Help Raise Funds for the New Tolpuddle Monument in the Peace Gardens
Please help your council create an appropriate memorial monument to commemorate the amazing accomplishments of the Tolpuddle Martyres. Your Labour Council has a booth at this year's Western Fair.
Any affiliates interested in using our booth, for a labour oriented, message can contact the Council Treasurer to reserve a date. ("first come, first served")
The calendar, at left, shows the available dates.
We are asking for a donation of at least $100 per day.
All monies raised will go to the
Tolpuddle Monument Fund.
Please contribute and bring this message to your Union Locals... Thank-you.
Any affiliates interested in using our booth, for a labour oriented, message can contact the Council Treasurer to reserve a date. ("first come, first served")
The calendar, at left, shows the available dates.
We are asking for a donation of at least $100 per day.
All monies raised will go to the
Tolpuddle Monument Fund.
Please contribute and bring this message to your Union Locals... Thank-you.
Commemorative shelter and seat on the green at Tolpuddle
TOLPUDDLE AWARD
To be presented on
May 1st, 2011 by the
London and District Labour Council
Nomination Deadline: Feb, 28, 2011
To be presented on
May 1st, 2011 by the
London and District Labour Council
Nomination Deadline: Feb, 28, 2011
| 2011 Tolpuddle Award Nomination Sheets.doc |
***Poll of the Month***
(August, 2010)
The Canadian Labour Congress
In times of great hardship and need, the labour movement shows the meaning of solidarity and mobilizes to bring support to workers, their families and their communities at home and around the world.
We have all watched with horror the images of the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan. Emergency relief to aid the victims is essential.
The Canadian Labour Congress, in cooperation with the Canadian Red Cross, is working to provide an easy way for union members to make a donation to help the victims and instantly receive a tax receipt.
From now until September 30, 2010 you can make a secure donation by clicking here
The federal government will match individual donations until September 12.
Union members in Canada have a proud tradition of helping those in need. Workers in Pakistan and their families need our help.
We have all watched with horror the images of the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan. Emergency relief to aid the victims is essential.
The Canadian Labour Congress, in cooperation with the Canadian Red Cross, is working to provide an easy way for union members to make a donation to help the victims and instantly receive a tax receipt.
From now until September 30, 2010 you can make a secure donation by clicking here
The federal government will match individual donations until September 12.
Union members in Canada have a proud tradition of helping those in need. Workers in Pakistan and their families need our help.
All are Welcome to the Labour Day Picnic!!!
Time: 11am. - 3pm. Where: Thames Park (off Ridout just south of Horton St.)
***In the Media***
Windsor city council shutting down municipally operated child care
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Now is not the time to pull the plug on unemployed Canadian workers - CLC president responds to Statistics Canada job numbers
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Canada: Communication between Employers and Employees during Collective Bargaining
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1 million Ontario workers face wage freeze
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Health Action Assembly &
Conference on Health Funding and Sustainability
Saturday, November 6 & Sunday, November 7, 2010
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A humanitarian catastrophe of terrifying proportions is unfolding in Pakistan
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Campaign victory for Guatemalan migrants ?
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Charges laid in scaffolding accident that killed 4 workers
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International trade unions to adopt historic resolution on climate change
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------‘Green economy’ way of future ENVIRONMENT: Auto workers and the factories they work in should re-tool to green technology, group says
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now is not the time to pull the plug on unemployed Canadian workers - CLC president responds to Statistics Canada job numbers
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canada: Communication between Employers and Employees during Collective Bargaining
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 million Ontario workers face wage freeze
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Action Assembly &
Conference on Health Funding and Sustainability
Saturday, November 6 & Sunday, November 7, 2010
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A humanitarian catastrophe of terrifying proportions is unfolding in Pakistan
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Campaign victory for Guatemalan migrants ?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charges laid in scaffolding accident that killed 4 workers
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International trade unions to adopt historic resolution on climate change
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------‘Green economy’ way of future ENVIRONMENT: Auto workers and the factories they work in should re-tool to green technology, group says
***Just off the Press***
(older postings can be found on the Archives page)
------------------------------------------------------------
Congratulations!
We scored a major victory over the weekend. Canada's finance ministers recognized that expanding the Canada Pension Plan is the best way to help everyone save more for retirement.
