Value of Public Services

While income inequality has begun to receive the attention it deserves, CMIS is determined to start a serious debate on the economic development strategy for this country.

“Income inequality is the greatest social and economic challenge facing Canada today,” said James Clancy, NUPGE President.

Of course, the country can afford pensions for some people. Pretty good pensions, in fact. CEO’s and the Executive ranks are doing quite OK in their retirement.

"Is this the new PEI? The government would do well to remember that they have a responsibility to invest in and maintain public services for all Islanders – especially the most vulnerable." - Shelly Ward, PEIUPSE President.

Watch new video interviews from the Women 4 Change training session.

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.

“We want C4Ps to focus on a positive message which talks about the impact workplace pensions have in providing seniors with decent retirement income as well as creating a strong and healthy economy.”

“Austerity,” she said, “is not the remedy. Austerity will only increase inequality and push up demand for public services. It will reduce government revenues and drive up the deficit over time.”

"We’re calling on this government to deliver a transparent budget that protects the services Canadians rely on and scrap costly programs like new prisons and fighter jets that don’t reflect the priorities of mainstream Canada.”

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.

“Government talks about attracting workers to the province while at the same time it is forcing highly skilled young workers to look elsewhere for their economic future,” said Furlong.

“When, because of traditions, social taboos or simple prejudice, half of the world’s population is prevented from making its contribution to the life of a nation, the economy will suffer.”

"What this province needs is a new kind of accord to chart the best way forward. Respectful discussion and serious thought can build a prosperous – and compassionate – future." - Open letter to Premier McGuinty.

Want to give Harper a piece of your mind, and possibly win $100?!

A simple remedy: Let’s just all pay our fair share.

Rather than spending wildly on no-strings attached corporate tax cuts, Harper could have provided tax refunds to corporations after they actually created jobs; instead, job-killers like Caterpillar take our tax money and run.

Presentations to the Commission on Quality Public Services and Tax Fairness range from child care and health care, children and women's rights, workers and the justice system for two days of hearings in Toronto.

Toronto (26 Jan. 2012) - Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) Region 4 Executive Board Member Chris Cormier, takes on the corporate gravy train in the following letter printed in the Jan. 13 edition of the Toronto Sun. Cormier is one of the National Union of Public and General Employees’ All Together Now! campaign's Writers 4 Change. 

Members of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) gathered in Victoria this week to discuss the ongoing Health Accord negotiations and various labour relations and professional practice issues. They were joined by representatives from the B.C Hospital Employees' Union.

“What we have in Ontario is privatization of alcohol sales by stealth,” Christianson concluded. “We’re losing out on millions of dollars that could be spent on public services.”

With Italy, France and Germany already in support, the UK is now the only centre-right Government amongst Europe's five biggest economies not to back the tax.

“The Ministry of Community and Social Services continues to ignore the chronic funding crisis in this sector,” Thomas said. “Waiting lists across the province continue to rise with no relief in sight.”

Keep up-to-date with campaign activities and issues with your copy of the ATN Campaigner.

"It's dangerous to go down a path of looking at reducing government expenditures and dealing with the deficit, in terms of public sector's programs and services, without talking to people." - Judy Wasylycia-Leis, Public Services Foundation of Canada chairperson.

"The time has arrived to study other ways of sustaining good public services in this province through a tax system that can fund programs and services."

"Paul knows that public services are important to building a good quality of life for Canadian families and he understands the need to ensure greater tax fairness in this country. His support for our campaign strengthens our resolve to continue the fight." - James Clancy, NUPGE President.

Provides fact based response to reports to the anecdotal attacks on the public sector from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) and other conservative think tanks.

Statement from the National Executive Board of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

"Had a meaningful consultative process been engaged to find a solution which meets the concerns of the majority, the present legal action might not have been necessary." - Justice Douglas Campbell

What Kent did stand for, and speak out for, throughout his life, is the public interest. And the debate for the future is about creating a public space where the public interest can be debated, defined, and advanced.

All Together Now! women activists to focus on public services key to achieving life/work balance.

