs and successful businesses in a sustainable economy.  

Hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity hang in the balance.  

Bea Bruske is President of the Canadian Labour Congress. Follow her on Twitter @PresidentCLC 

The post Government, workers and businesses must come together to win the low-carbon economic transition appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

OTTAWA—Canada’s unions are joining forces to launch “A Future That Works,” a worker powered‑ plan to secure the jobs we need to tackle climate change head on and lead the way to a sustainable tomorrow.

“Workers have the solutions and new ideas to tackle climate change. They know what needs to be done to make their jobs sustainable. It’s workers who will make the shift to a sustainable economy possible by creating sustainable energy, upgrading our buildings, bridges, and roads, and developing low-carbon transportation,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Working people are the engine that powers Canada’s economy, with the right tools and opportunities they can tackle climate change head on.”

Workers across Canada are on the front lines of climate change. Farm workers, who are often racialized or without status, are grappling with the impact of floods and droughts on crops, while PSWs, who are disproportionately racialized women, are fighting to stay cool in patients’ homes during heatwaves.

The A Future That Works campaign marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of a sustainable, more equitable future. A key objective of the campaign is to ensure the federal government moves swiftly to pass a robust Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act. Canada’s unions are calling on parliamentarians to give workers a voice in decisions about their futures, with meaningful representation on the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council. 

We are also calling for strong investments to create low-carbon jobs with the protection of a union card, and pathways into these jobs for women, Indigenous and racialized workers, and those in industries impacted by climate change. Comprehensive training initiatives, Employment Insurance (EI) and other financial assistance are also needed to ensure workers and their communities can remain resilient as Canada tackles climate change.

“Canada’s unions have a significant role in shaping the shift to a sustainable economy. They represent the interests of workers who are directly affected, including in the energy sector. We will be there every step of the way to press for safe work, fair wages and benefits, and social programs that benefit our communities,” Bruske added. “Together, we can create a future that works for all of us.”

More information can be found on the campaign site: https://futurethatworks.ca/

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The post Canada’s Unions Launch “A Future That Works” Campaign: Good Jobs for a Sustainable Tomorrow appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“Workers from coast-to-coast are ready to get to work and contribute to building a strong, sustainable economy. This report provides a comprehensive framework for government action to support workers in this critical undertaking,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. “Canada’s unions expect, and will continue to press for, swift government action to provide the tools and opportunities needed to make a sustainable future a reality.”  

The Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, introduced in June, presents an important opportunity to protect workers, ensure new low-carbon jobs are high quality, and give workers a seat at the table as decisions are made about their futures. 

However, steps must be taken to ensure the legislation meets its potential. The report provides specific recommendations to strengthen the Act, including improving guiding principles, equipping the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council with the tools needed to meaningfully shape Canada’s sustainable jobs strategy, and establishing an effective Secretariat to enhance policy integration, intergovernmental coordination, and worker support. Adopting these recommendations would ensure that the legislation supports workers and communities with a pathway to good, sustainable jobs. 

Bruske emphasized: “Workers are the linchpin in facilitating the shift toward a sustainable economy. But this shift will be impossible if we don’t prioritize fair and safe work, decent wages, and workers’ rights.” She added: “Through collaboration with workers, unions, and businesses, Canada can be a global leader in good, sustainable jobs and the fight against climate change.” 

The full report can be accessed here.  

The second installment in the Sustainable Jobs Blueprint Series is set to be released shortly and will focus on sustainable jobs policies that support workers and their communities. 

This project was funded by Natural Resources Canada. 

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The post Canada’s unions release sustainable jobs blueprint appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

During a year when many communities are witnessing a worsening of the already-devastating impacts of climate change, the need for swift and widespread climate action remains urgent. “Climate change is the defining crisis of our time and one that will include everyone from government officials to energy company executives, to front line workers and their unions,” says Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Workers in communities across Canada are leading the transition to powering the country with sustainable energy. They expect the government to take ambitious action to move with them.” 

Canada’s unions are pleased that the vision document includes a plan to include workers and their unions in a meaningful way throughout the process. As Canada transitions to a net-zero economy there is immense opportunity to create and protect good, unionized jobs, with pathways into these jobs for women, Indigenous and racialized workers, and other equity-seeking groups. 

“These workers are the ones who will make our transition possible; we won’t meet our climate goals without them,” says Bruske. “If Canada is going to achieve net-zero by 2030, the workers making that happen need good, union jobs.” 

Canada’s unions will continue to push for investments in sustainable energy and climate action, including supports for workers whose jobs are affected by climate change and provisions like new jobs, comprehensive training initiatives, upskilling and reskilling, skills recognition, Employment Insurance (EI), mental health support, family support, pension bridging, relocation assistance, and other essential measures. 

“Today’s announcement is a critical step in the climate action process. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that workers are included in the creation of an equitable and sustainable future for all,” says Bruske. “We know that communities with good, union jobs embedded within them are stable and resilient. We are focused on making sure the transition puts as many of these jobs in as many communities as possible.” 

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“The Alberta government’s decision to slam the brakes on new sustainable energy projects is deeply frustrating. By halting wind and solar project approvals, Alberta is backsliding. Meanwhile in provinces across the country, governments of all stripes, including Conservative, are investing in sustainable energy and using federal renewable energy tax credits announced in Budget 2023 – money which Alberta is leaving on the table.”

“It is disheartening to learn that Alberta plans to bog down processes for the development of renewable energy generation, standing in the way of the workers and industries striving to build up our communities and potentially putting a chill on investment. Why should Albertans miss out on the opportunity to benefit from the sustainable energy boom as communities across Canada and around the world move to decarbonize their economies?”

“The short-sightedness of the Alberta government couldn’t come at a worse time; the pressing need for climate action is undeniable. People around the world are sweltering in record-breaking heat waves. And this year, thousands of Albertans have been displaced from their homes due to climate-fueled wildfires, sending a clear signal that we must act urgently to safeguard our communities. Investing in sustainable energy not only creates job opportunities for workers but also helps protect our communities from the devastating impacts of climate disasters.”

“It’s time to end the unnecessary politicization of climate action and instead prioritize the well-being of workers and their communities. We urge decision-makers to recognize that by holding back on sustainable energy projects, they risk leaving workers behind. With the rest of the world progressing toward a sustainable economy, it’s a setback we can’t afford.”

“Canada’s unions are committed to advocating for workers’ rights, well-being, and economic prosperity. We call on the Alberta government to take meaningful steps to support workers in accessing emerging opportunities in the sustainable economy.”

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“People are still facing long waits for care and Emergency Room closures while health workers are still experiencing difficult working conditions and unsustainable hours. Five months after a new funding agreement between federal and provincial governments, too little progress has been made,” declared Bruske. “We are facing a pan-Canadian health care crisis. It is disappointing the premiers failed to make more progress on coordinated action to better retain and recruit health care workers and strengthen our public health care system.”

Bruske added that workers were also hoping premiers would put their ideologies aside to come together with a commitment to work with labour, alongside business and the federal government, on an industrial strategy that will ensure Canada’s economy can keep pace as the world moves ahead on the global energy-employment transition.

“While we welcome the premiers’ commitment on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the need for new training supports, we are concerned that some provinces oppose the federal government’s Sustainable Jobs Act,” warned Bruske. “We urge all premiers to come to the table and work with us, the federal government, and business to make sure Canada’s industrial strategy puts good, sustainable union jobs at its heart. That’s how we’ll build thriving and prosperous communities, in every province and every region, for generations to come.”

Workers and families are also looking to the premiers to get to work with other levels of government to help bring down the cost of living.

“Family budgets are overstretched as people struggle to pay for family essentials like food and medicines, while high interest rates drive up housing costs. But governments can do something to help,” explained Bruske. “Governments can come together to deliver more affordable housing, implement publicly funded and publicly delivered pharmacare, and provide targeted support for low-income families. This could really help families get by.”

Bruske added that Canada’s unions welcomed the premiers’ commitment to work with the federal government on Employment Insurance reforms, a critical support that isn’t there for many workers just when they need it most.