It's more proof that working people can make a difference and change things for the better. All we have to do is talk to the politicians we elect, so they don't forget who they really work for.
But this is just the first step on the journey to winning decent retirement security for everyone.
Big money interests like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) have launched a campaign of fear to scare politicians away from making any changes to the CPP. They're already out there, telling people their CPP savings are a payroll tax. We can't let them get away with this.
Over the summer, people will need to keep talking to politicians about what a good idea it is to expand the CPP and double the amount people get from it. I'm asking you to help.
Every time you see an article in the paper that calls the CPP a payroll tax, send a letter to the editor to set the record straight. If you hear someone call the CPP a tax on the radio, call the station and tell them they're wrong. Tell them that expanding the CPP is the safest and easiest way to help everyone save more for retirement.
I've asked our campaign staff to write some sample letters and phone messages to help you do this. Look for them on our Web site sometime soon.
Thank you all, once again. Be proud of what we have accomplished. Now let's get the job done!
Ken Georgetti
Petition to the Ontario Government
In conjunction with the September 15th Rally at Queens Park, Toronto the NRPC will be presenting a petition to the Ontario Government. A copy of the petition is attached. Also is a cover page which explains the reason for the petition and the instructions for completing it.
We have set a deadline of September 5, 2010 to gather as many signatures as possible. Please take the time to make a copy of the petition and have family, friends and other supporters complete it in accordance with the instructions on the cover page. Feel free to pass a blank petition and cover page on to other Ontarians who wish to support our just cause. The more signatures we have the more powerful the document. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Thanks for your support.
Chuck McEwan NRPC Chair – London Region
In conjunction with the September 15th Rally at Queens Park, Toronto the NRPC will be presenting a petition to the Ontario Government. A copy of the petition is attached. Also is a cover page which explains the reason for the petition and the instructions for completing it.
We have set a deadline of September 5, 2010 to gather as many signatures as possible. Please take the time to make a copy of the petition and have family, friends and other supporters complete it in accordance with the instructions on the cover page. Feel free to pass a blank petition and cover page on to other Ontarians who wish to support our just cause. The more signatures we have the more powerful the document. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Thanks for your support.
Chuck McEwan NRPC Chair – London Region
The Ontario Health Coalition's open letter to the Premier
August 11, 2010
Attn: Premier Dalton McGuinty,
We are writing in support of the findings of the Ontario Ombudsman in his report released yesterday, “LHIN Spin”. We are very disappointed to see the comments of the Health Minister today in response. Yet again the Ministry of Health is refusing to listen to legitimate concerns raised about your government’s hospital cuts and LHINs.
The findings of the ombudsman are just a fraction of the major decision-making problems we have witnessed in the hospital restructuring of the last few years. In fact, the Ontario Health Coalition held a set of cross-province hearings last spring. Our non-partisan panel included representatives active in every major political party. It was comprised of doctors, health professionals, and nurses, and representatives of every geographic region of the province. More than 1,150 people attended our hearings and we received almost 500 written and oral submissions. Based on these, our panel was unanimous in our findings about the LHINs and hospital restructuring as follows:
“In particular, we determined that the LHINs are so lacking in public confidence, so flawed in their size and confused in their mandate, that we have recommended that the province change direction and create new accountable regional planning bodies closer to home with a principled and clear mandate. We also determined that hospital planning is so erratic, so short-term and short-sighted, that the risk of closure of needed services in small and rural hospitals is now very high. As a result, we have heeded the many calls from communities to recommend that the province set standards for hospital services and distance to care.” To see the full report and recommendations, go to www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca
In our hearings we heard of shockingly undemocratic behaviour by LHINs as they made decisions to cut and close local hospital services. Almost without exception the mayors, reeves and municipal government officials that appeared before our hearings testified that they were not consulted about major changes to their local hospitals. Local health professionals have also been cut out. The communities affected have been ignored. We included in the report many examples of unwarranted secrecy and poor decision-making. In every case of major restructuring that we have seen, LHINs failed to get a full costing of the renovations and restructuring costs that would be entailed in the cuts and closures they have approved. In every case, the LHINs have made decisions without full information and have failed to obtain a full assessment of the services lost and the impacts on access to care for the local communities.