Dignity Denied 2011 illustrates the flaws in our current system of long-term care and offers common sense solutions for positive change.

Retirees 4 Change will champion issues of retirement security and long-term care as part of NUPGE's All Together Now! campaign.

“We want to hear what people have to say on a wide-range of issues …. including what needs are going unmet; are public services receiving the investment they need (and) what options other than taxes or user fees could enhance the government’s ability to raise money for public services."

"The McGuinty government can’t build a strong Ontario if they keep weakening the foundation. They need to stop the cuts before it’s too late.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

"Workers are being told to work longer, pay more and receive less," said James Clancy, NUPGE National President. "We stand in solidarity with each and every UNISON member in the fight for decent pensions. Enough is enough."

"The first thing we should be looking at is tax fairness rather than cutting social programs like Medicare." - Elisabeth Ballerman, CHPS Co-Chair and HSAA President.

New research published by the Tax Justice Network shows that tax evasion costs governments around the world more than US$3.1 trillion annually.

At least one out of every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime - with the abuser usually someone known to her.

"So bailing out the banks while punishing workers is not, in fact, a recipe for prosperity." - Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize winning economist.

"We need to work together to force them to put people before tax cuts and excessive corporate profits." - James Clancy, NUPGE President.

The Occupy movement is here to stay. It will morph into something else. But it’s not going away until there are serious reforms to our economy and democracy.

All Together Now! rolls out three new, fact-filled pieces in the continuing fight for income equality.

This October employment declined by 54,000 full time positions. October's loss pushed the unemployment rate here in Canada up 0.2 percentage points to 7.3%.

Respondents in half of 99 countries surveyed say they do not have confidence in their national governments.

The All Together Now! campaign continues to build a movement in support of quality public services and fighting for tax fairness.

Postal workers mount serious legal challenge against Conservative government actions.

We are told that this proposed free trade deal with the EU will be good for us, those of us who make up the 99%. That’s as true as the argument that rising incomes for the wealthy will help the economy.

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.

Check out the election magazine from the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU). Before you vote, get informed.

"I will strongly reinforce our message to the premier that these sorts of cuts cannot continue without severely harming services that the people of our province have come to rely on.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

BCGEU urges provincial government to restore funding to much needed social programs.

"As the trade union movement has well pointed out, it is growth and decent jobs, not austerity, which are essential to beating the crisis and putting an end to the growing inequality and poverty around the globe." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

It’s time for true political leaders in Canada to emerge and rise to the challenge of addressing inequality. And the rest of us must be more demanding of our governments to justify their policy choices – will they reduce inequality or make the problem worse?

“It is time for the financial sector to make a contribution back to society,” - European Commission President José Manuel Barroso.

An investment in addressing poverty and income inequality in Canada would save billions in the long run.

TV campaign provides a quick glimpse into the hectic day of a social worker who struggles to meet the needs of at-risk children.

Campaign focuses on recent Freedom of Information documents that reveal in startling detail the impact of budget cuts.

Poll finds that 30 per cent of Canadians want Parliament to focus on job creation while only nine per cent want debt reduction or tax breaks as a priority and three per cent want to see action on crime.

Walker calls on the B.C. government to hold meaningful talks on the heels of the HST referendum.

Manitoba provincial P.C. candidate Gord Steeves believes private corporations should take over auto insurance. The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) has responded with a campaign explaining why public insurance is the smart choice for Manitoba families and communities.  

Thinking strategically during challenging times was a central theme of NUPGE's 2011 Leadership Development School.

Ottawa is abandoning federal inspection of meat produced for local citizens in BC, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Coast guard employee relieved of his duties for publicly disagreeing with the federal government's decision to move the Marine Rescue Centres to Halifax. UPDATED

“With corporate childcare, the profit motive comes at the expense of families and workers,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

Activist gear up for election with province-wide training and mobilization.

“Our members are professionals of the finest kind. They, too, are risking their health and safety so that others may find relief from the destructive effects of the blazes.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

1,500 members participate in union's first telephone town hall.