“Even after paying into the EI system for years, only 2 in 5 unemployed people now qualify for benefits. It’s clear that EI just isn’t up to the job of backstopping workers in a crisis,” warned Bruske. “With signs of an economic downturn and growing job losses, urgently implementing long overdue reforms of our Employment Insurance program must be a top priority.”

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The post Premiers commit to meeting on health care crisis but the need for urgent action remains appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“Workers and families are looking to Canada’s premiers for action to fix the health care crisis, help families struggling with still-rising prices, and collaborate with workers on creating sustainable, union jobs in a low-carbon economy,” said Bruske. “We are looking to the premiers to put workers and families at the center of this week’s Council of the Federation.”

Bruske warned that people are particularly frustrated by a lack of progress on health care despite February’s health funding agreement between the premiers and the prime minister.

“Patients face another summer of long wait times and hospitals struggling to keep Emergency Rooms open, while health workers experience unsustainable hours and unacceptable working conditions,” cautioned Bruske. “Governments must work urgently with health care unions to improve working conditions to better recruit and retain workers.”

With wildfires and daily air quality warnings reminding people of the urgency for climate action, Bruske added that it is critical governments bring workers and industry to the table as Canada moves ahead on its clean energy industrial strategy.

“We are seeing a global transition to a low-carbon economy. Canada’s workers, industry and governments must work together to make sure our economy isn’t left behind as the world moves ahead,” explained Bruske. “Building thriving communities of the future starts with putting good, sustainable union jobs at the center of our industrial strategy.”

Bruske added that many people continue to struggle just to get by as prices for housing, food and medicines stretch family budgets to the breaking point.

“Governments must come together to create more affordable housing, implement publicly funded and publicly delivered pharmacare, and provide support for low-income families,” concluded Bruske. “This could go a long way to help families through today’s affordability crisis.”

Bruske’s open letter to the premiers is attached.

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The post Workers to Premiers: Act Now to Fix Health Care, Create Sustainable Jobs and Make Life More Affordable appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“Workers and their families are looking to Canada’s premiers for concrete solutions to fix health care, action on the affordability crisis and a strong commitment to work with the labour movement to make sure good, sustainable, union jobs are at the heart of our industrial strategy,” said Bruske. “People are struggling. Canada’s health crisis continues while family budgets are stretched to the breaking point.”

Bruske added that people are frustrated that five months after the new health care funding agreement between the prime minister and the premiers, Canadians are still waiting for the promised bilateral deals.

“Patients face long wait times, hospitals struggle to keep Emergency Rooms open while health care workers across the country face another summer of extreme staff shortages, unsustainable hours and unacceptable working conditions,” warned Bruske. “Canada’s Premiers must listen to frontline workers and work with health care unions on measures to improve working conditions, better retain and recruit nurses and ensure the long-term viability of Canada’s cherished public health care system.”

On the climate crisis and the energy – employment transition, Bruske says workers want our politicians to be leaders not laggards.

“Now is the time to act to make sure Canadian workers aren’t left behind as the world transitions to a low-carbon economy,” exclaimed Bruske. “Let’s work together to future-proof our industrial strategy, in every province and every region of our country.”

What:            Comment on workers priorities for Council of the Federation meetings.

Who:             Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress

Where:         By arrangement via phone or zoom.

When:           July 7 – 12, 2023

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The post Workers Looking for Premiers to Act on Health Care, Affordability and Sustainable Jobs appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Bill C-50, just tabled, provides a roadmap toward making Canada’s economy competitive for years to come.

“On a global scale, clean energy investment has surpassed spending on oil and gas for the first time.” From raging wildfires to extreme storms, each day brings stark reminders of the impacts of climate change and the urgent need for climate action. Climate change is an undeniable reality, and its effects are worsening. Regardless of who might be in power a decade from now, Canada must act today to fulfill its role in the global fight against climate change while securing our position in the low-carbon economy of the future.

Last year, the United States took a significant leap forward with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), placing immense pressure on Canada to keep pace or risk falling behind. The IRA outlined the Biden administration’s plan to slash emissions, invest in clean energy and provide direct supports to communities.

The Canadian government’s response began to take shape when it committed to invest $80 billion over the next decade and signed notable deals with Volkswagen and Stellantis. With the introduction of the Sustainable Jobs Act, C-50, Canada is taking another important step forward for our workers and businesses. This legislation provides a roadmap for making Canada’s economy competitive for years to come.

On a global scale, clean energy investment has surpassed spending on oil and gas for the first time, signalling the most substantial transformation of our economy in recent memory. With fierce global competition to attract new investments, Canada faces the potential loss of up to $600 billion over the next 15 years if we fail to get this right.

Our competitive advantage lies in Canada’s businesses, workers and government working together to ensure that new industrial investments entice companies to do business in Canada and that this new economic activity brings tangible benefits to our people and communities.

At the heart of this new Act is a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council, bringing workers and business together to advise the government on the best ways to create sustainable jobs in this new economy. We believe that at the core of Canada’s approach must be the fundamental principle that workers deserve a meaningful seat at the table and a voice in decision-making around Canada’s industrial strategy. We must provide workers with a pathway to the good jobs of tomorrow while giving the labour movement a real say in any new government body making decisions about workers’ futures.

Multinational corporations possess influential platforms and a strong lobby. They prioritize their investors’ interests. But Canada’s labour movement represents everyday people and brings forward the unique experiences and insights of Canada’s workers.

The decisions we make now will determine whether we build thriving communities powered by good, family-supporting union jobs with decent pay, pensions and benefits. Providing better training and apprenticeship support will mean people can keep their jobs as their industry moves to new low-carbon technologies or learn the skills they need to take on new jobs. We also have a once-in-a-generation opening to create new opportunities for historically excluded people, including women, Indigenous and racialized workers, workers with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups.

By bringing labour, industry and government together, the Sustainable Jobs Act provides a new approach that can position Canada at the forefront of the global low-carbon economy. Working together, we can create good union jobs while we help businesses shift to cleaner technologies, move to lower-emissions manufacturing jobs, and make Canada a leading supplier of the critical minerals needed for new low-carbon technologies.

This is how we can build the kinds of flourishing communities Canadians want for their children and grandchildren.

Bea Bruske is President of the Canadian Labour Congress. Follow her on Twitter @PresidentCLC

The post Bruske: How Canada can create sustainable jobs as we shift to a low-carbon future appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

OTTAWA – Canada’s unions applaud the emphasis on workers and the inclusion of key labour priorities in the federal government’s Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act announced today. The Act, which emerged as a result of the New Democrat and Liberals’ Supply and Confidence Agreement, presents an unprecedented opportunity to foster collaboration among workers, their unions, industry, and governments to strengthen our economy as we tackle climate change.

With the mounting impacts of climate change, such as devastating wildfires and extreme storms, Canadians are witnessing firsthand the urgent need for action. “The Sustainable Jobs Act represents a significant step in recognizing the importance of good work as we fight climate change,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “By prioritizing workers and incorporating many of our key concerns, this legislation presents an opportunity to establish a model of collaboration that places workers, their unions, industry, and governments on the same path towards a sustainable and resilient economy.”

Canada’s unions call for collective efforts to achieve our climate ambitions while creating and protecting good, unionized jobs in a low-carbon economy, with pathways into these jobs for women, Indigenous and racialized workers, and other equity-seeking groups. 

The Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council will play a key role in shaping policies and decisions; workers must have a sufficient voice at the table. We will advocate for their meaningful inclusion and equal representation.

“To build a sustainable economy, workers must have a clear say in the decision-making process. Their future, as well as their families’ and communities’, should be at the heart of Canada’s plans,” said Bruske. “Workers’ voices and activism have been instrumental in pushing this government to act on climate, and without continued engagement and collaboration, Canada won’t meet its climate goals.”

Canada’s unions will continue to push Canada to meet its international commitments for a Just Transition, with investments in supports for those whose work is affected by climate change. We will press for investments to create new jobs, comprehensive training initiatives, upskilling and reskilling, skills recognition, Employment Insurance (EI), mental health support, family support, pension bridging, relocation assistance, and other essential measures. Canada’s unions also call for clear, unambiguous commitments to the central role of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in delivering programs for workers. 

Bruske said, “The Sustainable Jobs Act signals a crucial milestone in our fight against climate change and the protection of workers’ interests. Canada’s unions stand committed to working alongside all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation towards a sustainable and equitable future for all.”

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The post Canada’s unions: Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act an unprecedented opportunity for collaboration appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

As communities across the country and around the world grapple with the impacts of climate change, it is crucial that we work together to drive down emissions and hit our climate targets. 

“We cannot afford to ignore the looming threat of the climate crisis. Global economies are shifting to address climate change, which means jobs and work will also evolve. Workers and unions must be at the decision-making table to make sure no one is left behind,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. 

Bruske added, “Make no mistake; when governments are investing in sustainable jobs, labour rights are a must. Social protection is essential. Workers are at the forefront of Canada’s changing climate, and they deserve to bring their concerns, skills, and expertise to the table. Now is the time to ensure that all workers – especially those who have been historically marginalized – have their voices heard.” 

Canada’s unions welcome investments to date, such as increases to the Union Training and Innovation Program under the Canada Sustainable Jobs Plan and tax credits designed to spur investment in emissions-reducing projects and technologies while incentivizing the creation of good-paying, sustainable jobs. The federal government’s commitment to tie labour requirements to clean energy tax credits in Budget 2023, including prevailing wage levels and apprenticeship training opportunities, is particularly welcome.  

However, this is just a start. Moving towards a sustainable economy requires ambitious, targeted investments to meet climate targets while protecting and creating good, unionized work. It necessitates meaningful collaboration and social dialogue between organized labour, governments, and businesses to provide good-paying, secure jobs – and there must be pathways into these jobs for women, Indigenous and racialized workers, and other equity-seeking groups. 

“More action is needed to ensure jobs in the sustainable economy provide fair compensation and benefits, health and safety protections, democratic representation in the workplace, and opportunities for equity,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the CLC. “Concrete action – and investments – are vital for our collective wellbeing. For our planet and our communities, we must act now.” 

Add your voice to call for a Just Transition that puts sustainable, healthy, and resilient communities at the heart of climate action.

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OTTAWA –– Canada’s unions applaud the announced investment in workers, sustainable jobs and training that will help equip workers with the skills they need to meet the challenges of Canada’s economic future.

“Canada’s unions have long advocated for federal guidance and investment in the training workers need to meet the demands of a sustainable energy future,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Investments in sustainable jobs and training are vital to ensure Canada meets is climate goals, while realizing the economic opportunities of the sustainable energy economy.”

The $250 million investment in the Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, including the Union Training and Innovation Program will go a long way to transitioning workers to good-quality, low carbon jobs. It is unfortunate the government included private, for-profit training institutions, and employer-specific micro-credentials that won’t benefit workers long-term.

Canada’s unions also welcome additional income supports, while continuing to call for a much wider reform of the Employment Insurance (EI) system.

“Although new measures to support workers are welcome, the government missed an opportunity to fix Canada’s outdated EI program,” said Bruske. “The funds announced today will barely help workers most affected by the current affordability crisis and most prone to work loss. What we need is an EI system for the 21^st century.”

The Statement missed an opportunity to make clear the government will be there for the people who will be hurt in the coming recession. Repairing our tattered social safety net will ensure it is there for people when they need it.

Investments in health care, child care, long-term care and pharmacare would not only help reduce the costs workers and their families are facing face but alleviate some of the impacts of inflation, added Bruske. “Canadians expect leadership from this government with meaningful investments that help reduce their everyday costs.”

Also missing in the Statement was any movement on corporate taxation.

“Corporate profits are at an all-time high and inflation is rising faster than what we’ve seen in four decades,” said Bruske. “While European states are moving ahead with taxing excess profits, and the US President is talking about doing the same for oil and gas – Canada has not even explored the possibility. We need tax reform to ensure these big businesses are paying their fair share.”

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

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BERLIN – Today in Germany, Bea Bruske delivered a strong message from international labour leaders to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President of the G7.

“When it comes to building a plan to decarbonize every sector of our economies, it is critical that workers are at the table. These workers help build the economies of these countries and they must not be left to carry the burden on their own,” said Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Bruske delivered her comments on behalf of the “Labour 7,” a group of representatives from the trade union federations of the G7 countries.

“We, the labour leaders in G7 countries, urge our governments to move from ambition to implementation on climate protection,” Bruske said in her remarks. “These investments should not be diminished by responding to other global crises. As you stated Monday, Chancellor, increased military spending should not affect social cohesion nor diminish commitments to other priorities.”

Bruske argued that G7 leaders should put workers and their families at the centre of their plans when it comes to action on fighting climate change.

“It was an honour to deliver a clear message from workers to Chancellor Scholz and the G7,” Bruske said. “Labour leaders around the world were able to find common ground around protecting our climate, environment and biodiversity, and accelerating the global energy transition, while building a sustainable and fair economic system where workers are not left behind. This is essential for ensuring a better life for all on our planet.”

Bruske stressed the importance for world leaders to take action, working together with the labour movement, around creating jobs that are family supporting and high quality.

“We must not trade good jobs for low-quality, precarious work. The leaders of the wealthiest nations must understand that building a just transition for workers is central for us to successfully tackle climate change,” said Bruske.

Bruske added that international conventions on occupational health and safety, robust social and workplace protections, and investing in health care and social services are all critical elements to achieving a sustainable planet.

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

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“Workers are raising their voices to make sure our elected representatives hear, loud and clear, about the need for concrete action to make life more affordable and an economic recovery plan that puts workers and their families at its heart,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. “This is an opportunity for MPs to better understand the real challenges facing the people they were elected to represent.”

The CLC has been working with hundreds of workers from across the country to help them get ready to meet virtually with MPs and tell their stories.

Canada’s unions will continue to push the government and MPs from all parties to work together on a fair, progressive and worker-centred economic recovery. This includes action to:

• Bolster our social safety net through programs and services workers rely on, like child care, paid sick days and a permanent fix to employment insurance.
• Strengthen our public health care system, including through universal pharmacare, public long-term care and investments in mental health care.
• Invest in the care economy and replace lost jobs with better ones that keep workers safe and supported.
• Act on climate change through investments in green infrastructure and a just transition that makes sure no worker is left behind.

“It is vital MPs hear from workers as they move forward on the economic recovery. The reality is, there is no recovery without workers,” said Bruske. “We will make sure that every MP hears how workers kept this country running during the pandemic, and it’s long past time we build a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable economy.”

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

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This new law enshrines Canada’s commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. It also provides a foundation to build on to ensure the country breaks its track record of having missed every climate target it has ever set.

“This law provides a path for Canada to reach its emissions targets, as well as setting milestone targets to make sure we stay on track. Now we must hold the government accountable for meeting those milestones,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “A Just Transition for workers will be an important aspect in meeting these targets.”

After the initial bill was introduced in the House of Commons, CLC worked with environmental and other civil society allies to encourage all parties to work to strengthen the legislation.

The CLC has called for expanded public investment in renewable energy production, green building construction and public transportation, as well as skills training. These investments would lead to the large-scale creation of good jobs.

“Canada needs strong Just Transition measures to assist workers in resource communities and fossil fuel-dependent economies to access new job opportunities,” said Bruske. “These workers need assurances from the government that they will not be left behind, and we look forward to seeing specific legislation on a Just Transition in the near future.”

Canada’s unions are committed to addressing the climate emergency and will continue to advocate for aggressive solutions towards solving what remains the most serious threat to our current and future prosperity and well-being.

The CLC looks forward to the mandated legislative review of the bill in five years, when the government of the day can be held to account for the progress it has made.

For more information, please contact:

CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

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“The devastating effects of the pandemic were made worse by years of austerity by successive governments,” said Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “As a result of cuts, the social programs that would have helped sustain people were not in place. We cannot let that happen again.”

