“It’s everyone’s responsibility to act in a timely matter to protect public health and keep Ontarians as safe as possible — including Ontario’s public colleges.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU/SEFPO President

The members of the National Union are deeply concerned about the situation in the central Philippines following Typhoon Rai. There is a critical need for support for those directly impacted by this disaster." — Bert Blundon, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer

“Given the volume of cases being reported and the experience of previous waves this crisis is getting worse and to say there have been no impacts defies logic." — Mike Parker, HSAA President

The updated joint agreement sets out new minimum PPE requirements including that all clinical and non-clinical health care workers who enter a room or space, or are within 2 metres of a patient with suspected, presumed, or confirmed COVID-19, will wear a fit-tested N95 respirator, gown, gloves, and eye protection.

“We are proud to partner with the Food Banks of Saskatchewan to help make the holidays a little brighter and more hopeful. I encourage all those who are able, to make a donation during the festive season and throughout the coming year.” — Tracey Sauer, SGEU President

As a union, we have always believed that great things can happen when we work together. This time is no different. We will keep fighting for good jobs with good wages, safe working conditions, and decent pensions. We will continue to fight for better communities and workplaces, free from racism and intolerance. We will fight to make equality and fairness part of any recovery.

“Austerity and privatization just don't work. Costs go up, service quality suffers, public accountability declines, and good jobs are lost —  all while multi-national corporations and consultants line their pockets. Today our message to government is clear — we will fight this agenda with every tool in our arsenal.” — Jerry Earle, NAPE President

"While this report looks back, we are focused on the future. There will be challenges ahead but we'll face them. As we recover from the last 2 years, we remain hopeful. It's time to reimagine our world. And we will do that—together." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President

“Our members are sending a clear message that they want to see a negotiated settlement. I’m sure an agreement is in reach, so let’s get back to the bargaining table and get it.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of OPSEU/SEFPO/NUPGE

Unless governments ensure that virtual health care services are part of the public system, the growth of virtual health care will lead to more of our health care system being privatized.

“Poverty, food insecurity, unsafe drinking water, lack of education, unsafe housing conditions, poor health, substance abuse, and over incarceration—these problems feed into each other and create a web of inequality for Indigenous people.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President

Blundon and Coccola shared their experience at COP26 and their analysis of key issues and outcomes. This led to discussion about the implications for Canada and how we can advance climate action.

“One only needs to listen to the testimony of survivors to know that conversion therapy is an abhorrent practice that has no place in Canada,” said Larry Brown, NUPGE President. “Lives are on the line. We’re happy to see the government finally take action and ban conversion therapy.”

"We need this government to invest in our public services and public programs, not cut them.” — Kyle Ross, MGEU President

Students facing unexpected costs at a private for-profit college in Ottawa is just the latest reason to be concerned about public funding for private colleges.