“Time and time again where this has been proposed, our members have demonstrated how cost-savings can be achieved by allowing them to continue to provide a specific service. Contracting-out is a false solution that will undermine public health care.” - Joan Jessome, NSGEU president.

"This is as blatant a conflict-of-interest as I’ve ever seen.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU president.

"At no time in modern British Columbia have corporations earned so much and contributed so little to public revenue." - Jim Sinclair, president, BC Federation of Labour.

Get the latest news and information about the All Together Now! campaign by downloading the most recent newsletter.

“The lesson of the Mike Harris era is that cuts to public services hurt us all,” said Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

“Hopefully this report will gain some traction with the broader corporate community and we’ll have a real conversation as to how to rectify this imbalance, before it’s too late.” says James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

All Together Now! conference delegates support Saskatchewan workers as they bargain for decent working conditions.

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.

"The fact that tax fairness is even being debated in the public forum is due in large part to the hard work of our members." - James Clancy, president, NUPGE. UPDATED

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

"Continuing the spiral downward, the loss will in turn affect the overall economies in our struggling rural communities." - Joan Jessome, NSGEU president.

On the heels of a federal budget which gives more tax breaks to corporations but signals cuts to the public service, PEIUPSE launches regional meetings on the Value of Public Services.

“A majority of Canadians want the Harper government to cancel its plan for more corporate tax cuts and instead invest the money in the quality public services families need,” said James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

Child and youth workers rally for improved working conditions in sector.

The concept of a tax "freedom" day has always been a corporate sham to undermine the value of the public sector and public services.

"We are pleased to have been selected by the employees for All Care Home Support as their union." - Carol Furlong, NAPE president.

Deputy Sheriffs around the province are having their hours cut dramatically by the provincial government, which will cause more problems keeping courts running, says the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE).

“This strike vote comes at a time of deepening crisis in community social services,” says James Cavalluzzo, bargaining association chair.

On June 1, in communities throughout Ontario, wear a sticker to Put Kids First

Get the latest news and information about the All Together Now! campaign by downloading the most recent newsletter.

Points to a problem with private jails ‘cherry-picking’ healthy and easy prisoners and leaving state facilities with more difficult and costly inmates.

"It would appear that the government has heard our concerns and that we are making some progress. However, there is a long way to go yet," said Darryl Walker, BCGEU president.

BC CLAG is reaching out again to stress that families are still waiting and will continue to urge Premier Clark and Minister Bloy to honour the promises made seven years ago.

"As we heard from several well respected speakers this week, it is critical that we continue to educate, organize and mobilize our activists and fight for tax fairness and quality public services." - James Clancy, NUPGE president.

The truth starts at PS: Let's Talk.

Ontarians urged to "Take a Stand" for youth mental health.

"The call for standardized RCW education is now more important than ever," asserts PEIUPSE President Shelley Ward. "Patient safety and care depends on successful collaboration between health care professionals."

"Children, youth and families deserve mental health services when they need them" says Leisa Burberry, bargaining team chair, "and we're the professionals that want to deliver them."

“I’m proud that this new legislation will support more tools that can be used to save lives,” said Oswald. “I want to express our appreciation and gratitude to Manitoba paramedics and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba for their leadership and advocacy.”

The real question now is whether or not Canada Post is up to the job to be the innovator the country needs. There is a massive opportunity for CEO Deepak Chopra to make a transformative shift in our postal system. Now is the perfect time for Canada Post to open itself to the future, to invest and expand.

Economist David Macdonald and Ottawa Citizen columnist will be taking your questions about party policies on taxes and public services. Join us at http://alltogethernow.nupge.ca/webcast-apr28

"I believe if Canadians are presented with clear choices in this election, they'll choose the Canada that you and I believe in." - James Clancy, President, NUPGE

“With almost half of all MGEU members working directly for the province of Manitoba, it’s important for members to talk about public services and how these services are impacted by taxation. This is a chance for our members to address these issues and get informed,” said Lois Wales, MGEU president.

"This is a unique opportunity for our membership to learn a bit more about the federal party's platforms, especially with respect to fair taxation," said Scott Pattison, HSAA Communications Officer.