The CLC’s top five priorities for Budget 2021 include:

• A national, high-quality, public, accessible early learning and childcare system;
• Funding a national medicines formulary to establish a universal, national Pharmacare program;
• Green jobs and a Just Transition for workers;
• Improve working conditions and labour standards; and
• Fair tax reform.

“This government has promised to create one million jobs, and we need to focus on ensuring those are decent, sustainable jobs,” said Yussuff. “We also need to reform Employment Insurance so that it reflects the realities workers are facing today.”

Canada’s unions are further calling on the federal government to institute a $15 federal minimum wage and outline a plan to work with the provinces to enshrine paid sick leave across Canada.

The CLC also wants to see ambitious investments in skills training, literacy and apprenticeships, including targeted measures to help youth, women, equity-seeking groups and the long-term unemployed.

Job creation should also focus on expanding Just Transition measures, to help affected workers access training and support to transition to new jobs or retirement. For more details on what unions are asking for, read our pre-budget submission here and details on the top five priority demands here.

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

The post Top five labour demands ahead of upcoming federal budget appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Among the top priorities for Canada’s unions are:

• fully containing the public health crisis and implementing national pharmacare;
• investing in the care economy; and
• and getting Canadians back to work and fully-employed in safe, decently-paid, productive and sustainable jobs.

The post Budget 2021: Canada’s unions call for strong measures to help pandemic recovery appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Read our recommendations for EI reform here.

The post EI for the 21st Century appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Expanded investments in energy efficiency, conservation and large-scale retrofitting of residential and commercial structures will create significant numbers of new jobs and require expanded investments in skills training and growing Canada’s construction trades.

Green and climate-resilient infrastructure investments will also mean an expanded skilled trades workforce.

“Labour will be looking to the federal government to make good on its commitment to supporting local job creation, skills training, apprenticeships and decent wages for workers, especially to those historically underrepresented in the skilled trades sector, including Indigenous workers, racialized workers and women,” said Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

“Canada needs strong Just Transition measures to assist workers in resource communities and fossil fuel-dependent economies to access new job opportunities in clean energy, green transportation, efficient buildings and conservation if Canada hopes to meet and exceed the targets and prevent the worst outcomes of climate change.”

Canada’s unions welcome the government’s emphasis on domestic manufacturing, including developing Canadian supply chains for low-emission building materials, clean tech, and aerospace and automotive investments, and leveraging the power of public procurement. Additionally, unions are noting the crucial commitments made today towards bringing Indigenous communities into the process.

Despite today’s heavy emphasis on market signals and the private sector, public investment and planning will be vital to meeting Canada’s emissions-reduction targets.

“Today’s commitments towards public transit, including the domestic procurement of ZEV public transit and school buses, demonstrate progress,” added Yussuff.

As for increases on the price of carbon, unions are urging the government to ensure that the burden is fairly distributed, with low- and modest-income families protected.

Furthermore, the CLC welcomes the Government of Canada’s commitment to deliver on the country’s G20 commitment to phase-out all inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025 and its commitment to explore border carbon adjustments on imports.

To read more about the directed investments the CLC is calling for, visit canadianplan.ca.

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

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Forward Together: A Canadian Plan is a new campaign centred on ensuring that Canada is ready to disaster-proof our nation so that no one is left behind when crisis hits. The campaign will roll out digitally on various social media platforms and will encourage Canadians to engage with their elected representatives on key issues.

“There are important lessons to be learned from this pandemic and we have a real opportunity to strengthen our communities and to better protect one another,” said Hassan Yussuff, CLC President. “We have been able to withstand this pandemic by supporting each other, and that is the only way to move forward.”

Learning from the chaos seen in the United States, Canada’s unions will be pushing for a plan that focuses on:

• Replacing lost jobs with better ones
• Strengthening Canadian public health care
• Disaster-proofing our social safety net

“We need the government to reject calls for austerity and make real investments in our future. The only way to fix what’s broken is to invest,” said Yussuff. “Workers are key to the recovery. The federal government can help alleviate a lot of anxiety by investing in jobs, making long-term care part of public health care, supporting a child care strategy, and implementing national pharmacare.”

Canada’s unions are looking for targeted investments in green infrastructure, education and training, and care work.

“A strong economy is inextricably linked with strong social services that support workers and their families through bad times,” said Yussuff. “The United States is showing us what happens when we act like everyone is in it for themselves. We can and must do better.”

Go to www.canadianplan.ca to learn more about the campaign.

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

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In this unprecedented health and economic crisis brought on by the pandemic, nature has the power to give solace, soothe collective anxieties and provide hope. As spring emerges across the country, we are reminded of the incredible stresses placed on our planet, as well as it’s incredible capacity for recovery, but only if given a chance.

The world is in the grip of an unprecedented health and economic crisis. Today, governments are largely focused on public health measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, and on providing much needed relief for Canadians facing unprecedented economic hardship as a result of the pandemic, while also working to address challenges in supply chains to ensure that our access to critical medical and protective equipment, healthy food and other necessary goods remain intact.

Despite reports of diminished travel and industrial activity resulting in dramatic improvements in air and water quality, the climate emergency has not gone away. If anything, it serves as a stark reminder of the human cause of the climate crisis.

We still have only 10 years for the world to dramatically reduce emissions in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The need for a just transition to a low-carbon economy, one that puts people and good jobs at the centre of climate action remains.

Today, protecting Canadians from the health and economic crisis created by the pandemic is an urgent priority. As public health measures begin to work, and the curve of the pandemic begins to flatten, Canadians and our governments will turn their attention to rebuilding our economy. It will be important to build measures to meet our Paris Agreement commitments into our economic recovery plans. We don’t have time to lose.

This month’s federal government announcement of $1.7 billion to clean up orphan oil and gas wells in Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia was a promising sign. This investment will help maintain thousands of jobs, including many in Alberta, where most orphan wells are located. This is welcome news in a province suffering from deep job losses as global oil prices have plummeted in recent months. Orphan wells are those that have been abandoned by developers who can’t be located, have gone bankrupt or don’t have the financial means to properly decommission them.

This 50^th Earth Day anniversary, Canada’s unions re-state our commitment to ambitious climate action, and a just transition to green and decent jobs for all. As we weather the COVID-19 pandemic, let us remember to take care of our loved ones and communities, find time to appreciate the beauty of nature, thank a front line worker, and please stay home and wash your hands.

The post Earth Day 2020 appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“From increasing health coverage, to tackling climate change, to improving working conditions, this new minority government has set benchmarks for success,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff. “Pharmacare has been an issue the CLC has been heavily advocating for over the last few years. Nobody should have to choose between paying for groceries and paying for medication they need—Canada is ready for universal pharmacare.”

In another move towards fairness, the throne speech announced the government’s intent to establish a federal minimum wage as a standard across Canada. This announcement comes as welcomed news to Canada’s unions and workers across Canada struggling at low-wage jobs.

“Not only will a federal minimum wage benefit tens of thousands of Canadians directly, it will put pressure on the provinces to follow suit,” added Yussuff. “Lifting people out of poverty, an increased minimum wage will have an important impact on the Canadian economy.”

Canada’s unions are also looking to the federal government to lead the way on finding the right balance between protecting jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Today’s commitments on climate change begin to transition Canada towards a more sustainable future.

“We need bold targets to fight climate change, we owe that to our children,” said Yussuff. “We also owe the next generation good jobs and commitments to minimize the impact on workers. Today’s commitments move us towards a greener economy.”

Creating protections for workers facing domestic violence has been a focus for the CLC over the past few years, working internationally to end gender-based violence.

“Building a national action plan on ending violence against women will go a long way,” added Yussuff.

Over the coming months, Canada’s unions will work with this minority government to ensure today’s commitments become a reality. The CLC is looking forward to getting to work building universal pharmacare and ensuring this government is building a fairer Canada for everyone.

For more information and to set up an interview, please contact:

media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

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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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The Canadian Labour Congress is conducting campaigns calling on the federal government to address key issues affecting working people; calling for a change of the rules to create decent work and dignity for all Canadians.

