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…
Edmonton lab worker fired for being gay wins new charter protections for all canadians.
April 1, 2018
On April 1, 1998, the Supreme Court of Canada overturned a lower court ruling and ruled that it was illegal for Canadians to face discrimination based on their sexual orientation. It was a landmark ruling that expanded the Charter of Rights and Freedoms into new territory and offered legal protection for Canada’s LBGTQ2SI community. Canada’s unions have a long history…
Canada’s unions welcome apology to LGBTQ2SI community
November 28, 2017
Canada’s unions are welcoming today’s apology for the so-called National Security purge that saw the decades-long government-sanctioned and systematic persecution of LGBTQ2SI workers. “This is a good day for Canada’s LGBTQ2SI workers, and for all those who tirelessly pushed for justice,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff. “In particular we should acknowledge the relentless advocacy of many unions who fought for…
October 7, 2017 will mark the 10th anniversary of the World Day for Decent Work, a day when unions around the world unite in action for decent work. What is “decent work”? Access for all workers to quality jobs, dignity, equality, and safe working conditions. Putting workers at the centre of development and giving them a voice in what they do.…
Canada’s unions celebrate Pride, committing to work for more justice
June 1, 2017
Over the next few months, Canada’s unions will join others in communities across Canada to celebrate Pride and support LGBTQ2SI equality and justice. While Pride is a time to celebrate, it is also a time for reflection and activism. Pride originated in response to the police crackdown on LGBTQ2SI spaces like the 1981 bath house raids in Toronto. “It is…
Change needed federally to protect LGBTQ community
May 17, 2017
May 17 is the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT), a day which marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) decision to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders and illnesses. This year, Canada’s unions hope to see the passing of Bill C-16, a legislation that would protect both gender identity and gender expression under…
Unions are joining trans Canadians and their allies celebrating the settlement of a landmark human rights complaint today. The settlement resolves a complaint launched in 2011 by Christin Milloy (“she/her”), a trans activist from Toronto, against Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). “What we see today is an important recognition by government that it is inappropriate to collect data about…