Harper's Democratic Deficit

Members prepare for strike vote as IWK Health Centre refuses to negotiate on par with terms reached at Capital Health District Authority.

World Water Day is a designated United Nations day to recognize the common life sustaining resource that is our fresh water.

"We work on behalf of our members to promote and protect their rights in the workplace but our social justice work ensures that all boats rise together - union and non-union, here in Canada and around the world."

Ready, set, record!

It's about shoring up one of the basic human rights supporting a fair and prosperous Canada. But ultimately, it's about saving lives.

NUPGE urges the Conservative government to establish a Fairness Test to assess the distributional impact of key tax and spending policies in budgets and determine whether they will reduce income inequality or make the problem worse.

Groups issue a joint statement ahead of two-day meeting between European Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht and Canadian International Trade Minister Ed Fast.

It is estimated that migrant workers have contributed $3.4 million annually into Canada's Employment Insurance scheme. However it was not until 2002 that some migrant workers started to access special benefits.

"If the TD bank took it's own findings seriously, it would tell the government to act now by investing in this much needed and long overdue public service. Waiting only hurts Canadian families and our economy more." - James Clancy, NUPGE President.

Harper government cuts funding from the Canadian Conference of the Arts and refuses to provide time for it to become self-sufficient.

New video by Operation Maple provides people with an introduction to the little talked about free trade agreement that Canadians need to know more about!

Ed Broadbent on ways to bridge Canada’s growing income gap, and why the one per cent should care.

Employment inequality likely to increase due to reduced monitoring resources of government department.

On July 18 Canadians will be sending provincial premiers and the Harper government a message to resume negotiations on the 2014 Health Accord.

Stand up for democracy by joining the June 13 protest agains tthe Conservative's budget bill.

The Conservative government, with its Parliamentary majority, is pursuing an agenda of fiscal austerity, cuts to public services and jobs and a renewed determination to attack trade union righs, al

On June 4, NUPGE is joining with faith groups, trade unions, associations, businesses, First Nations, environment groups, human rights groups, pro democracy groups and seniors, across the country, to say: Silence is Not an Option.

Thousands join together to protest the federal budget by darkening their websites on June 4.

"If Canada had a modern industrial strategy, we wouldn't be having this conversation.

CUPW goes to court to oppose appointment of second arbitrator; first Harper government arbitrator appointed was ruled unqualified by the court

Harper government chooses the side of big banks once again as it removes requirement to use independent ombudsman to resolve customer complaints.

The myriad assaults on the nation being implemented by Harper are really just the latest chapter in what has been a revolution of lowered expectations: a deliberate and systematic culture war on

Nobody really knows the cost of cutting oversight agencies but without the proper information we run the risk of making serious problems even worse and, in the long term, that will cost all of us.<

Harper has hammered another nail in the coffin of our Canadian democracy. In the governments frenzied efforts to drive the expansion, development and export of the tar sands he has labelled native, environmental and conservation groups "enemies of Canada".

Any dissent  heard over pipelines and tar sands, even within a formal hearing process has been ridiculed and labelled radical and foreign funded. Now charititable organizations face suspension if they disagree with the governments plans. NEW STORY THIS MONTH

Holding a majority of the seats in parliament has moved Harper to dictate Canada's future, rather than negotiate with Premiers and Canadian civil society.

Starting with the firing of the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) president in 2006, the Harper government has waged war on Canadian wheat and barley farmers. The CWB may be in its last days since the Harper majority of 2011 insists on pushing through legislation. Due to conditions under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), if we lose the Wheat Board now, it can never be brought back.

In just four years, with only a minority government, Mr. Harper has blurred Canada’s image. The international community is wondering what differentiates us from countries like the US. Our global influence has deteriorated as a result. Read more about how Harper has ruined Canada's international reputation. NEW ITEM THIS MONTH

Straying so far from his Reform Party roots, Harper has hit new records for hypocrisy in Canadian politics. Proroguing parliament to avoid an inquiry, allowing an unelected senate to kill legislation and stripping the opposition parties of their funding all occurred during his minority rule.

Seasoned bureaucrats, top advisers and members of his own party are not immune from censorship. Harper's need to control communications, messaging and any views deviating from his party line has no bounds. NEW STORY THIS MONTH

One way to maintain control is to keep your secrets close. Simply, shut down the flow of information and plug the leaks. Harper has done just that with the Access to Information Agency, the Public Sector Integrity Commission and chastising of career diplomat, Richard Colvin, and firing of whistleblower, Luc Pomerleau.

- Richard Colvin, Canadian diplomat

The voice of the public comes in many different forms from formal consultation processes, to artistic expression or mass demonstrations. Public outcry is the engine for democratic social change. Harper has not hesitated in snubbing, dismissing, or shutting down the public's voice. 

Agencies, ombudsmen, and commissions all exist as watchdogs or advisers that operate at arms-length from the government. They ensure accountability, they offer expert opinions and are part of a healthy democracy. During Harper's first four years of minority rule, 14 people and their jobs got in the way of Harper's plans. Check out the long and growing list of those Harper has silenced.

Since 2006 Harper has denied funding to dozens of NGOs, from the Canadian Environmental Network to the National Association of Women and the Law. These unexpected cuts seriously disable each NGO's ability to educate the public, support struggling communities and work in the public interest.  NEW STORY THIS MONTH