“Improving the lives of all workers is always a top priority for Canada’s unions. The current climate of precarity and cut backs in Canada makes it more important than ever to advocate for good jobs to ensure stability and dignity for every Canadian worker,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff. “We believe that decent work must include access to affordable child care, bankruptcy protection for workers’ pensions and proactive pay equity legislation, just to name a few.”

On this Day for Decent Work, Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to prioritize access to decent work in Canada by taking the following steps:

• Restore the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, indexing it to wage growth, and bring back full employment as a primary policy target;
• End wage discrimination and adopt strong, proactive pay equity legislation incorporating the recommendations of the 2004 Pay Equity Task Force. Women’s wages shouldn’t come at a discount, but the gender pay gap in Canada hasn’t improved in decades. In fact, for many women it’s getting worse. Making pay equity the law would ensure different jobs are compared for their value in the workplace and evaluated based on skill, effort, responsibility, and working conditions, leaving no room for gender discrimination;
• Reform bankruptcy laws to include protection for workers’ pensions and benefits.  Workers trade higher wages today in exchange for a pension in retirement – it’s wrong to force them to the back of the line when an employer goes bankrupt;
• Make workplaces safe by strengthening federal legislation on sexual harassment and violence. Sexual harassment and violence remains a very serious barrier to women’s equality, especially in the workplace. Sexual harassment and violence can have serious consequences on women’s physical, emotional and mental health, and on their work performance. It can compromise their ability to advance in the workplace and even lead to job loss;
• Fix the child care crisis and commit to long-term funding for high-quality, public, universal, affordable child care. Access to quality, affordable child care is about economic justice for women. Child care makes it possible for women to get a decent job, support their families, build a career, and further their education or skills training; and
• Phase-out coal power through progressive policy that keeps people and communities at the center. The Just Transition Task Force for Canadian Coal-Power Workers and Communities will develop recommendations aimed at influencing Canada’s plans to phase-out coal power. These will include helping workers find comparable employment through retraining programs and resources to help affected communities transition their local economy.

Decent work means equal opportunities for everyone to get work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for families, better prospects for personal development, and social integration.

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“The world is watching. By launching this task force, Canada has the opportunity to set an international example on how to implement progressive policy to reduce emissions while keeping people and communities at the centre,” said CLC President and Task Force Co-chair Hassan Yussuff.

Workers will have a strong voice at the table thanks to a significant labour presence on the 11-member task force. Yussuff will be joined by five representatives from Canadian unions who can speak to the concerns of coal workers and their families.

“People affected by plans to phase-out coal power must be at the heart of this transition. This task force will help ensure that the needs of workers and communities – as well as Canada’s environmental goals – are met,” said Yussuff.

Yussuff commended Environment Minister Catherine McKenna on her personal commitment to the creation of this task force. The Task Force will develop recommendations to present to Minister McKenna to influence Canada’s plans to phase-out coal power. This would include helping workers find comparable employment through retraining programs and resources to help affected communities transition their local economy.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with the government and the members of the Task Force to develop effective and practical solutions to support Canada’s transition for coal power workers and communities,” said Yussuff.

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“Unions, business, communities and governments must work together on comprehensive strategies that will ensure those most affected can adapt and thrive as we shift to a zero-carbon economy,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff.

Yussuff pointed to the reality of climate change around the world and here in Canada.

“We must face the facts. Warmer climates are compromising food and water supplies, and that’s hurting the livelihoods of millions. Rising temperatures are causing severe draughts in parts of the world,” he said.

He cited Cape Town, South Africa as an example, where resident face strict water rations in a bid to stave off Day Zero, the projected day when taps will run dry. Current estimates show that Day Zero will come in 2019.

“Here in Canada, it’s widely accepted that climate change played a big part in causing the catastrophic fire that ravaged Fort McMurray in 2016,” said Yussuff.

A drier-than-usual winter and record-high spring temperatures, coupled with high wind gusts caused the Fort McMurray fire to spread quickly. It displaced almost 90,000 people and many lost their homes. The fire took 15 months to fully extinguish.

Canada’s unions – along with organizations like the Green Economy Network, Blue Green Canada and Canada’s Building Trades – have long fought for a greener economy that puts workers and communities at the centre of any climate change policy.

“Progressive emission-reduction policies must centre around people and communities. Canada’s move to reduce its carbon emissions will impact employment. Adequate supports like re-training are necessary to a successful shift to a greener economy,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff.

In February, the federal government announced the Terms of Reference for the Just Transition Task Force for Canadian Coal Power Workers and Communities. The Task Force’s mandate is to develop recommendations to influence Canada’s plans to phase-out coal power. Their first meeting is scheduled for this week.

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Canadian Labour Congress President, Hassan Yussuff, added that the rest of the world must continue to play an active role in fighting climate change and transitioning workers to good, green jobs.

“While President Trump’s decision on Paris represents a set-back to united action on climate change, it doesn’t change the fact that the rest of the world is moving forward. Canadian government, civil society and industry recognize the need to adapt to a low-carbon economy,” said Yussuff.

“Canada should continue to face the challenges of climate change head on, knowing that in the long run, this makes us more competitive within North America and globally,” Yussuff added.

To read the full ITUC statement, visit: https://www.ituc-csi.org/ituc-response-to-us-announcement

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Climate change is the single greatest challenge facing humanity today. Already, we are seeing immense pressure on the food supplies and livelihoods of workers around the world as a result of climate change.

Climate change threatens everyone, but it’s important to recognize that certain regions and communities are disproportionately affected by the consequences here and now. Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and working-class Canadians are often the hardest hit by environmental disaster and the least able to transition when employment is lost due to industrial changes.

Workers live with the realities of climate change. They understand what’s at stake. Involving affected communities is essential if we want to reverse the threat of climate change, strengthen our economy and create secure, meaningful, full-time jobs. Unions are playing a leading role bringing workers together around these goals, through organizations like the Green Economy Network, Climate Action Network Canada, Blue Green Alliance, and more.

Unions, together with allies on this issue, are urging policymakers to act on our urgent climate change needs while promoting inclusive economic renewal.

This starts with establishing and meeting targets and timelines for green job creation through investments in clean energy, public transit, and building retrofits. As green jobs are created, government must work with communities, unions and business to develop streamlined transition plans for affected workers and ensure workers can access innovative social support, skills training, and apprenticeship programs.

At every step of the process we must meaningfully engage affected workers and communities. Not doing so risks division and alienation from the process, which puts our climate work in jeopardy. To succeed, workers’ input must be central to our vision of a better future for our environment and our economy.

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In an op-ed published today in La Presse and Policy Options, the coalition urged policymakers to pursue a better approach to climate change, including investments in clean electricity, public transit and building retrofits; committing to carbon pricing; and ensuring a just transition for workers, families and communities where jobs and livelihoods are at stake. This kind of transition would include an industrial strategy to support and retrain displaced workers into gainful employment in clean growth industries.

“Canada needs to dramatically accelerate the shift to a green economy, and we know it can be done in a way that is economically and socially responsible, without leaving behind workers and their communities,” said Canadian Labour Congress President, Hassan Yussuff.

More than 50 organizations have signed onto the Clean Growth Century statement, including several energy producers, the David Suzuki Foundation, the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, the Business Council of Canada, Équiterre, Greenpeace Canada, the Quebec Employers Council, SHARE Canada, and VanCity.

“The changes we need to see require participation from all sectors. Unions coming together with so many other diverse groups sets the stage for a truly ground-breaking new conversation on climate change,” Yussuff added.

To read the Clean Growth Century op-ed, click here.

Follow Clean Growth Century on Facebook and Twitter.

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This year, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is marking Earth Day (April 22) by renewing its call for a One Million Climate Jobs plan that would allow Canada to transition from fossil-fuel reliance to a sustainable, low-to-zero carbon economy while creating new, good jobs for Canadian workers.