Premier McGuinty, we cannot overstate to you the depth of public animosity at the LHINs and the deep hospital service cuts that are happening in every region of Ontario. The public sees LHINs hiring expensive consultants to write reports with forgone conclusions. They see exorbitant salaries both within the hospitals and in the ever-growing LHIN staff forces. They see tiers upon tiers of administration. At the same time, they are watching their local nurses and front-line hospital support staff being laid off. They are seeing hospital services needed by thousands of local residents cut and their small local hospitals gutted. The public sees lots of PR and spin, but they see that it is wasting our public money to cover up irrational and poor decision-making. The current health restructuring in Ontario is entirely out of keeping with the public’s values and priorities.
We are requesting a full and proper response to the ombudsman’s findings and the concerns we have raised as follows:
The fact that the Ministry of Health has belatedly removed the illegal by-laws adopted by their appointees in the LHINs does not go far enough. Your government should cease to delay a full review of the LHINs as is required in your government’s own LHINs legislation. This review cannot merely consist of a consultant’s report – it must include full public consultation including municipalities and local health advocates that have experience trying to work with the LHINs.
The Ministry of Health must conduct a full review of recent LHIN decisions that have resulted in deep cuts to needed hospital care including the following:
I. Your government must heed the call of the municipalities, MPPs, physicians, nurses, and all public interest health care groups in Niagara to send an Investigator under the Public Hospitals Act into the Niagara Health System to evaluate and re-assess the restructuring plan that has resulted in the closure of emergency and acute care hospital services in Port Colborne and Fort Erie and ongoing cuts in Welland and Niagara Falls. In our cross-province consultations we found among the worst areas in the province for access to hospital care in Niagara. Patients and families reported that they have waited in some cases four days in emergency departments on stretchers. Nurses, paramedics and physicians described conditions as unsafe and in crisis.
II. Similarly, the decision to push through major cuts and restructuring that has been opposed by physicians, nurses, support workers, community groups and patients alike in Hamilton must also be reviewed and re-evaluated with full public consultation.
III. Your government must evaluate and consult with the public on recent decisions by LHINs in Peterborough and Cobourg to force through deep hospital cuts that affect access to vital hospital care. In Cobourg the cuts have deprived thousands of residents access to Canada Health Act covered rehabilitation services and diabetes care. In Peterborough, the LHIN has just approved a draconian set of hospital cuts without ever requiring the hospital to outline the impact of cutting 182 nurses and front-line support staff on hospital services, including how many hospital beds would be rendered unusable as a result, nor how many diagnostic tests would be cut.
Our local hospitals and access to vital public health care services are priority public issues in every community across Ontario. We sincerely hope that you take the opportunity to re-evaluate the priorities and poor decisions we are seeing in our health system.
Sincerely, Natalie Mehra
Director
Ontario Health Coalition
15 Gervais Drive, Suite 305
Toronto, ON M3C 1Y8
www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca
416-441-2502
August 11, 2010
Attn: Premier Dalton McGuinty,
We are writing in support of the findings of the Ontario Ombudsman in his report released yesterday, “LHIN Spin”. We are very disappointed to see the comments of the Health Minister today in response. Yet again the Ministry of Health is refusing to listen to legitimate concerns raised about your government’s hospital cuts and LHINs.
The findings of the ombudsman are just a fraction of the major decision-making problems we have witnessed in the hospital restructuring of the last few years. In fact, the Ontario Health Coalition held a set of cross-province hearings last spring. Our non-partisan panel included representatives active in every major political party. It was comprised of doctors, health professionals, and nurses, and representatives of every geographic region of the province. More than 1,150 people attended our hearings and we received almost 500 written and oral submissions. Based on these, our panel was unanimous in our findings about the LHINs and hospital restructuring as follows:
“In particular, we determined that the LHINs are so lacking in public confidence, so flawed in their size and confused in their mandate, that we have recommended that the province change direction and create new accountable regional planning bodies closer to home with a principled and clear mandate. We also determined that hospital planning is so erratic, so short-term and short-sighted, that the risk of closure of needed services in small and rural hospitals is now very high. As a result, we have heeded the many calls from communities to recommend that the province set standards for hospital services and distance to care.” To see the full report and recommendations, go to www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca
In our hearings we heard of shockingly undemocratic behaviour by LHINs as they made decisions to cut and close local hospital services. Almost without exception the mayors, reeves and municipal government officials that appeared before our hearings testified that they were not consulted about major changes to their local hospitals. Local health professionals have also been cut out. The communities affected have been ignored. We included in the report many examples of unwarranted secrecy and poor decision-making. In every case of major restructuring that we have seen, LHINs failed to get a full costing of the renovations and restructuring costs that would be entailed in the cuts and closures they have approved. In every case, the LHINs have made decisions without full information and have failed to obtain a full assessment of the services lost and the impacts on access to care for the local communities.