“Not one person I’ve spoken to about this campaign has said these cutbacks haven’t hurt them personally or someone they are close to. I’ve always had fire in my belly to make a difference, but this campaign has increased it more.” - Tamara Weber, Champion 4 Change.

Whose Canada? That's the question we want Canadians to think about in this election.

"The vote to accept this process brings to an end a two year struggle to reach a first collective agreement," says Joan Jessome, NSGEU president. “We are all very proud of this new local and their determination to achieve a fair first contract.”

"OPSEU recognizes that the public wants a leader who understands the value of quality public services and is prepared to talk straight about the need to pay for them through a fair tax system. We hope you recognize this as well." - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

"The bottom line is that the Ghiz government has no concrete plan to ensure that Islanders receive continually improving services. If anything, services for Islanders are in jeopardy." - Shelley Ward, PEIUPSE president.

All Together Now! conducting town hall meetings and forums across the country to discuss questions of tax fairness, public services and the people who deliver them. Updated!

"Families will suffer if the 33 members are not there to provide them service." - Metro Regional Housing Authority tenant.

Spending $6 billion on a tax cut to big corporations and up to $30 billion on fighter jets are simply not on the priority list of most Canadians.

There’s more fresh evidence that the Harper government's drive for ever-lower corporate tax rates has not produced the job creation payoff that the Conservatives have been promising.

"This downsizing fails to address the devastating impact of failing to fill vacancies for our members and the vital services they provide," says NSGEU/NUPGE

"The employers and the Ministry both need to realize that this sector is at a cross roads, one where all stakeholders can agree to work together to solve the systemic issues they face or where the service will continue to slip backwards and fail one of societies most vulnerable groups," says OPSEU/NUPGE.

“Outpatient x-rays are a source of much-needed revenue for the hospital. And they want to give them away to the for-profit clinics? That’s wrong.”

The pretense for the attacks is that state governments are broke and radical measures are required to eliminate budget deficits. This is a false argument.

This show of solidarity will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 2 pm at the Peace Arch Park on the Canada-US border.

According to Global Compass Group, the lobby firm hired by Koch Industries to represent its interests, it will focus on issues ranging from taxation policy, energy and resource and economic development.

"We can’t keep cutting social workers, highways workers, educators, and health care workers without putting public health and safety at risk,” says SGEU President Bob Bymoen.

"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.”

“A full public inquiry would be just the ticket to restore public confidence in our system," said David Eggen, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare.

Our nation and our economy were built on the skills and knowledge gained through a public system based on accessibility, affordability, quality and accountability and funded through the Canada Social Transfer (CST)

"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)

“For the past two and a half years the government has been working on a 10-year strategy for mental health,” says Kim McDowell, President of OPSEU Local 152 (RMHC). “While they have been talking about improving the system, the reality on the ground has been one of program closures and layoffs.”

'The facts clearly show that privatization of liquor stores in New Brunswick is just bad public policy.'

Satirical video called People for Corporate Tax Cuts makes the point that public employees and public programs must not lavish unnecessary billions on corporations.

Fifth annual celebration of the important work of people who care for and support individuals with developmental disabilities.

'Our collective challenge today is to develop a sense of co-operation amid very significant challenges.'

'Why inflict unnecessary anxiety and hardship on parents, teachers, staff and administrators who are already struggling to maintain present programs and services?'

Warren (Smokey) Thomas will present a brief on behalf of 125,000 OPSEU members across Ontario.

CPP changes derailed as federal finance minister puts forward a limited voluntary private-sector pension option designed for small businesses and the self-employed.

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

'We demand that our public health care system be protected and not secretly dismantled by the Stelmach government.'

'We urge the government of British Columbia to act swiftly on this unanimous recommendation.' - Darryl Walker.

'Without a change of course by their government, they can expect more of the same - generosity for the oil patch, discipline for citizens.' - Parkland Institute.

Episode underscores HSAA position in demanding action now to deal with provincial ER crisis.

The impact on public employees will stretch far beyond the two-year freeze proposed by the province – all for the benefit of already-wealthy corporations.

