Parliament Watch

Workers come together to organize against Harper's harmful EI changes.

Four days of Parliamentary hearings will examine the issue of income inequality.

"Instead of proceeding with a measure that will add to Canada’s economic problems, I urge you to cancel the  proposed elimination of the tax credit for investments in LSVCCs and hold meaningful consultations with stakeholders." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

The gains that union members make at the bargaining table spill over into creating healthier and more prosperous communities for everyone.”

“Our economy is being held back because the Prime Minister refuses to work with all major stakeholders to develop a comprehensive national skills development strategy." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

Alternative Federal Budget plan tackles Canadians' real concerns.

"While most Canadians faithfully pay their taxes, this government wants to downplay the fact that hundreds of billions of dollars are going offshore to tax havens – virtually untracked and untaxed. That increases the tax burden for the rest of us.”

Hugh Segal, Conservative Senator and former advisor to Premier Bill Davis and Prime Minister Mulroney, has spoken out in defence of trade union rights and against Bill C-377.

Ready, set, record!

Win is an indication that Canadians are joining a growing global Internet freedom movement.

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.

“Unemployment is still unacceptably high and corporations that received tax breaks to create jobs are hoarding cash instead. But the government prefers to demonize the victims of the recession." - Ken Georgetti, CLC President.

“The agreement could take away the province’s ability to promote cutting edge value-added industries” says co-author John Jacobs.

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

A new report by the Conference Board of Canada says Canada is falling short in addressing these critical issues. 

"Government has purposely raised the bar too high for citizens to access their own employment insurance program." — Debbie Bovyer, PEIUPSE President.

Chief Spence’s action has helped to galvanize a movement called Idle No More, which arose as a result of the federal government’s recent omnibus Bill C-45.

Alirio Uribe Muñoz, President of Colombia's Jose Alvear Restrepo Lawyers Collective (CCAJAR), was accompanied by Pascal Paradis from Lawyers Without Borders Canada (LWBC) to a meeting with NUPGE's National Executive Board.

"Instead of doing photo opportunities with pop stars or newlyweds or kissing babies he should be meeting with Chief Theresa Spence in an effort to help First Nations communities.” - James Clancy, National President, NUPGE

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.

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!

“The IFH Program is in disarray and being mismanaged and the health of all refugees is being placed at risk,” said Dr. Philip Berger, Chief of Family and Community Medicine at St. Michael’s Hospital.

The National Union asks Immigration Minister to allow Iraq war resister Kimberly Rivera and her family to remain in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

Michael Geist, Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, on what to expect regarding Internet surveillance bill, often referred to as lawful access.

With Europe in a financial crisis the question remains how far is Canada willing to go to achieve a deal?

Federal government appointed arbitrator was management lawyer for Canada Post and a three time candidate for the Conservatives – "a reasonable and sensible person might worry that the arbitrator is biased because of these two reasons." 

Ruling based on the 2011 Supreme Court of Canada Fraser decision which provided a narrow and unworkable interpretation of the right to collective bargaining. 

August 1, 2012 marks year of terrible agricultural policy with the destruction of the Canadian Wheat Board single desk.

During Premier's meeting, Nova Scotia Citizen's Health Care Network holds press conference to outline their vision to improve Canada's public health care system.

"Minister Kenney is shielding a racist policy under cost-cutting austerity measures and allegations of abuse." - James Clancy, National President, NUPGE

House of Commons committee to look more closely at flawed Human Rights Impact Assessment that was conducted on the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

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.

With a 13 per cent child poverty rate, Canada ranks higher than the average and places 24th of 35 industrialized countries.

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

Allowing employers to pay migrant workers 15 per cent less is a blatant effort to drive all wages down in everything from resource extraction and manufacturing to the services sector.

Visit the www.labourrights.ca website to send Minister of Labour Lisa Raitt an email to tell her to stop interfering with collective bargaining!

Robin Hood and his merry activists take to streets across from Parliament Building in support of the Robin Hood Tax. UPDATED

According to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, Kevin Page, Old Age Security is sustainable - despite what the Harper government is telling you.

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

Trade Justice Network publishes fact sheets debunking Harper government's myths about the benefits of EU-Canada free trade.

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.<

The federal budget will increase income inequality, decrease the quality of life for Canadians and slow economic recovery. 