Premier McGuinty, we cannot overstate to you the depth of public animosity at the LHINs and the deep hospital service cuts that are happening in every region of Ontario. The public sees LHINs hiring expensive consultants to write reports with forgone conclusions. They see exorbitant salaries both within the hospitals and in the ever-growing LHIN staff forces. They see tiers upon tiers of administration. At the same time, they are watching their local nurses and front-line hospital support staff being laid off. They are seeing hospital services needed by thousands of local residents cut and their small local hospitals gutted. The public sees lots of PR and spin, but they see that it is wasting our public money to cover up irrational and poor decision-making. The current health restructuring in Ontario is entirely out of keeping with the public’s values and priorities.
We are requesting a full and proper response to the ombudsman’s findings and the concerns we have raised as follows:
The fact that the Ministry of Health has belatedly removed the illegal by-laws adopted by their appointees in the LHINs does not go far enough. Your government should cease to delay a full review of the LHINs as is required in your government’s own LHINs legislation. This review cannot merely consist of a consultant’s report – it must include full public consultation including municipalities and local health advocates that have experience trying to work with the LHINs.
The Ministry of Health must conduct a full review of recent LHIN decisions that have resulted in deep cuts to needed hospital care including the following:
I. Your government must heed the call of the municipalities, MPPs, physicians, nurses, and all public interest health care groups in Niagara to send an Investigator under the Public Hospitals Act into the Niagara Health System to evaluate and re-assess the restructuring plan that has resulted in the closure of emergency and acute care hospital services in Port Colborne and Fort Erie and ongoing cuts in Welland and Niagara Falls. In our cross-province consultations we found among the worst areas in the province for access to hospital care in Niagara. Patients and families reported that they have waited in some cases four days in emergency departments on stretchers. Nurses, paramedics and physicians described conditions as unsafe and in crisis.
II. Similarly, the decision to push through major cuts and restructuring that has been opposed by physicians, nurses, support workers, community groups and patients alike in Hamilton must also be reviewed and re-evaluated with full public consultation.
III. Your government must evaluate and consult with the public on recent decisions by LHINs in Peterborough and Cobourg to force through deep hospital cuts that affect access to vital hospital care. In Cobourg the cuts have deprived thousands of residents access to Canada Health Act covered rehabilitation services and diabetes care. In Peterborough, the LHIN has just approved a draconian set of hospital cuts without ever requiring the hospital to outline the impact of cutting 182 nurses and front-line support staff on hospital services, including how many hospital beds would be rendered unusable as a result, nor how many diagnostic tests would be cut.
Our local hospitals and access to vital public health care services are priority public issues in every community across Ontario. We sincerely hope that you take the opportunity to re-evaluate the priorities and poor decisions we are seeing in our health system.
Sincerely, Natalie Mehra
Director
Ontario Health Coalition
15 Gervais Drive, Suite 305
Toronto, ON M3C 1Y8
www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca
416-441-2502
The Toronto Community Mobilization Network is calling on the public to
come forward with photos, video, and eye witness accounts of police
violence against civilians during the G20 summits in Toronto. This
evidence will be used to ensure that there are consequences for all those
who beat and injured people, and for the masterminds who conspired to plan
and give orders for the widespread police violence and repression that was
experienced by thousands on the streets.
If you are a police officer or a politician who has special knowledge of
these events, please also get in touch.
CAN YOU IDENTIFY THESE VIOLENT COPS?
>> http://g20.torontomobilize.org/image/tid/49
If so, please email g20PoliceViolence@gmail.com
DID YOU WITNESS OR ARE A VICTIM Of POLICE VIOLENCE?
