November 2016

“Whether northern Ontarians are fighting school and hospital closings, high electricity rates, or to keep Hydro One in public hands, you can always count on these folks to fight the good fight for the public good.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

Weak international response to tackling tax havens costs Canada $8 billion a year in lost tax revenue. But Howlett  says the failure of international cooperation in tax matters costs developing countries $70–120 billion per year.

"Continued pressure for funding by Canadian Network of Shelters and Transition Houses (NWSTH) and labour unions has seen results. We must keep this momentum going into the future." — Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer

"By not filling these vacant positions, it leaves our current members working short [staffed] and puts them at an increased risk of violence in the workplace." — Jason MacLean, NSGEU President

"The same survey showed that 62 per cent of members work up to 4 hours of unpaid overtime in a week, and 76 per cent of members are concerned that workload is negatively impacting patients." — Val Avery, HSABC President

“The new stroke ambulance being deployed by Alberta Health Services (AHS) is a great example of different health care experts working together to improve the care Albertans receive.” — Mike Parker, HSAA President

“Forcing workers to vote on union certification after they have already indicated their decision allows the employer time to obstruct their choice through intimidation and coercion.” — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

"[Ontarians] understand that there’s no reason to pay a premium to private contractors through this infrastructure bank when the government can borrow at historically low rates." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President

The NDP promised to make child care more accessible and affordable during the election campaign, and they are making good on that promise — Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer

These dedicated workers want improved working conditions to help them better advocate for children and families." — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President

"We would ask the federal and all provincial governments and territories to follow Quebec and Ontario's lead in prohibiting for-profit corporations that pay for blood and plasma donations." — Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer

“For people without defined benefit pension plans, there’s an ever-present fear of seeing a significant drop in their retirement income.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President

“Lawrence instills confidence and pride in his students and draws on his experience in the field to encourage students to be their best.” — Apprenticeship Manitoba Awards

“This is an historic agreement by any measure. As a result of this deal, more than 4,000 casuals will be on a pay grid that takes them to the top rate earned by full-time permanent staff." — Denise Davis, Chair of OPSEU's Liquor Board Employees Division

“This is not what the founders of medicare had in mind. They sought a universal, publicly-funded health care system, and SIBs undermine that principle.” — Lucy Morton, Chair of OPSEU's Health Care Divisional Council

Workers who get PTSD from their jobs need to be covered by WCB. Join the rally on November 10 to show your support!

"Allowing a pay-for-donation plasma collection centre to open in Moncton is a step backward for the healthcare system both in our province and the country as a whole." — Susie Proulx-Daigle, NBU President

“I was told by the Premier that he wouldn’t rule out wage freezes, which is troubling for many of our members whose wages have barely kept up with inflation over the past decade and, in many cases, have fallen behind those in the private sector." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President

"The defence of the status quo by the Minister of National Revenue and CRA officials in the committee hearings makes it clear we will need to keep the spotlight on the recommendations if we don’t want them watered down to the point of uselessness.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President

"How much more evidence does our government need to prove that women continue to face inequality and discrimination? We need a government that will not just talk about improving equality but one that will actually act." — Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer

"The Liberals are still proposing a gag order for six months before an election that would effectively prevent communicating about any issue associated with any party.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President