Organizations representing farmers, students, cultural, Indigenous groups and labour were left out of the trade committee's inquiry. Not one Quebec group was asked to present, which is unacceptable.

Government’s move to prevent Air Canada employees from going on a legal strike, in part because it might interfere with March Break, most recent example of disregard for democracy, even our Constitution.

Newly released audit predicts increased number of inmates into prisons that are already overcrowded and a justice system that is seriously underfunded. 

"Harper and his government are not being tough on crime, they are being dumb on crime," says James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

The decision by the Conservative government to cut funding to KAIROS based on a "value for money" bottomline runs counter to the values of Canadians.

Arrival of trojan horse on Parliament highlights hidden implications of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) being pursued by the Harper government despite major public concerns.

Letters of protest sent shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper defends the progress Colombia made and promotes Canada-Colombia trade agreement.

By Laura Penny

This reactionary and authoritarian attitude is pretty depressing when you recall that, a few short decades ago, Nova Scotians like Lisa Raitt’s dad fought long and hard for workers’ rights.

Closure will have a profoundly negative impact on the offshore search and rescue capabilities in this province – an impact that could put people’s lives in danger.

AG's report suggests Conservatives misled Parliament over G20/G8 spending.

“We’re witnessing a concerted effort by the new Harper majority government to weaken the rights of workers and the influence of their unions.”

The Canadian Press reports that the “32 projects were chosen by Industry Minister Tony Clement, the mayor of Huntsville, and the general manager of Deerhurst Resort” with more of an eye to helping the riding rather than supporting the requirements of the summit or abiding by stipulated government conditions.

"Tax fairness has been flipped upside down in this country,” said Clancy. “Instead of billion dollar give-aways to corporations, the government should invest the money in the public services that ensure a decent quality of life for all Canadians.”

Report comes as the government is facing a challenge for their prior refusal to release to the Commons finance committee cost estimates for their crime bills.

"With three million Canadians living in housing insecurity, the federal government can no longer afford to hide its head in the sand and wish this problem away.”- James Clancy, national president, National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE)

NUPGE President James Clancy criticized the Harper government for sending a review of the 2004 Health Accord to the unelected Senate rather than allowing elected Members of Parliament to conduct public hearings.

Stable funding for Medicare, social programs and post-secondary education should not be sacrificed for today's corporate tax cuts.

Secure and affordable housing: a human right for all Canadians

What is Bill C-304?

Federal Conservatives should now focus on real problems facing women such as pay equity, affordable child care, legal aid and other measures to prevent violence. - James Clancy.

Finance Minister Jim “Flip Flop” Flaherty backtracks on commitment to enhance Canada Pension Plan; now pushing for a private sector voluntary plan.

'They're talking about the need to reduce the public service ...at the same time costs are going through the roof.'

Wide cross-section of civil society groups urge ministers at Committee on Internal Trade meeting to remove investor-state dispute process from free trade agreements.

Group urges supporters across the country to pressure the Harper government to take action on urgent parliamentary committee report.

Opposition parties combine to outvote the Harper Conservatives 141-132 on a bill to create a national housing strategy.

'Time is running short to convince the federal government that it must move to reform the CPP.'

Letter blasts Harper government for killing Bill C-300, a law that would have held Canadian mining companies accountable for human rights and environmental abuses abroad.

A new study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says rationale for Harper's crime agenda defies 20-year downtrend crime rates.

John Pruyn says he was struck, jailed, had his canes knocked away and was not given his leg back until he was released 27 hours later.

Information commissioner says the online registry killed two years ago by the federal Conservatives provided a valuable service to Canadians.

Hearings by NUPGE and CCLA open on police and governance actions at the global summit in Toronto.

'I urge you to not desert the families of the 582 missing and murdered Aboriginal women!' - James Clancy.

NUPGE and CCLA will chair public inquiry into unlawful police activities during global meetings in Toronto.

Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) join forces to put spotlight on policing and governance during global event in Toronto.

On October 18th, 2010 the Federal Public Sector Integrity Commissioner Christiane Ouimet's office released two statements within moments of each other announcing it was being audited by Auditor-General Sheila Fraser, and that Ouimet had retired, effective two days previous.

Parliament's defeat this week of a private member's bill to improve corporate accountability by Canadian mining companies operating in developing countries is a huge step backward for human rights and for Canada on the international scene.

'The Harper government’s priorities are dead wrong.' - NUPGE president James Clancy.

Government accepts none of the 74 recommendations contained in a Senate report approved unanimously in April.

Two-year freeze on increases will end on Jan. 1 and rates could rise by 15 cents per $100 of earnings.

Information and privacy commissioners from across the country call on governments to change their overly secretive practices.

Municipal social services are overwhelmed by demand and a new model of funding must be found.

James Clancy says political pressure is needed to reverse Stephen Harper's decision to oppose a global tax on banks and support instead wealthy bankers and foreign financial institutions.

James Clancy has written Stephen Harper urging the Canadian government to condemn the attack on the flotilla during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Draft law introduced in Parliament but no action will be taken until its constitutionality is tested in the Supreme Court.

'At a minimum, we ask that no exemptions from regulations be awarded to BP or any oil and gas company.' - James Clancy.'

Thousands expected to raise their voices for a Financial Transactions Tax both in the streets and online.

"Frankly, I am not entirely surprised that the Harper government would choose the banks over social services, the poor and the environment," said James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

Supports Bill C-308 on behalf of 3.2 million workers across the country.

'Canadians need real measures, such as pension reform, to improve their economic well-being' - James Clancy.

'Just shut up - that's been this government's style right from the start.' - NUPGE president James Clancy.   

The Climate Change Accountability Act requires that the Canadian government implement regulations and policies to attain a long-term target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.

'Join us in demanding that the federal government impose restrictions on companies doing business in Colombia to require that human rights are respected.'

Correctional Officers speak with political and organizational leaders about the growing problem of people with mental health problems in provincial correctional facilities.

It went unnoticed in the salacious cloud surrounding the Jafferlena scandal, but the Harperites again showed their enduring contempt for parliamentary procedure by suddenly forcing a vote on the Canada-Colombia Free Trade deal last week.

NUPGE president James Clancy says Canada should support and advance the idea of a global tax on financial institutions at G8 and G20 meetings at Huntsville in June.

“Expanding the CPP would address the issue of coverage, security of benefits, and low cost of administration – all the key objectives of pension reform.”

Proposed language would open Canada's telecommunications sector to full foreign ownership, restrict municipal procurement policies and make banking and financial regulation much more difficult.

'A secure, enjoyable retirement should be the right earned by workers for decades of contributions to one’s community and Canada’s economy.' - James Clancy.

'We urge [Michael Ignatieff] and all the Liberal MPs to vote for this bill and pressure the Conservatives to make real plans that make Canada an environmental leader once again.' - James Clancy.

Enthusiasm from Europe spreads to Canada in advance of G20 meetings planned for Toronto in June.

NUPGE president James Clancy says decision by United Nations body 'damages the human rights reputation of both the province and the Canadian government.'

Reality Check: 'A sharp decrease in institutional and political support by the government of Canada for the promotion and protection of the human rights of women and girls.'

Stephen Harper has tried hard to obscure a hidden political agenda as prime minister but the reality is that he has 'abused, denied and diminished' democracy in Canada, say James Clancy and Larry Brown of the National Union of Public and General Employees. (NUPGE).

Nanos Research survey also reveals view that House of Commons may have too little influence.

National Union of Public and General Employees supporting campaign activities that will target Canadian embassies and Prime Minister Harper.

British-based campaign says a charge of just 1/20th of 1% on financial transactions not involving the public would raise an estimated £250 billion ($400 billion Cdn) a year.

'Amoral political warriors' must not have equal status with public service employees.

Negative record on the environment and climate change has damaged Canada's image on the global stage.

(11 Feb. 2010) - The top priority for the upcoming federal budget must be to preserve and create good jobs. The budget should also invest in building a healthier, smarter, greener and more secure Canada, says NUPGE president James Clancy.

'We wish Stephen Harper would stop wasting court time and the taxpayers' money and start helping to solve the drug problem in our community.' - Mark Townsend.

Union says Harper must take action at home and abroad to show he is serious about championing maternal health and child care around the globe.

'Canada is the home of serious violations of the human rights of Aboriginal women and girls.'

York University professor disputes the positive assessment of Canada’s migration policies in the UN Human Development Report 2009

“The Canadian government has been consistently out of step with the majority in parliament, the Canadian public and provincial governments.'

CCPA study says March budget should extend benefits to at least 26 weeks for unemployed Canadians.

Six national organizations including NUPGE demand a halt to European free trade talks until countrywide consultations can be held.

Thousands take to the streets across Canada and beyond in the coldest part of the Canadian winter to protest the prime minister's autocratic and partisan closure of Parliament.

Facebook group now has more than 200,000 members and protests are being planned in cities across Canada. Updated

"When you attack people's retirement savings, you are asking for the fight of your life and I think it would be a most unwise thing for any political party to do.”

Rosy outlook portrayed by Calgary professor does not stand up to research by pension expert Bob Baldwin.

Abitibi, Nortel and CanWest workers need action now: says NDP

Canadian public sector unions along with the European Federation of Public Service Unions release study arguing that the deal is fundamentally flawed.

Toronto Globe and Mail columnist Lawrence Martin takes a sobering look at the crude political manner in which democratic institutions and practices are being subverted in Canada by Stephen Harper.

Landmark decision applies not only to traditional media but to countless organizations, including unions, labour websites and bloggers, now publishing in an instant media world.

'Our image and reputation have taken a beating thanks to the Harper government's foot-dragging and stubborn refusal to change its weak emission-reduction targets.' - James Clancy.  

(16 Dec. 2009) - 'We need a National Pensions Summit that provides Canadians from all walks of life with an open forum to fairly explore and assess the viability of all options designed to improve retirement security for all Canadians.'  - James Clancy.

Leaked cabinet documents show government plan for massive increase in oil and gas emissions by 2020

James Laxer: 'Labour is the source of wealth ... the sustainable well-being of wage and salary earners should be the central objective of economic policy.'

“It’s extremely disappointing that Canada and other developed countries, including the members of the European Union, New Zealand and Australia, are cheating on their targets and proposing to sweep increased emissions from logging under the rug so they don’t have to account for them,” says Chris Henschel, a CPAWS senior conservation manager and international expert on the UN negotiations on Land Use and Forestry.

(27 Nov. 2009) - NUPGE president James Clancy says Harper is changing Canada so radically that we could lose more than our good name – already badly damaged on the world stage. "We just might lose Canada altogether," he writes.

Canada wins for an unwillingness to negotiate at negotiations

"We're seeing no movement on the part of our politicians and yet pretty well all of the science that's come out since about 2007 has indicated that climate change is moving faster than we thought," said David Schindler, a professor of ecology at the University of Alberta.

Put global health at the centre of UN climate summit

'This country's government is now behaving with all the sophistication of a chimpanzee's tea party.... the astonishing spectacle of a beautiful, cultured nation turning itself into a corrupt petro-state.'

Ottawa (25 November 2009)—Canada’s Old Age Security system needs improvement in order to help ensure the economic security and dignity of Canadians in retirement, says a new report released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).

'More rapidly than almost every other country among the wealthiest members of the OECD, we are becoming deeply unequal. Who knows? We may even catch up to the United States.'

NUPGE is encouraging all Canadians to sign online message to Prime Minister Harper asking him to establish a national plan of action to stop violence against Indigenous women.

Members of Parliament vote in favor of more ambitious action at the United Nations Climate Summit

CCPA says ongoing negotiations are heading for a deal in which Canada would surrender provincial and municipal sovereignty.

NUPGE publishes the first of three reports on ideas that emerged from a series of 26 town hall meetings across the country to assess the way forward from the global economic collapse.

Postal union circulating petition to draw attention to unpublicized campaign by Harper Conservatives.

Canada Post review awakens old fears in hundreds of small rural communities.

Environment Minister Jim Prentice issues the challenge

The elements of a strong deal are still on the table. But, Canada must change its tune if a fair, ambitious, and legally binding agreement can be reached at the UN climate summit in Copenhagen in December.

Issue will ultimately be a political one with pressure on the Conservatives to join with the Liberals and the NDP in supporting net neutrality.

Harper government to force Internet service providers to give police access to information on all Canadian Internet subscribers and all their private communications – without a court warrant.

Critics pounce on Harper government for failing to expand program to cope with rapidly rising unemployment figures.