“We need bold action now. It’s hard not to worry about our children and grandchildren if we don’t turn things around. With our One Million Climate Jobs plan, we show that we can do right by the next generations by creating good jobs now,” said CLC President, Hassan Yussuff.

Last December at the COP21 in Paris, the federal government worked cooperatively with provincial and municipal governments, and with labour, Indigenous and other civil society groups. This culminated in a commitment by Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, to begin the development of a pan-Canadian framework for climate action within 90 days of the Summit.

“The government has taken steps in the right direction since Paris, such as investing in public transit and green infrastructure, but we are still waiting for an ambitious and thorough national plan,” Yussuff said.

The One Million Climate Jobs plan, developed with the Green Economy network and endorsed by renowned environmental activist David Suzuki, calls for strategic investments in housing retrofits, renewable energy and sustainable transportation systems.

“Canadians need to rethink our manufacturing processes, the way we use and generate energy, and the ways we construct our buildings. We need to retool our factories, rethink the way we transport ourselves, move goods, use water, fuel industries, and heat our homes and businesses,” Yussuff said.

The CLC has committed to continue its approach of constructive collaboration with governments, environmental groups, Indigenous groups, and employers, working together to meet the pressing environmental, energy, economic and equity challenges of our times.

“Canadian unions will do our part to fight climate change and we will continue the work we started in Paris, pushing governments to ensure a just transition to a vibrant, carbon-free economy,” said Yussuff.

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Working Canadians and their families are facing a precarious economic picture, but Canada is well-positioned to turn things around. Last October, the Liberals were elected precisely because they recognized this picture and promised to be bold in addressing it.

Here are the top 10 things Canadian unions will be looking for in next week’s federal budget:

1. Strategic infrastructure investment

Making targeted and strategic investments in infrastructure is one of the best things our government can do to create jobs, stimulate our economy, and tackle climate change.

Unions are urging the government to act on its election promises to invest in infrastructure, especially public transit infrastructure, affordable housing, and social infrastructure like seniors’ and child care facilities.

2. Employment Insurance fixes

Employment Insurance is a critical lifeline for unemployed workers and their communities. But unfortunately, Conservative changes have meant it’s not always accessible to the unemployed workers who need it, where and when they need it.

Fixing Employment Insurance is actually one of the best things we can do for economic stimulus, because unemployed workers get and spend EI benefits in their local communities within weeks.

Much has to be done to bring back the EI benefits where they should be to help Canadian workers. Here are just a few things the government could do to immediately improve our EI system:

• Eliminate the 910-hour eligibility hurdle for new labour force entrants and re-entrants;
• Reverse the Conservatives’ 2012 changes creating separate categories for claimants based on past history of claims, and changing the definition of suitable employment and reasonable job search efforts; and
• Reverse cuts to front-line services, which have been causing long delays accessing benefits.

3. Skills training and workforce development

Canadian unions were encouraged by the government’s election commitments to develop our workforce by helping more Canadians, particularly young people, access skills training. Some key commitments include the following:

• Invest $300 million annually in the Youth Employment Strategy, create at least 40,000 youth jobs a year, and develop or expand Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs;
• Invest $500 million more each year in training EI-eligible individuals through the provincial and territorial Labour Market Development Agreements; and
• Invest $25 million each year for union training facilities.

Women continue to be underrepresented in skilled trades, making up only three percent of registered apprentices in construction, automotive and industry trades. Federal infrastructure projects are a perfect opportunity for government to work with unions and industry leaders to remove barriers and create opportunities for women in skilled trades.

4. Health care to meet the needs of our aging population

Canadians need urgent action on health care, to meet the challenges of an aging population and begin to undo the damage of more than $36 billion in Conservative cuts. The Canadian Labour Congress is calling on the federal government to do the following:

• Commit to funding at least 25 percent of health care costs by 2025;
• Work with stakeholders to develop a national seniors’ strategy, including home care, long-term care and community support services;
• Develop a national prescription drug program, which could reduce total spending on drugs by as much as $11 billion while fulfilling a vital need among elderly and other vulnerable Canadians; and
• Recruit, train and retain more health care workers to ease wait times.

5. Investment in child care

The high cost of child care and lack of licensed spaces mean that too many Canadian families are being squeezed. Investments in child care can create jobs and help parents, particularly mothers, to re-enter the workforce.

Canada’s spending on early childhood education and care falls far behind that of other OECD countries, but the upcoming federal budget can start to change that, by making immediate, modest investments in child care.

The labour movement has called on the federal government to work with the provinces and territories to develop and fund a common, robust early learning and child care framework. In the 2016 budget, the federal government can allocate targeted federal funding to provinces and territories to build universal, comprehensive, high-quality systems. With funding, provinces and territories could begin to address affordability, support child care workers by raising low wages in the sector, and meet the needs of hard-to-serve populations, such as families with children with disabilities, and refugee and newcomer families.

6. Measures to tackle child poverty

Over 1.3 million Canadian children live in poverty, including 40 percent of Indigenous children. The simple reality is that children live in poverty because their families live in poverty.

The federal government needs to develop a national anti-poverty strategy tackling the many causes of child poverty, including persistent unemployment, the proliferation of insecure jobs, and stagnant wages. Fixing Employment Insurance, creating jobs through infrastructure and other strategic investments, and improving access to child care – as outlined above – are just some of the ways our government can begin to lift children, and their families, above the poverty line.

7. Truth, reconciliation and justice for First Nations

During the election, the government committed to a renewed, nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples. There is much work to be done to get to that point, and to enact all the recommendations of last year’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report.

In its pre-budget submission to government, the Canadian Labour Congress identified drinking water and sanitation in Indigenous communities as a key infrastructure priority, saying that “It is unacceptable that, in a nation as wealthy as ours is, this critical necessity is not available to all.”

Unions will also be watching for new funding for First Nations’ child care programs, education and skills training, as well as adequate funding for the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

8. Help for seniors in poverty

Right now, one in nine Canadian seniors live in poverty. Retirement after a lifetime of hard work shouldn’t mean unbearable financial struggle. Expanding the Canada Pension Plan is still crucial; but in the short term, increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement for single, low-income seniors by 10 percent, as promised in the last election, would be a significant move to help address seniors’ poverty.

9. Literacy investments

Research by the TD Bank Financial Group suggests that the economy-wide impact of raising average literacy levels would be tremendous. Even a 1 percent improvement in literacy rates nationally would boost our economy by $32 billion.

The Conservative government allowed the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills to lapse funding every year. This funding should be restored immediately.

In addition, Canadian unions are urging the government to speed up special investments to support Syrian refugees in need of language training, literacy and other basic employment support programs to help them succeed in Canada’s workforce.

10. Action on climate change

Canadian unions have been working with environmental, Indigenous, faith and community groups since 2009 to develop a “One Million Climate Jobs” plan for Canada.

Through strategic infrastructure investments in public transit, renewable energy and green building retrofits, the federal government could create more than one million climate jobs and reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions by one-third over 10 years. The plan also includes a just transition to help workers affected by climate change move into new economic growth sectors.

Of course, these are only some of the issues that affect working Canadians. The Canadian Labour Congress’ submission to the government’s pre-budget consultation sums it up: on March 22, Canadian unions will ultimately be looking for real, progressive change aimed at “building a fairer and more prosperous Canada” for all.

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The CLC – as part of the Green Economy Network (GEN) – helped develop the plan called “One Million Climate Jobs: A Challenge for Canada.”

“Climate change is a crisis we can’t ignore. Our plan can start the transition process now, so that affected workers and communities can look forward to the future instead of fearing it,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff.

The GEN plan lays out a framework for job creation in various sectors that would help lift many Canadians out of unemployment or underemployment, while reducing Canada’s carbon emissions, and helping to move the country towards a low-to-zero carbon economy.

Renowned environmental activist, David Suzuki, supports the plan which includes strategic investments in housing retrofits, renewable energy and sustainable transportation systems.

“Workers know climate change is happening – in forestry, in fishing – they see it every day,” said Suzuki.

“This crisis is also an opportunity to transition to a more sustainable future,” Suzuki added.

