Alberta Premier Danielle Smith gambling with workers’ futures
September 22, 2023
Canada’s unions are voicing strong concerns about Conservative Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith’s playing politics with the idea of withdrawing Alberta from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), in favour of creating a provincial pension program. “Pensions and workers’ livelihoods are too important to toy with. We cannot allow workers’ financial security to be used as a bargaining chip by elected officials.…
Enough is enough: It’s time to put workers and pensioners before big banks and CEOs.
March 9, 2023
By Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress as published in The Hill Times No matter who we are, most of us want financial security for ourselves and our families when we retire. We give our all and spend decades dedicating our time and energy to our employers. When we retire, we depend on our hard-earned pensions to provide…
Politicians must collaborate to find solutions for Canada’s struggling workers
January 24, 2023
Bruske: The choices facing decision-makers in the coming months will shape Canada for years to come and Canada’s unions will be there to demand a better Canada for all workers. OTTAWA- As the cabinet retreat adjourns and all parties prepare for the return of Parliament next Monday, Canada’s unions are urging cooperation and collaboration focused on helping struggling families. December’s…
Unions welcome new protections for workers’ pensions
November 23, 2022
Bruske: Senate must now act quickly to pass Bill C-228 and safeguard the hard-earned pensions of millions of workers and pensioners. OTTAWA — Canada’s unions are happy to see Bill C-228 passed in the House of Commons today. This bill aimed to ensure that in the event of an employer becoming insolvent, the employer will have to prioritize paying pensions…
Canada’s unions welcome cross-party collaboration on the Pension Protection Act – Bill C-228
June 14, 2022
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions welcome the cross-party collaboration of New Democrat, Bloc and Conservative MPs, who are moving forward key legislation to put workers at the front-of-the-line and protect their pensions when it comes to commercial bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings. “Pensions are a deferred pay cheque. Workers have put in their hours, their hard work, and have earned those pensions.…
UN Day for Older Persons: Canada’s unions call for strong supports for seniors
October 1, 2021
Canada’s unions are marking the UN Day for Older Persons by highlighting the need for strong pension plans and social supports to help seniors retire in dignity at the end of their career. Canada’s elderly population is growing: Statistics Canada reports that nearly one in every five Canadians is 65 years of age or older. Nearly one in five current…
O’Toole speaks out of both sides of his mouth on pensions
August 24, 2021
Conservative O’Toole spent career defending large corporations, can workers trust him now to stand up to his Bay St. buddies? Erin O’Toole’s pensions announcement today is long on rhetoric about concern for workers, but short on real answers to helping workers and pensioners in need. “Mr. O’Toole and the Conservatives’ platform doesn’t say if workers and pensioners will come before…
Hidden in Conservative platform: An attack on public pensions and EI
August 19, 2021
Conservatives would relegate gig workers to second-class citizens in Canada’s workforce OTTAWA – Hidden in Erin O’Toole’s Conservative policy platform is a kick in the teeth for the retirement and job security of gig workers. “Conservatives have a policy plan that includes a blatant attack on public pensions. They would permanently relegate gig workers to second-class status in Canada’s workforce,”…
CLC Canadian Council Statement on an Alberta Pension Plan
June 15, 2021
The Alberta Government of Jason Kenney has indicated its intention to explore withdrawing from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Canada’s unions oppose this step and call on the Government of Alberta to abandon this ill-considered decision. Pension plans are complex, long-term arrangements. Funding, design and investment decisions made today will affect generations far into the future. Choices made about pensions…
Canada’s unions welcome support for large industries
May 11, 2020
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions applaud today’s Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) announcement, which recognizes the importance of worker interests and collective agreements. “We’re glad to see the government announce support for hard-hit sectors, and companies that employ millions of Canadians,” said Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Hassan Yussuff. “Most importantly, the government has included explicit directives to respect collective…