IDAHOTB: Canada’s unions call for an end to violence and harassment
May 17, 2022
Canada’s unions are marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) by calling for meaningful action to end violence and harassment against 2SLGBTQI people in Canada. “Across the globe, we are seeing unprecedented attacks on the rights of 2SLGBTQI people,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “In 2022 alone, we’ve witnessed the introduction of…
Canada’s unions celebrate end to discriminatory blood donation policy
April 28, 2022
Bruske: Long-awaited victory for 2SLGBTQI advocates OTTAWA –– After waiting three decades, Canada’s unions welcome today’s decision by the Canadian government to reverse its discriminatory blood donation policy, which had been in place since 1992. “This is a positive step in addressing ongoing systemic discrimination experienced by 2SLGBTQI people,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). …
Canada’s unions urge federal government to end conversion therapy
November 19, 2021
Canada’s unions are marking November 20 – the Transgender Day of Remembrance – by renewing their call for a national ban on conversion therapy. Legislation seeking to prohibit conversion practices, Bill C-6, was halted in the Canadian Senate in June 2021, and died when the 2021 election was called. The Transgender Day of Remembrance celebrates and honours trans, non-binary and…
Canada’s unions call for urgent action to address hate crimes against 2SLGBTQI people
May 17, 2021
Canada’s unions are marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) by urging the federal government to address the rise in hate crimes against 2SLGBTQI communities in Canada. “There is no place for homophobic, transphobic or biphobic violence in our communities,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans…
Canada’s unions urge federal government to help end transphobic harassment in the workplace
March 31, 2021
Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to mark the International Trans Day of Visibility by ratifying ILO Convention C-190 to help end transphobic discrimination, violence and harassment in the workplace. The International Trans Day of Visibility is celebrated around the world on March 31st as an opportunity to highlight the contributions of trans and non-binary community members. “It’s challenging to…
Canada’s unions mark Pink Shirt Day by calling for an end to workplace violence and harassment
February 24, 2021
Canada’s unions are marking Pink Shirt Day by calling on the federal government to ratify ILO Convention 190, a global convention to end all violence and harassment at work, including gender-based violence. Although Canada adopted Convention 190 in 2019, the federal government has yet to ratify the convention, which would turn the global treaty into law. Pink Shirt Day is…
Canada’s unions are marking this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance by calling on the federal government to implement a ban on conversion therapy. Conversion therapy aims to change an individual’s sexual orientation or to change an individual’s gender identity. This harmful practice negatively impacts LGBTQ2SI people and reinforces myths and stereotypes. “Conversion therapy is a cruel and dangerous practice that…
Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQI community
June 1, 2020
Pride season is a time for communities to come together to celebrate, show solidarity and press for change. In the midst of this COVID-19 crisis, we have to acknowledge that this year’s Pride will look different, but the need for supportive, affirmative communities is greater than ever. As celebrations across the country are cancelled, rescheduled or shifted to digital platforms…
Canada’s Unions call for action against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia during COVID-19 crisis
May 17, 2020
On this International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to support 2SLGBTQI organizations struggling with the impacts of the current crisis. 2SLGBTQI peoples are more vulnerable to discrimination, violence, harassment and stigma on the basis of sexuality and gender identity right now. The lockdown makes it more difficult to find support…
Canada’s unions renew call for National Action Plan on Violence Against Women and Girls
April 29, 2020
As the country mourns the loss of twenty-two lives in last week’s horrific mass shooting in Nova Scotia, Canada’s unions are once again calling for a National Action Plan on Violence Against Women and Girls. Although there is still much we do not know about this tragedy, now the deadliest massacre in Canadian history, it has come to light that…