At the COP21 climate change summit in Paris in December 2015, Prime Minister Trudeau promised that the government would produce a plan to steer the Canadian economy away from its reliance on fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy sources.

“We presented our plan at the summit and we hope the First Ministers and the Prime Minister will be inspired by it. We look forward to the government developing an ambitious roadmap to a sustainable economy,” said Yussuff.

To read the Common Platform of the Green Economy Network, click here.

For more information, please contact:

Chantal St-Denis, CLC Communications, cstdenis@clc-ctc.ca

Kerry Pither, National Director, CLC Communications, kpither@clc-ctc.ca

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Last week, Canadian Labour Congress President, Hassan Yussuff, and several other Canadian union leaders met with Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland to express serious concerns about the deal.

“We made it clear that Canadians must be fully informed and have their say before there is any talk of ratification,” said Yussuff.

In a subsequent letter to Minister Freeland, Yussuff provided a detailed list of Canadian unions’ concerns with the Trans-Pacific Partnership, including the following major threats:

Corporations get more power to sue; workers remain largely unprotected

Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) is a provision in many trade agreements, which allows massive corporations to directly sue democratically-elected governments, in an unaccountable system separate from national courts, in order to protect and expand their profits.

For example, Canada is currently being sued by drug company Eli Lilly for $500 million after our courts refused to extend patents on several of their drugs.

While corporations are given more rights, workers’ rights remain almost totally unprotected under multinational trade agreements like the TPP. For example:

• Chapter 12 of the TPP gives corporations the ability to bring employees to Canada en masse, without any requirement that these workers be paid fairly;
• Employers will be able to transfer skilled trades and technical employees to Canada, with no requirement that they attempt to hire within Canada first;
• The labour provisions of the TPP have no teeth and provide no guarantees that basic workers’ rights in TPP partner countries will be protected and that workers will be able to exercise their rights to form a union and to engage in collective bargaining.

Since the early 1990s, as international trade agreements have proliferated, work has become more precarious, income inequality has grown, and corporations have found more ways to escape responsibilities to treat workers fairly. The TPP will only make things worse. A simulation by Tufts University using the UN Global Policy Model projects greater income inequality in every TPP country by 2025 as a result of the agreement.

If the goal behind the TPP is to improve our global economy, we need to end the flawed experiment with ISDS. It’s time to rebalance the “investor protection” process and ensure companies’ responsibilities – to treat workers fairly and protect the environment – are emphasized just as much as the protection of their assets.

Massive Job Losses in Automotive Manufacturing

In 2014, approximately 40,000 Canadians worked in motor vehicle manufacturing and another 70,000 in parts manufacturing. A study by Unifor found the TPP could lead to the loss of 20,000 jobs in the Canadian auto sector alone by:

• Quickly eliminating any remaining incentive to manufacture vehicles in Canada, favouring imports from Japan; and
• Increasing the incentive for companies to source auto parts from low-wage non-TPP nations, discouraging engine and transmission manufacturing in North America.

Canadian dairy farms under threat

Our country’s supply management system ensures Canadians have access to high-quality, locally-produced food while supporting small family farms and rural communities. Unfortunately, Canada’s has been importing more and more dairy since 2006. The TPP will give foreign dairy producers an even bigger share of our dairy market. 250 million liters of milk, and the production jobs that come from that, are at risk annually.

While dairy farm owners (but not workers) have been promised a 15-year compensation package, it’s clear the TPP will only hasten the decline of Canada’s dairy industry.

Lower Food Safety Standards

The TPP makes it harder for the Canadian government to introduce new or maintain existing regulations such as safety standards, even when they are in the public’s interest.

For example, Canada’s food safety system currently bans the sale of products containing bovine growth hormone. Under the TPP, our ban on bovine growth hormone, and other regulations designed to protect consumers, could be challenged as a “trade barrier.”

Higher Prescription Drug Costs

Canada already has the second-highest per capita drug costs in the world. The TPP gives even more monopoly patent protection to drug companies than they currently have, meaning it will take longer for Canadians to access cheaper, generic versions of drugs. The TPP’s concessions to drug companies could see Canadians pay over $800 million annually in increased drug costs.

In addition, the TPP:

• Locks Canada into its current level of privatization and commercialization, preventing public innovation, such as the introduction of a universal, national, public pharmacare program; and
• Gives large drug companies even more power to sue our governments if their patented drugs are excluded from government pharmacare plans.

Companies could prevent countries from fighting climate change

By virtue of the TPP and previous trade agreements such as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), government can no longer attach conditions to procurement contracts to foster local economic development or ensure environmental standards. Therefore, governments may be restricted from demanding local hiring, the purchase of local products or requiring workers to be paid industry wages.

This restriction will likely mean that governments will not be able to maximize the job spinoff of large infrastructure projects, such as those that are expected in the fight against climate change. For example, the TPP would prevent a government from requiring local sourcing in order to foster green industry.

With ISDS, corporations will also be able to challenge the regulations required to fight climate change if they deem them to be unreasonable or unfair obstacles to carry on their business activities. As a result, the TPP will put a chill on governments taking the steps necessary to fight climate change. Without governments taking a strong role, we will not be able to transition to a low-carbon economy in time to avert climate catastrophe.

When the Harper government began negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership, they did not take the time to perform any kind of economic or environmental analysis. While major concerns like the above have been raised, no convincing case has been made for why Canadians would benefit from the TPP.

To read the full text of the letter to Trade Minister Freeland, click here.

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Over 2015, employment only grew by 0.9 percent, and most of that growth was concentrated in the first quarter of the year. Nearly 60 percent of the increase in employment in 2015 was self-employed workers, a precarious form of employment.

While employment was up by nearly 23,000 in December, the gain consisted entirely of self-employed workers, as the labour force lost 17,500 employees and gained 40,000 self-employed workers. The largest losses were in accommodation and food services, which had 14,400 fewer positions last month.

Canadian Labour Congress President Hassan Yussuff noted that the current Employment Insurance (EI) system is leaving too many unemployed workers behind—fewer than 40 percent of Canada’s unemployed receive EI regular benefits. He called on the federal government to swiftly implement its election commitments to expand EI eligibility and cut wait times.

The situation in Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador raises particular concern, as we start to see the full impact of job losses due to declining oil prices.

In Alberta, losses in full-time work have been mostly replaced with part-time work, but the unemployment rate has jumped from 4.7 percent to 7 percent over the course of 2015. Newfoundland and Labrador was also hit hard by falling oil prices, as their unemployment rate rose from 11.8 percent at the start of the year to 14.4 percent in December.

“What we see happening is an unjust transition where working families take the biggest hit from economic change. But there is still time to put in place labour-market adjustment measures to help displaced workers,” said Yussuff.

The Canadian Labour Congress has been working with provincial governments and the new federal government to talk about how to grow our economy; create good, sustainable, family-supporting jobs; and transition laid-off workers.

For instance, at the COP21 summit in December, the CLC partnered with the Climate Action Network and the Green Economy Network to co-host a forum with federal, provincial and municipal politicians on how Canada could fight climate change by creating one million green jobs. Areas where Canada has strong job growth potential include alternative energy, building retrofits, public transit and other infrastructure, and green manufacturing, and the CLC would like to see the government embrace investment and skills training in that direction.

Yussuff said he would be watching the federal budget carefully when it is released in the spring to see how the government will implement its commitments around Employment Insurance, infrastructure and skills training.

“What we need is a clear plan that allows workers – laid off extractive sector workers, yes, but also other unemployed workers across the country – to transition into growth areas. We need a plan that provides them with the skills and opportunities they need to participate in the growth sectors of today and tomorrow,” said Yussuff.

“We are playing catch-up but with a new federal government, we can move quickly to turn things around, diversify our economy and ensure a just transition for workers into good, green jobs,” Yussuff added.

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The agreement mandates reviews of emission reduction plans starting in 2018, signalling a commitment by all countries to phase out fossil fuels and reduce emissions to zero by the end of this century, making renewable energy a global priority.

