Forward Together

Throne speech must move the country forward

September 18, 2020

OTTAWA – Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to make firm commitments towards investing in the country’s economic recovery in the upcoming Speech from the Throne.

“Social programs like national pharmacare and child care will help to rectify structural inequities that this pandemic has made all the more clear,” said Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “A stronger public health system that includes mental health, long-term care and home care will help to protect people in Canada throughout this pandemic and beyond.”

The pandemic has underscored the inseparability of Canada’s economic, health and social well-being. A sound recovery will depend on the government’s efforts towards addressing the stark gaps in our social safety net and ensuring that the most vulnerable communities are not left behind.

The establishment of the CERB was a response to the inadequacy of the country’s Employment Insurance program and the government will need to shore up the system to address current and future job losses. The government must also invest in job training, as well as a national child care system to further address the negative impacts on women.

People of colour, including Black Canadians and Indigenous communities, are facing particular challenges that have been exacerbated during this pandemic. The Speech from the Throne must include concrete action to address systemic racism and discrimination.

“We have the opportunity to disaster-proof our communities now and into the future,” said Yussuff. “People in Canada deserve a government that is ready to rise to the challenge and make significant investments that will support a strong recovery that includes everyone.”

The Throne speech must further include a plan to invest in job creation, including building green infrastructure while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information:
CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

  • Social Justice and Democracy
  • Reject corporate gaslighting and deliver help for people in Budget 2024

    March 25, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Canada must address systemic racism and discrimination in the workforce

    March 21, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Anti-Scab
  • Premier Kinew aims to strengthen Manitoba with card check law and anti-scab legislation – now blocked by opposition Tories

    March 18, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Anti-Scab
  • CLC President Bruske to all levels of government: Show you stand with workers and implement anti-scab legislation now

    March 14, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Canada can deliver gender justice for women by improving care

    March 8, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Pink Shirt Day: 2SLGBTQI+ kids should be free to be themselves

    February 28, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Jobs, Economy and Environment
  • Statement from Bea Bruske: Banning scab labour is about protecting workers’ rights

    February 27, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Social Justice and Democracy
  • Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress on the news about NDP/Liberal negotiations on pharmacare:

    February 23, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Social Justice and Democracy
  • Statement by Bea Bruske: Conservatives stand against workers

    February 7, 2024
    Click to open the link