"There are millions of people who are without the vital drugs they need because drug costs are so high. Not everyone can afford private coverage, especially young people, workers in precarious jobs, the unemployed and seniors; we need a system that is there for everyone." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President

According to the study, alcohol-related visits to hospital emergency departments in Ontario increased by 17.8 per cent after grocery stores started to sell beer and wine.

 “It’s absolutely shameful, and OPSEU/NUPGE is going to make sure it doesn’t happen to contract faculty at George Brown, or any other college.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

The benefits of direct public ownership in the cannabis industry are becoming clear: New Brunswick, with only 65 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population, expects to bring in roughly $10 million in revenue from cannabis taxes and retailing profits this year. Saskatchewan will only see half of that, all of it from taxes.

 “It has been proven that not only is privatization destructive to public services, it’s also an inefficient way to spend taxpayer dollars.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“How does forcing these organizations together improve patient care?” questions Gawronsky. “It really feels like it’s all about the bottom-line, instead of focusing on the health and wellness of Manitobans.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

"This government has tunnel vision, and is only able to focus on one thing: balancing the budget. They don't seem to care that sick, injured and vulnerable Nova Scotians are suffering as a result." — Jason MacLean, NSGEU President

"Moving the conservation officers so far away is like closing the local police department and expecting the officers to enforce the laws from 3 towns down the highway." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

"Workers recognize NAPE/NUPGE as a union that fights for better pay and benefits, for improved health and safety standards, and for better overall working conditions." — Jerry Earle, NAPE President

Members of the legislative assembly of Manitoba were unable to pass an interim supply bill. The bill is needed to ensure the government has money in its bank account to pay civil service employees and keep programs running.

“It means giving business more opportunities to push alcohol sales at a great cost to the health and safety of our kids and communities. It’s a ploy to help private retailers increase their profits at the expense of public welfare." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“It’s refreshing that MBLL leadership listened to our members and worked hand-in-hand with us to improve safety at these stores — for our members and for the public." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

“It’s time for this government to step up and offer reasonable compensation to our workers to recognize the hard work and lack of support for services over the past 3 years." — Bob Bymoen, SGEU President

Frontline health care workers are crying for help and seniors are being warehoused in critical care beds. This government has not added a new long-term care bed since it was elected in 2013, and has consistently cut long-term care funding.

"We reject all forms of racism, discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance. We strive for inclusivity at work, in our union and across society. Respect and compassion will always be at the forefront of our efforts." — Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer