Canada’s unions support the call for immediate action to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people
June 3, 2019
Canada’s unions are calling the long-awaited report on the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls the necessary and long overdue blueprint for immediate action. The report, released today, follows three years of painful testimonies from 2000 affected individuals and their families, shared during dozens of community meetings across the country. “The final report calls what is happening…
Canada’s Unions Call for an End to Discriminatory Blood Donation Policies
May 17, 2019
On May 9, 2019, Canada’s Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor announced a new deferral policy for blood donations from men who have sex with men, effectively reducing the deferral time from one year to three months. This International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT), Canada’s unions are calling for an end to discriminatory policies which perpetuate homophobic and transphobic…
Canada’s unions have a role to play in promoting fairness, equality and freedom from violence for all workers, regardless of age, race, religion, ability, sex, gender identity and gender expression, or sexuality. As unions we can help to educate and empower our members so that all workplaces are welcoming and inclusive.
November 20 is the Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR). Communities around the world hold vigils, rallies and other memorial events on this day to honor two spirit, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people who have been murdered because of their gender identity. “Trans people face disproportionately high levels of violence and harassment. Ensuring respect and fair treatment for trans workers…
First “gay rights” demonstration on Parliament Hill
August 28, 2018
On August 28, 1971 demonstrators presented a manifesto entitled “We Demand” that outlined a series of demands for equal rights for gays and lesbians. This was the first public march of its kind on Parliament Hill. Summer is the time for Pride events and marches in Canada. But while these celebrations are now somewhat commonplace in many cities across the…
On July 15, 1996 federal government workers in same-sex relationships finally received the same workplace benefits as their co-workers had been receiving for partners and spouses of the opposite gender. Equal access to pension, health care, dental and other spousal benefits was finally won after years of struggle by lesbian, gay and bisexual workers who, backed by their unions, took…
Canada’s unions mark National Indigenous Peoples Day by calling for two-year extension of MMIW public inquiry
June 21, 2018
This National Indigenous Peoples Day, Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to grant the two-year extension to the mandate of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Earlier in June, the Commission was only granted a six-month extension in response to its request to add an additional two years to their mandate. “We must…
This Pride season, Canadians deserve a pharmacare plan we can be proud of
June 4, 2018
Canada’s unions are kicking off Pride season by renewing the call for universal pharmacare. Too many LGBTQ2SI people are among the more than 3.5 million people living in Canada who can’t afford to fill their prescriptions; and over half of people living in Canada are afraid they won’t be able to afford their prescription medication in the future. The LGBTQ2SI…
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia: Speak up together against violence and harassment
May 17, 2018
Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to make it easier for workers to report harassment and violence by implementing anti-reprisal measures, including whistleblower protection. This will make it safer for LGBTQ2SI workers to report harassment and violence in the workplace, without fear of reprisal, discrimination or stigma. “Violence and harassment should never be part of the job. It’s time…
Help end bullying and harassment on the International Day of Pink
April 11, 2018
Canada’s unions have a long history of celebrating diversity and challenging discrimination, harassment and bullying. On April 11, the International Day of Pink, people are encouraged to wear pink in their school, workplace or community as a show of solidarity with survivors of homophobic and transphobic bullying. “Harassment and violence are serious barriers to equality, particularly for LGBTQ2SI workers, who…