“While gaps exist for enforcement, financing, and the ratcheting-up of targets, there are now steps in place for future reviews that will address these issues,” said CLC president Hassan Yussuff.

Yussuff led a delegation of 35 Canadian trade union leaders to the Paris Summit that worked with unions from all around the world and liaised with environmental and human rights groups and other NGOs. Delegates attended daily briefings with the federal Environment minister and Canadian negotiators, and met with premiers, municipal leaders and with provincial and federal Environment ministers to push for firm commitments at all levels.

As well as campaigning for ambitious emissions reduction targets, the delegation advocated for human rights – including indigenous rights – and the right to a just transition for workers to be enshrined in the binding text of the agreement.

“We were disappointed that mention of these rights was relegated to the agreement’s non-binding preamble,” said Yussuff.

While the delegation is concerned that the final agreement does not go far enough, it is committed to collaborating with government and industry to continue the discussion about a just transition.

“We were pleased to see our government play a positive leadership role at this summit, and to see it working cooperatively and inclusively with provincial and municipal governments, and with environmental, labour, indigenous and other civil society groups,” said Yussuff.

The Canadian trade union delegation was pleased that the Canadian government promoted more ambitious global warming limits, progressive emission reduction commitments on five-year cycles and annual contributions to the global climate fund. In addition, unions were encouraged by the government’s promise to introduce a pan-Canadian framework for climate action within 90 days of the Summit.

The Canadian government also committed to its own emissions assessment by 2018, ahead of most other countries, and pledged $2.6 billion for the support of adaptation and emission reductions, prompting other wealthy countries to do the same.

“The collaborative approach we saw in Paris must continue as Canada moves forward to meet and realize its commitments. Governments at every level, as well as business, labour and civil society organizations all have a responsibility to work together and act urgently and decisively to protect this planet’s future,” said Yussuff.

“Canadian unions are committed to doing their part to fight climate change; and we will work with governments and employers to ensure a just transition to a carbon-free economy that supports displaced workers and creates millions of decent, green jobs,” he added.

The need for collaboration and a just transition strategy were key issues for COP21 union delegates. On December 3, the CLC partnered with the Climate Action Network and the Green Economy Network to co-host a forum on how Canada could fight climate change by creating one million climate jobs.

The forum provided an opportunity for federal, provincial and municipal politicians, and trade union and environmental leaders to discuss how to create new, green jobs and incorporate training and education for workers displaced by the transition to a low-to-zero carbon economy.

The CLC is a member of the Climate Action Network, whose statement in response to the COP21 text is available here.

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Employment fell by 36,000 jobs in November, and the unemployment rate rose to 7.1 per cent. Nova Scotia and Manitoba saw massive increases in unemployment. Saskatchewan was the only province to see any job gains this month.

“Looking at these numbers and how they fit into the long-term trend, it’s concerning. Our previous government sat on their hands. Now, our new government has an opportunity to turn things around, and there is no time to delay,” said Canadian Labour Congress President Hassan Yussuff.

Looking deeper into the numbers shows that self-employment growth is outpacing regular, paid jobs. Regular paid positions fell by 62,000 in November, partially offset by a 26,000 gain in precarious, self-employed positions.

The Liberal government’s election platform included strong commitments to investing in infrastructure, including new, dedicated funding for public transit, social infrastructure, and green infrastructure. Yussuff said following through on these infrastructure investments should be a key priority for the new government.

Further, while the unemployment rate for young workers fell from 13.3 per cent to 12.7 per cent, that’s because 40,000 young workers dropped out of the labour market in November 2015.

“The situation we’re seeing shows a youth employment strategy is urgently needed, and that must include expanded training and apprenticeship opportunities,” said Yussuff.

This month’s numbers did show a small increase in manufacturing positions; however, Yussuff said he’s concerned the Trans-Pacific Partnership could reverse this trend.

“The TPP has the potential to seriously impact auto parts manufacturing unless significant changes are made,” said Yussuff. “We look forward to public discussion about the details of the agreement and how we can safeguard manufacturing jobs.”

Looking back at the past year, job growth has been slow (0.7 per cent) and concentrated in the public sector. Jobs in the natural resources sector fell by seven per cent or 26,000 over the past year and there has not been an engine of economic growth to pick up the slack. Health care and social assistance was the sector with the largest job growth over the past year, adding 69,000 jobs (a three per cent increase).

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In the coming federal election, we will be asking the parties what they will be doing to create green jobs for thousands of Canadians and to join the rest of the world in committing to address climate change.

Canada ranks 58th out of 61 developed countries for climate change performance according to an annual report by Germanwatch. The only developed countries with a worse record than Canada are Kazakhstan (59th), Iran (60th) and Saudi Arabia (61st). China ranks 46th while the United States ranks 43rd.

“Any investment in green industry creates more than seven times the jobs than the same investment in the fossil fuel extraction industry,” says Donald Lafleur, CLC Executive Vice-President.

In April, we will be part of a Climate Change Week of Action — a week that will focus on Canada’s climate change record. We will be reaching out to members of parliament to support the NDP climate change bill; promoting the creation of one million climate jobs in renewable energy, public transit and high speed rail; and continuing to make homes and buildings more energy efficient.

The labour movement is working to make the environment healthier and safer for everyone. We can make every day Earth Day by greening our existing jobs and making choices that are better for the environment, both at home and at work. This year we have an opportunity to elect a new government that will commit to addressing climate change and investing in green jobs.

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World leaders were invited by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to New York to attend a Climate Summit on September 23rd. The one-day event will serve to launch international climate negotiations. The Heads of State will meet to discuss actions taken by their countries in order to phase-out fossil-fuel-based economies and to promote the finalization of a new international treaty in Paris in 2015. Prime Minister Stephen Harper will not attend the Summit. It is sad to say but we believe that this is a good thing. Political leaders attending the event want to work towards climate protection. Since Prime Minister Harper shows no interest in such an initiative, it is best that he stay home.

All Canadians are dismayed by the present situation. We can be part of the solution. Considering the importance of what is at stake, we would have wanted the Prime Minister to not only attend the Summit but also lead the way on the issue.

If we want to change the situation, we must all encourage politicians at all levels of government – municipal, provincial and federal – to make sure that climate protection becomes a priority.

Canada must sign the international climate agreement with specific targets in order to show the whole world that the problem is serious and that we are doing our part to solve it. Canada must at least announce, during the next United Nations bargaining sessions to be held in Lima, Peru, next December, the additional actions that it will take to reach the goal for 2020 that it set for itself in Copenhagen in 2009. Without those actions, the target will be missed, and by far. Canada could have announced those actions during the Climate Summit in New York, but it will unfortunately not take that opportunity. The best we can do is to encourage our government to state to the rest of the planet how it intends to meet its goal by 2020.

Under the current international negotiation process, countries are expected to announce ambitious commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions long before the last negotiating session in Paris in December 2015. In order to make sure that the negotiations are concluded on time, countries are expected to announce what they are ready to commit at the beginning of 2015. Canada will then announce its commitment and demonstrate how it plans to reach the long-term objective that it had felt essential for climate changes to remain within a manageable risk limit, i.e. emission reductions between 80% and 90% by 2015. Canada’s target for the Paris agreement is reaching levels 35% lower than those of 1990 by 2025 and 45% lower by 2030. Canada must also commit to provide major financial and technological support and to reinforce adjustment to climate changes and the capacity of developing countries to reduce GHG emissions.

We expect the federal government to support the efforts made by the provinces to meet a legally-binding national target. We want the federal government to facilitate cooperation throughout Canada and on the international level as well as exchanges and investments in renewable energy so that we can move away from the use of obsolete fossil fuels. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to act.

Progress has been slow. Dangerously slow. The time has come to step up the pace. We are ingenious, creative and competent. We have the ability to change things. We simply need to act.

Donald Lafleur is an Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress, which brings together most of Canada’s national and international unions, the ten provincial and two territorial federations of labour and dozens of district labour councils. Through these organizations, the CLC represents over three million union members who work in all occupations and in all parts of Canada.

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