“What we actually need is an immediate increase in health care funding to meet the needs of population growth, aging and inflation." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“When we talked to our members about the agreement, they had real concerns about a 'working short' premium that lets employers off the hook from addressing shortages, and plans to change pension and benefits governance and coverage." — Val Avery, HSABC President

"Grey County has just shown us that we can fight for our public services and win.”  — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“The growing number of Canadians struggling with debt is a result of the increase in income inequality. To tackle problems like the personal debt crisis we need to be taking action to reduce income inequality.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President

“If we received the same funding, we wouldn’t have wage disparity. They need to strike every time just to be treated equally. It’s not fair to them and it’s not fair to our Elders.” — Kathleen Bluesky, Chief Executive Officer, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation

“Dave was not just known in Nova Scotia, but through his work in the labour movement, he had an impact across Canada, especially through his work on the NUPGE National Executive Board.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President.

Those pushing social impact bonds are taking the same approach as those profiting from P3 privatization schemes – focus on the new service being provided and hope it distracts people from the problems with the way it’s being funded.

"We have been communicating with the government for years about the crisis in Child Welfare, and although some efforts have been made, our child welfare system is in desperate need of support now." —Jason MacLean, NSGEU President

"The links between organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering leading to skyrocketing real estate prices in B.C. cannot go unexamined." — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President

“Ford just slammed the door on low income families who want to send their kids to college."  — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

“This should be one of the first accountability structures established: the well-being of patients and staff is too important to simply allow this report to sit on a shelf collecting dust” — Jason MacLean, NSGEU President

“What will bring women closer to equality now is doing exactly what has made gains in the past: making demands and backing up those demands using the tools we have as union members and as citizens,” — Elisabeth Ballermann, Secretary-Treasurer, NUPGE

Brown urges equal treatment for all public safety officers regarding the maximum annual pension accrual rate.

"On behalf of the 390,000 members of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), I want to convey to you, and to the federal workers you represent, our solidarity during this upheaval." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President 

“It’s not too late for Ford to abandon his failed privatization policy and switch back to the original plan of putting cannabis sales in the trusted and experienced hands of the LCBO." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President