Take two minutes to e-mail Prime Minister Stephen Harper demanding that the Canada Health Act be enforced.

"Our Tax Dollars - Our Health Centre ... Open the Doors, Turn On All the Lights!'

'There will be a major human and economic cost if deficits are eliminated before a real recovery has been achieved.' - Andrew Jackson.

'A rights-based system makes sense, because it removes politics from the justice system.' - Darryl Walker.

'We're a 130,000 member union and we are also working together with other unions to make sure our message is heard.'

'Polling has told us the public values the public services they receive.' - Joan Jessome.

A broad and diverse group of almost 200 self-advocates, families, workers and other key stakeholders met in Vancouver earlier this week to strategize around working together to address the current crisis in the community living sector.

Eye-opening website lets employees see the annual cumulative losses a public sector freeze will mean to their personal purchasing power.

Legal opinion commissioned by Alberta Federation of Labour says proposed changes are "not consistent with a democratic society."

'There are ways the government can save money within the government system but it's not by cutting public services.' - Tom Mann.

B.C. Health Coalition report says 'explosion' of for-profit clinics jeopardizing equality and fairness of the health care system.

'The proposed process is unnecessarily heavy handed.' - Elisabeth Ballermann.

NBUPPE says New Brunswick politicians will damage essential services if they try to finance election promises by cutting public sector jobs.

Bed counts will drop to nearly half over the next four years despite a doubling of patients with dementia in the coming years, union says.

'Right now lives are being put at risk. It’s that simple.' - Chris Broughton, MGEU Local 911.

Released after 12 months of hearings, workshops and submissions from Alberta groups and citizens.

Canadian Health Coalition says ‘affordability’ no longer an excuse for inaction.

Labour organizations gathering at 10 a.m. at Health Resource Centre.

Saskatchewan Party government eroding public health care system, say critics.

NAPE accuses employer of discrimination against women while managers are paid up to $40 an hour.

Municipalities across the province are being urged to support a resolution by Victoria and New Westminster at UBCM meeting in September.

Many Americans going without health care as private insurance companies continue to jack up premiums to pay for exorbitant CEO salaries and lobbyists.

Multi-bed shelter for women battling addictions, homelessness or other safety issues.

New regulated child care system goes into effect across the province in September.

John Baird says Harper Conservatives will make constraint in spending growth 'the centrepiece' of their approach to tackling record federal budget shortfalls.

'We want to see the B.C. Liberal government and its agencies develop a multi-year plan.' - Darryl Walker.

Canada's first minister urged not to endorse Canada-European trade agreement without undertaking extensive consultations with citizens.

Brings back memories of Mike Harris cuts causing 'flying wheels' and 'dangerous rigs'.

Citizens are being urged to sign an open letter to Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner.

'I can say with confidence that McGuinty knows the broad strokes of where OPSEU members are at on the big issues.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

'Are we looking at smaller things? Possibly, but no decision’s been made.'

'Our message on this is clear: selling off any of Ontario’s assets, including the LCBO, is foolish.'

“The promises of shorter wait times, of innovation, and of cost savings have just evaporated. In the end, I'm prepared to bet that Alberta tax payers will be paying a whole lot more than we would have if we had never travelled down this slippery slope,” Elisabeth Ballermann.

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.

NUPGE president James Clancy says the acrimonious U.S.health care debate offers a welcome reminder that Canada’s national Medicare program is a triumph of both values and economics.

Decision follows massive 'people power' protest by citizens across New Brunswick. Updated.

'There is absolutely no justification for government slashing jobs in the public service when the net result will be a loss in vital services.' - Bob Bymoen.

BCGEU working with supporters of long-established facility to prevent privatization.

HSAA launches online petition to change Alberta government's mind.

Government employees bear brunt of deficit fight, including call for two-year wage freeze.

'This is yet another example of our current government piecing away our Crown corporations, regardless of whether or not they are profitable.'

By far the largest demonstration yet against the sale of NB Power assets to Hydro Quebec.

