Asian Heritage Month has been celebrated in many communities across Canada since the 1990s, however in December 2001, Senator Vivienne Poy, an accomplished Canadian of Asian heritage, proposed a motion that was adopted by the Senate of Canada, designating May as Asian Heritage Month nationally. In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month.

Today, workers in Canada face new threats to their rights, workplace protections and social programs as a wave of conservative governments gain power across the country.  

Since the beginning of talks last year, PSAC has presented reasonable proposals on behalf of members to improve work-life balance, reduce precarious contract work, close wage gaps with the private sector, and ensure fair economic increases. Unfortunately, the government has been unwilling to take the steps necessary to address these concerns and has insisted on annual wage increases of only 1%, around half the rate of inflation. 

In Canada, we collect statistics on many things including the weather, but we fail to accurately record the number of individuals who have died as a result of their work. Because of this, we do not learn the lessons that would allow us to prevent future tragedies.

Reimbursement for tax advice

Public service workers impacted by Phoenix can reach out to tax experts to help determine if there are errors on their T4s and determine whether there are tax implications for those errors. Members can be reimbursed for this tax advice up to $200 per year (taxes included).

To file a claim, complete this online form.

It’s been three years and we’re still waiting to get paid properly under Phoenix. We’re also still waiting to be compensated for all the hardships we’ve endured because of countless pay problems. We shouldn’t also have to wait for the fair working conditions we deserve.

Before we sit down again to bargain in 3 weeks, we need to make it clear to the Liberal government that we expect serious movement at the table. Federal public service workers live in every riding in this country and our Members of Parliament need to hear that we are going to hold them accountable.