Updates

A report released today  by economists at Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, shows that, despite their claims about sound economic management, the Harper Conservatives actually have a terrible economic record.

Almost 25 years ago, the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed that federal public service employees have a constitutional right to engage in political activity. At that time, the Public Service Employment Act did not allow these employees to take part in any political activities except casting their vote.

The Court agreed that political activity is consistent with the Charter of Rights and Freedom’s guarantee of freedom of expression to individuals.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada is today launching a nationwide campaign to remind Canadians about the impact of cuts to public services before they vote in the federal election.

At the 2015 PSAC national convention, delegates directed the union to campaign and raise public awareness about the impact of cuts to public services by the Harper Conservatives.

The Vote to Stop the Cuts campaign will include billboards, posters, radio ads and targeted Web and social media content. It focuses on cuts to key services that have affected Canadians since the Harper Conservatives came into power: support for veterans, border security, search and rescue, Employment Insurance, environmental protection and food safety.

More than 10,000 people filled the streets of Toronto on July 5 in the march for Jobs, Justice and the Climate. Indigenous communities, unions, students, social justice organizations and grassroots activists came together to send a clear message to Canada’s politicians: Canadians want a new and just economy that works for everyone.

PSAC members were also there to show their support. “Public services play an important part in helping to build a more fair, just and equitable economy and a sustainable environment,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC Ontario Regional Vice-President.

The OFL will be holding a Workers of Colour Symposium on September 11-12, 2015 at the Holiday Inn Toronto-Yorkdale Hotel, 3450 Dufferin Street, Toronto.

The Symposium will allow a safe space for participants to discuss racism, discrimination, social and economic inequities in the labour movement, workplaces and our communities while accessing learning workshops that will assist individuals in developing the needed skills, tools and resources to participate fully in their workplaces and their unions. A key component of the symposium is the closing plenary where participants will develop an action plan “Creating Change.”