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

Rally and concert held to back striking workers of the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Canadian War Museum. NUPGE has made a significant contribution to worker's hardship fund.

Underfunding and no-deficit policy at BC Institute of Technology means students and staff have fewer options.

"The Work Ability Centre is renowned for the quality of their programming. If anything, it should be expanded, not closed down." Darryl Walker, president BCGEU/NUPGE

Paper from Alberta’s Parkland Institute and the CCPA see a business model based on maximizing profit and share value creates significant environmental, social, economic, and political problems for Canada.

Ignores restrictions imposed by Canada's top court when sections of Bill 29 were struck down as unconstitutional.

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.

Private delivery of services should not even be considered, says Canadian Health Coalition.

On November 6th the Government of Manitoba and MGEU will recognize the importance of highlighting the work of Manitoba's Community Social Service Workers and to acknowledge their vital contribution to our communities.

The private consultants behind the eHealth spending scandal weren’t able to contain themselves from pinching the public purse for every last dime." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

804 people surveyed across the province in mid-September by NRG Research Group.

'Replacing the provincial liquor board system with a privatized system of retail alcohol sales will increase alcohol-related problems and carry substantial human, social and economic costs.'

The decision proved to be unpopular among parents and teachers and sparked a flurry of complaints to the ministry.

'This government thinks profits instead of people and this is toxic to our vibrant Crowns.'' - Wendy Sol, Save Our Saskatchewan Crowns (SOS).

What will re-elected Campbell government do with proposal to radically dismantle public services?

Abuse of casual workers is the key issue. The LCBO makes more than $200,000 a year per worker ($1.6 billion) yet casual workers earn less than $20,800 a year.

Private British Columbia highway contractors rewarded by Liberal government of Premier Gordon Campbell despite repeatedly failing safety inspections.

'Opening these new specialty wine stores is just a way of turning liquor sales over to private interests.' - SGEU president Bob Bymoen.

BCGEU survey finds 93% of all private store prices higher than government-run stores. None were lower.

BCGEU responds to bogus suggestion by Vancouver Province writer on NDP and beer prices.

'Why not leave the front line service positions alone and explain the million dollars spent on consultants?' - NBUPPE.

'Ministry of Transportation needs to take back control of costs and operational outcomes to determine value for money.'

'Sandwich generation' needs help coping simultaneously with children and aging parents.'

'Our public services are an unbeatable deal.... we get back much more than the amount we pay in taxes.'

Canadian Health Coalition challenges CMA president Dr. Robert Ouellet to stop misleading Canadians about private, for-profit health care.

'We will be discussing the value of public services, especially during a recession when our services are required more than ever.' - SGEU president Bob Bymoen.

'The Campbell government is to blame for this troubling situation because it's failed to properly enforce standards.' - BCGEU president Darryl Walker

'80% of hospitals are sinking into debt while the equivalent of 5,000 full-time jobs are expected to be eliminated this year alone.'

Province-wide SGEU campaign features firefighters, highways workers, social workers and corrections workers.

'A loss of that magnitude is akin to losing three steel mill plants in Hamilton.' - OPSEU president Warren (Smokey) Thomas. [Updated with detailed critique.]

'Wouldn’t the profits made by McKesson Canada be better used in the public system?' - Joan Jessome.

'The absence of a staffing standard has already compromised quality care in the drive to maximize profits.'

Why are several Canadian provinces cutting back at a time when the economy needs stimulus across the board, asks NUPGE's Larry Brown.

NBUPPE says New Brunswickers will feel the impact in lost services.

Message to Premier Dalton McGuinty: Please fund our hospitals adequately to resolve their deficits and stop the cuts.

'We made a commitment before the last election that we would not be privatizing the liquor stores.' - Dan D'Autremont.

Investigation indicates widespread abuses by private operators who are benefiting from millions in public funding.

Beware of child care property development/leaseback schemes, proposals to expand for-profit child care and pressure to reduce quality standards.

Musings by premier are a big setback for efforts to rebuild public sector and deal with recruitment and retention following damage caused by Liberal cuts in 2001 and 2004.

