This bill is the seventh bill on this issue since 2005. All other bills put forward by the opposition or as private members' bills have met incredible resistance and failure in the Senate. Bill C-16 is the first government-sponsored bill.
Ottawa (16 June 2017) — The struggle to have gender identity and expression protected from discrimination and violence under the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code is over.
The Indigenous Circle collected over 1,000 signatures during the 2017 OPSEU Convention and they continue to collect petitions that are being introduced at Queen’s Park.
“If government has any respect for northerners’ right to make choices about northern education, this is the time to show it. Imposing decisions that run contrary to the needs of local people is not a responsible way forward." — Bob Bymoen, SGEU President
“We need more than just words to show that the government respects our Charter and provides equal opportunity for economic and social justice for everyone. We need a government that looks for every opportunity to make fairness and equality central to its business." Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
“The LCBO has discriminated against workers in its largest female-dominated job classification for decades, and now that is coming to an end. It is a huge step forward for these precarious workers and their families.” — Denise Davis, Chair, OPSEU's Liquor Board Employees Division
"The litany of historical wrongs perpetrated against the Indigenous Peoples of both of our countries is long and shameful. Leonard’s case is an example of this legacy." - Larry Brown, President NUPGE
"There is an opportunity to bring peace to many families who have lost loved ones, but also to address the factors that have contributed to this tragedy, such as racism, poverty, and sexism." — Elisabeth Ballermann, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
Former U.S. prosecutor of Leonard Peltier has written President Obama requesting clemency for the aging Native American activist.
“We congratulate the B.C. government for taking this important first step to implement the recommendations of the Plecas report." — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President
“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