Canada’s unions on COP27: Some wins, but we have our work cut out for us
November 21, 2022
The COP27 negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, delivered some important wins but highlighted that, more than ever, the world needs a Just Transition. Canada’s unions are pleased that the Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan emphasizes the need for a Just Transition to centre social dialogue and include social protection. This is a significant step forward that recognizes the importance of engaging…
Labour 20 recommendations to G20 Labour and Employment Ministers
September 14, 2022
In advance of a meeting of the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers held in Bali, Indonesia on September 14, 2022, the Labour 20, or L20, laid out a series of recommendations to Ministers. The L20 represents trade unions from G20 countries and global unions. The group called on Ministers to lay the foundation of a new social contract and take…
Bruske to German Chancellor and the G7: Turn from ambition to action on climate and just transition
May 11, 2022
Bruske: We must not trade good jobs for low-quality, precarious work as we accelerate progress on tackling the climate crisis 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…
Parliament must work with urgency on helping families
January 27, 2022
Bea Bruske: With care systems at a crisis point, runaway costs and a broken social safety net, MPs must get to work on solutions that help families now OTTAWA – While the pandemic rolls on with new disruptions, Canada’s unions are urging Members of Parliament to get down to work on helping struggling families when the House of Commons resumes sitting…
More needed to help Canadians amid devastating Omicron wave Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, is available to speak to media today about the federal government’s Lockdown Benefit and the effect restrictions and business closures are having on workers and their families. In advance of the government’s announcement on December 22, 2021, Bruske said: “Canada’s unions are profoundly…
Canada’s unions welcome federal government commitments on climate change
December 11, 2020
OTTAWA – Coming on the heels of the government’s climate accountability legislation, today’s 2030 climate emissions reduction plan contains significant announcements for working people. 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…
Federal government’s new bill on climate change an important step on the hard road ahead
November 20, 2020
Canada’s unions are welcoming the tabling of new federal legislation that puts the country on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. However, there is much work to do to get there, said Hassan Yussuff, president of the Canadian Labour Congress. “This bill provides a solid path towards reaching Canada’s targets. That being said, it will take…
Canada is in the midst of an economic crisis that has disproportionately affected low-paid, vulnerable workers in precarious employment, especially women, young workers, newcomers, workers of colour and workers with disabilities. Federal fiscal policy measures must prioritize helping Canadians return to decent jobs. This means expanding access to training and apprenticeship opportunities. Canada’s unions believe the federal government should use…
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Like most things, Earth Day will look very different this year, as events move online as people around the world avoid gathering in groups in an effort to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this unprecedented health and economic crisis brought on by the pandemic, nature has the power…
Canadian Labour Congress stands in solidarity with student-led Global Climate Strike
September 20, 2019
Students around the world are taking bold action to protect the planet, holding climate strikes every Friday, pushing for urgent and ambitious climate action to limit global warming. The strikes were started in August of 2018 by 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. These #FridaysForFuture student strikes now take place in communities all over the world, including across Canada. Students are…