The Canadian Bankers Association has asked Canadian Labour Congress to remove line "It's time to protect people instead of profits for the banks" from a rally poster. CLC president Ken Georgetti and NUPGE president James Clancy challenge banks on their record.

Make existing 'side deals' part of treaty so they can be properly enforced, U.S. president says during visit to Ottawa.

Conservative government is paying lip service to improving the lives of women even as it refuses to support pay equity, child care and economic measures that support women's equality.  So the Canadian Labour Congress is sending each Member of Parliament a gift of chocolate lips with an accompanying note - 'women are tired of lip service'.

CRTC decision on Internet throttling pits 'innovation and free speech versus monopoly'.  Canadians encouraged to get involved in the debate over Canada's open Internet and 'Net Neutrality' -- before a vital February 16 deadline.

As the number of unemployed grows the National Union is demanding the federal government move quickly to fix the Employment Insurance program.

Conservatives' plans in child care leading to shrinking number of child care spaces and they have chosen to ignore the crisis in the recent federal budget.

(Jan 27, 2009) -- 'Everyone except the prime minister seems to understand that big problems require bold solutions. Canada needs a large-scale fiscal stimulus.'

'The budget solidifies the federal government’s unilateral changes to equalization payments to the provinces so that they will receive $7 billion less over the next two years than they were promised.'

With the Harper Conservatives moving in the opposite direction, the contrast between Canada and the new administration in Washington is startling.

CCPA says Conservative government must address EI, poverty, infrastructure, environment and spending rather than tax cuts.

(Jan 23, 2009) -- 'The Harper government thinks we have to choose either a strong economy or a clean environment. This is a false choice that sells our country short. We can and must have both.'

'In tough times it is important that our governments show leadership and make smart policy choices that are in our long term interests,' say James Clancy and Peter Olfert. 

'Frontline public sector workers were in Ottawa recently to urge the federal government to make public services and social programs a priority in the Jan. 27 federal budget.'

Frontline public sector workers are urging Canada's first ministers to make funding for public services and social programs a priority in the federal economic stimulus package.

Frontline public sector workers are urging Canada's first ministers to propose a stimulus package that supports families by investing in public services.

Canadians want greater investment in public services for families. A new poll indicates citizens will back stimulus measures that support — not cut — government services.

Fifty submissions slamming Canada – on everything from the state of Aboriginal Peoples to the erosion of labour rights – have been filed with the Geneva-based UNHRC.

Canada only country to vote against UN Human Rights Council motion condemning Israeli action.

The issue is important to workers because so many depend on sound financial markets to ensure healthy pension funds.

'A bold and achievable set of initiatives that can protect Canada from the economic storm.'

Sides with mayor who refused to bargain seriously with striking drivers.

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is calling on the federal and provincial governments to work together on a 5-point plan that would stimulate the economy and at the same time enhance Canada's social foundations and improve the environment.

(Dec 5, 2008) -- 'We've got an extremely rare opportunity right now to make progressive change in Canada -- to force our governments to deliver a plan that will ensure a strong economy, fair society and clean environment for all of us.'

'Mr. Harper is completely out of step with other world leaders who understand the need for new government spending in order to stave off a deepening recession.'

'The Harper government made it clear in the fall economic update that they are going to legislate away fundamental human rights, such as the right to collective bargaining and the right to equal pay for work of equal value.'

Promises broader inquiry into issue of throttling and network neutrality

Legislation will provide up to $3,000 in wage protection for employees of companies that go bankrupt

John Baird sides with the U.S., Japan and Russia to block progress at climate change talks

NUPGE calls on Canada to ratify UN Convention

Canada is ignoring the plight of the people of Colombia by negotiating a free trade agreement with the Uribe government.

'Harper is telling people that there’s no room for them at the table, and that’s not right.' - Jack Layton

'An individual's right to own their personal information is an important principle.' - James Clancy

Throne Speech contains a vague hint but no promise that action will be taken

Further distancing itself from the Kyoto Protocol, Canada has joined the Asia-Pacific Partnership, an organization condemned by critics for its soft approach to the environmental crisis.

(Oct 11, 2007) -- 'Lost jobs, stagnating wages, historic gap between rich and poor. These are the types of trends that can pull a country apart at the seams.'

Friends of Earth Canada taking Harper government to Federal Court

Don Cherry was there too but it wasn't lobbying

CEP calls for independent judicial inquiry