February 2010

Decision allows for debate and hearings but will not result in any changes in the already-negotiated $3.2-billion contract, government says.

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.'

'What the government needs to consider is how to create jobs and real investment in Tignish and rural Prince Edward Island.' - Shelley Ward.

'This vote is not an endorsement of the imposed terms and conditions or the employer’s last offer. Fear of a strike, according to most reports, was a key factor.'

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

25,000 health care workers take out newspaper and radio ads to fight back against the Saskatchewan Party government's refusal to bargain a new contract.

'Paying business more to do the same work that has traditionally been done in-house ... is obviously not cost effective.' - Bob Bymoen.

'We're prepared and pleased to welcome our newest members into HSAA's growing family," says HSAA president Elisabeth Ballermann.

New law tabled in legislature will implement landmark lawsuit provisions won last year by NBUPPE.

Protecting quality and reversing privatization are the goals of new Ontario University Coalition

On Feb. 8, 2010, an Australian café, its owner, its manager, a waiter and a chef were convicted under Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety Act for viciously bullying a 19-year-old worker both physically and emotionally to the point where she jumped off a building to her death.

With 2010 being the International Year of Biodiversity, maintaining and expanding protected areas needs to be recognized as a powerful tool against climate change and should be a component of national and sub-national climate change strategies.

Report estimate that if only 10 per cent of the permafrost melted, this could lead to the release of an additional 80 parts per million of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere. This would equate to about 0.7 degrees Celsius of global warming.

Coalition fighting proposed $3.2 billion sale will bring together an array of experts at Options Summit Feb. 22 in Fredericton. - Updated

'Cutting public sector jobs is a strange way to stimulate the struggling economy.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

'The proposed changes are an unconscionable attack on the most vulnerable segment of the Island’s labour force.' - Shelley Ward.

Toronto (February 10, 2010) - Employers at 20 agencies across Ontario sign on to Joint Declaration with OPSEU, CUPE and OASIS.

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

'During times of economic crisis, campaigns like the Living Wage are all the more important.' - NUPGE president James Clancy.

This Friday is the last day Canadians can contribute to relief in Haiti and have the federal government contribute the same amount in matching funds.

'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.

'We're relatively pleased with what appears to be this government's acknowledgement that public health care is a key priority for Albertans.' - Elisabeth Ballermann.

'In a tough round of bargaining, we were able to make progress on key priorities.' - BCGEU president Darryl Walker.

Deal includes retroactive pay for employees plus improvements in several other areas of the contract.

'We hope that local communities across B.C. will join Vancouver's lead.' - Darryl Walker.

In 1995, Canada’s House of Commons unanimously passed a motion recognizing February each year as Black History Month.

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

Celebrated American 'academic activist' tells Black History Month audience in Canada that 'activism should be a joy.'

Editorial by Dale Marshall, David Suzuki Foundation (Wednesday, Feb.3, 2010)

Canada, a top ten global polluter, already with the weakest target in the industrialized world, weakened its target even further.

Union prepared to delay its Feb. 11 strike vote deadline if necessary to assist with voting.

'We have a solution if the colleges are serious about addressing our issues.' - Ted Montgomery, chair of the OPSEU bargaining team.