'The government has indicated that they are going to cut up to 25% cent of the public service.' - Tom Mann.

'Be reassured though that your collective agreements contain some very strong employment security provisions that the government is legally bound to respect.' - Darryl Walker.

'Line staff are all too aware of wasteful spending, especially the use of outside contractors.' - Darryl Walker.

The role that public sector workers played in fighting the fire - and saving lives - has not received the recognition that it deserves.  Public sector workers have been at the forefront of responding to the disaster.

National Union components, the Health Sciences Association of BC and the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union, are among the more than 200 organizations to sign onto an open letter calling for a commitment to a comprehensive poverty reduction plan.

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.

Colleges have asked Ontario Labour Relations Board to deny application for certification outright - want the ballot boxes to remain sealed and they don’t want the votes to be counted.  Union calls on Minister to act.

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.

BCGEU president Darryl Walker concerned by potential impact on frontline services.

'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.'

British study examines the 'economic shock' following the collapse of the former Soviet Union and the horrific human toll that accompanied mass privatization.

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.

'Now is definitely not the time to cut back on public services or public sector wages.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas

OPSEU says fight to restore public sector out-patient physio services will continue.

MGEU debunks claim that alcohol is just another commodity like blue jeans.

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

'The problem is that the costs are still there. Taxpayers pay regardless of how the financing is arranged.'

With P3s - The only winner is the private sector contractor.

The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU/NUPGE) has launched a new campaign to promote the value of public services.

Designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002

'We urgently need an immediate moratorium on any further privatization deals.' - George Heyman, BCGEU

NUPGE among supporters of new website

OPSEU asks hard questions about firm charging $7,500 for treatment not covered by OHIP

BCGEU says Campbell Liberals failing to consult in spirit of historic Supreme Court of Canada decision

Good news for MHA employees merging with MHRC

OPSEU says report echoes concerns it has expressed on many occasions

Outrageous private profits and secrecy condemned by Ontario Health Coalition

'Decision won't stand without a challenge.' - OPSEU president Warren (Smokey) Thomas

Information kit helps British Columbia drivers evaluate road maintenance

'When something looks too good to be true - it usually is.' - Shelley Ward, PEIUPSE

35,000 long-term beds but no mention of additional staff

Billion-dollar British IT privatization gamble runs into trouble

Business community lobbying aggressively for privatization in Nov. 7 election campaign

'The province has a huge surplus and it makes no sense.'

West Coast Environmental Law, assisted by the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union, has released a damning report on the provincial environment. It documents a dramatic reduction in enforcement and compliance under the Campbell Liberal government.

'Leaving for higher wages elsewhere.' - Carol Furlong

Exploring solutions to excessive caseloads and workplace stress

'Successive governments have undervalued the services they provide.' - Carol Furlong

The 20 million-strong international public service trade union federation holds its centennial congress in Vienna. PSI delegates meet in congress every five years.

Dalton McGuinty would keep LCBO system as it is; John Tory is open to privatization
 

OPSEU makes food safety an issue in the Oct. 10 Ontario election campaign

Why is John Tory so eager to push Ontario into more U.S.-style health care delivery? 

'It strikes fear in the heart of the workforce and the public that consume government services.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas

25-year deal puts taxpayers on the hook for untold billions in undefined future rent and maintenance costs

Members divided on privatization ideology of incoming CMA president Brian Day of Vancouver.

Group of organizations says doctors should evaluate health care in the same way they assess patients.

(Aug 15, 2007) -- 'The CMA is undermining the most fundamental premises of our national Medicare system – health care is not a commodity that should be bought or sold. It is a common good and needs to be treated and respected in this manner.'

Report by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) says long wait times for physiotherapy treatment or occupational therapy are affecting vulnerable patients.

Recruitment and retention are 'huge issues' in all health care fields in which the NSGEU represents workers – and privatization is not the answer

'There is no place for the profit motive when it comes to guaranteeing the security of citizens.' - Leah Casselman

User fees could be next, OPSEU warns

Canada's next prime minister is the only federal leader who refused to sign The Workers' Bill of Rights