"From 1999 to 2015, businesses have saved $3.8 billion cumulatively in Manitoba taxes. If anything has tied the hands of provincial policy-makers and eroded Manitoba’s fiscal flexibility, it is these unsustainable tax cuts." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

First Nations and union alliance emerges in wake of Supreme Court ruling requiring B.C. government to make a decision on Northern Gateway pipeline and to consult with First Nations. 

Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories(09 Feb. 2016) — The B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) signed a Solidarity Accord on February 4, affirming its support of the Save the Fraser Declaration, an Indigenous law signed by representatives of over 100 First Nations banning tar sands transport through their territories.

Leonard Peltier’s continued incarceration in a U.S. prison is a strong reminder of the historical and modern mistreatment of North America’s Aboriginal peoples.

It is vitally important that workers of colour not suffer for the economic failures of their employers and governments. 

"Seniors live on fixed incomes and are already struggling. An increase in Pharmacare costs may be the difference between rent and food on the table or medication." — James Clancy, NUPGE National President

“After receiving a devastating diagnosis, and then having to leave home, a patient’s stay at A Port in a Storm means they don’t have to sweat the small stuff and can focus on healing.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

By compensating CSS members fairly for the work that they do, HSABC/NUPGE and the employer bargaining association hope that staff recruitment and retention will be improved, leading to improved consistency of care for the individuals they work with.

"We will be looking to the provincial budget in a few weeks to see if the provincial government will address the problem and adequately fund the administration of justice.” — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President

"Lockdowns are routine and not the exception. Regrettably, there have been incidents of violence. I wanted her to join me to see first-hand the pitiful state of affairs inside that facility.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“We have an obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of both our own members and these youth. It’s only a matter of time before we have a tragedy on our hands at Comhla Cruinn." — Joan Jessome, NSGEU President

“Ontarians want their government to properly fund health care and not privatize Hydro One. So what is this government doing? It’s starving public health care and privatizing Hydro One.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“Our members have real concerns about their safety and health — and the safety of their clients — as a result of poor management decisions around staff scheduling." — SGEU President Bob Bymoen

"Funding per student is down 18 per cent since 2008. We’re dead last in Canada. Meanwhile, the demands on colleges are through the roof. It’s no wonder they’re desperate." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

The demise of those bills will be cause for all of us to celebrate. Let’s hope this represents the beginning of a new and important era of respect for labour rights and working people in Canada by our federal government.

“There has been a series of reports since 2003 highlighting the critical need to improve mental health services for children and youth in B.C. It’s well past time to take action.” — Val Avery, HSABC President