Updates

Robyn Benson, National President of PSAC, has written to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, asking him to address the delay on the government’s part in signing four collective agreements.

“I believe that your promise to treat public servants with respect must be demonstrated beyond simple words,” said Benson in her letter to the Prime Minister. “I urge you to compel Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat to set a fixed date for the signing of all the ratified agreements within the coming weeks.”

This summer, Canadians across the country will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Publicly funded festivities will be held in every province and territory. Indigenous People of Turtle Island, however, will have quite a different perspective of this anniversary.

For most Indigenous People, Canada Day serves as a reminder of 150 years of colonialism, Indian Residential Schools, treaties not honoured, and the Indian Act. On June 21, National Aboriginal Day, let’s set the stage for a different narrative.

As a step in the continuing effort towards reconciliation, PSAC has partnered with the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN). We have signed on as a major sponsor of National Aboriginal Day Live, where events are planned for eight cities: Halifax, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Yellowknife, Edmonton and Vancouver. These events will feature some of the biggest names in Indigenous music and television, including JUNO Award winners and on-the-rise artists. Talent from all genres, regions and nations, will be showcased, ensuring the recognition and inclusion of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

In a submission to Finance Minister Bill Morneau, PSAC has laid out its objections to a bill that threatens the retirement security of Canadians.

“Bill C-27 essentially gives employers the opportunity to replace defined benefit pension plans, which provide secure and predictable retirement income, with less secure target benefit pension plans,” said PSAC National President Robyn Benson. “The government should be working to expand retirement security for Canadians, not threaten it.”

The Federal Court of Appeal has dismissed a Treasury Board request for a judicial review of an adjudication decision that ruled certain employees were entitled to salary protection after being classified downwards.

On May 24, in a rare move, the Court issued its ruling shortly after hearing only the employer’s arguments. The Court did not need to hear PSAC’s presentation, as it was able to make its ruling on the basis of our written submission.