>> Fill this form: http://bit.ly/axilVP and Forward Widely!
DO YOU HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEO OF POLICE VIOLENCE?
>> Email links or attachments to g20PoliceViolence@gmail.com
>> On Youtube or Flickr, tag #G20PoliceViolence
ALSO, HAVE YOU SEEN THESE VIDEOS?
http://www.youtube.com/user/torontomobilize#grid/user/20DF3A28F9C558E6
For more information, visit
http://g20.torontomobilize.org/peoplesinvestigation
======================================
Toronto Community Mobilization Network
http://g20.torontomobilize.org
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=236150947036
http://twitter.com/g20mobilize
community.mobilize@resist.ca
======================================
_______________________________________________
community.mobilize mailing list
community.mobilize@masses.tao.ca
https://masses.tao.ca/lists/listinfo/community.mobilize
come forward with photos, video, and eye witness accounts of police
violence against civilians during the G20 summits in Toronto. This
evidence will be used to ensure that there are consequences for all those
who beat and injured people, and for the masterminds who conspired to plan
and give orders for the widespread police violence and repression that was
experienced by thousands on the streets.
If you are a police officer or a politician who has special knowledge of
these events, please also get in touch.
CAN YOU IDENTIFY THESE VIOLENT COPS?
>> http://g20.torontomobilize.org/image/tid/49
If so, please email g20PoliceViolence@gmail.com
DID YOU WITNESS OR ARE A VICTIM Of POLICE VIOLENCE?
>> Fill this form: http://bit.ly/axilVP and Forward Widely!
DO YOU HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEO OF POLICE VIOLENCE?
>> Email links or attachments to g20PoliceViolence@gmail.com
>> On Youtube or Flickr, tag #G20PoliceViolence
ALSO, HAVE YOU SEEN THESE VIDEOS?
http://www.youtube.com/user/torontomobilize#grid/user/20DF3A28F9C558E6
For more information, visit
http://g20.torontomobilize.org/peoplesinvestigation
======================================
Toronto Community Mobilization Network
http://g20.torontomobilize.org
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=236150947036
http://twitter.com/g20mobilize
community.mobilize@resist.ca
======================================
_______________________________________________
community.mobilize mailing list
community.mobilize@masses.tao.ca
https://masses.tao.ca/lists/listinfo/community.mobilize
UFCW Canada and Mexico's Federal District unite efforts to protect migrant workers in Canada, as well as their families
MEXICO CITY - On Thursday, July 1st, Maria Rosa Marquez Cabrera, representing the Secretaria de Desarrollo Rural y Equidad para las Comunidades (SEDEREC) and Victor Carrozzino, executive assistant to the UFCW Canada National President, signed a mutual cooperation and Letter of Intent to protect the human and labour rights of Mexican temporary agricultural migrant workers in Canada, as well as members of their families living in Mexico City.
Maria Rosa Marquez Cabrera, representing the Secretaria de Desarrollo Rural y Equidad para las Comunidades (SEDEREC)Victor Carrozzino, executive assistant to the UFCW Canada National President
The pact reflects the commitment both institutions have shown towards migrant workers for many years, and proposes a model of cooperation and institutional support to improve living and working conditions of Mexican migrant workers while in Canada.
"We look forward to the new cooperation pact with SEDEREC," says National President Wayne Hanley. "The corporate globalization agenda too often ignores the rights of migrant workers, so we are committed to working with sending countries to ensure that doesn't happen."
In association with the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA), UFCW Canada will provide workers with a toll-free Assistance phone line. In addition, 10 AWA centres across Canada, with Spanish speaking staff, will provide assistance with issues like labour rights, housing conditions, workers' compensation and other work-related matters. These centres will also offer workshops on health and safety, work-related accidents, English and French as a second language, and free long distance calls.
SEDEREC will also provide support and information through its Migrante Line, with trained staff to answer the concerns of workers and their families regarding issues such as birth certificates, drivers' licenses, consular referrals, duty-free imports when they return to Mexico, etc.
Every season, more than 17,000 Mexicans work in Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP); a bilateral treaty between Mexico and Canada. The new agreement between UFCW Canada and SEDEREC aims to address the current shortfalls in the SAWP program by offering a model of institutional coordinated support, accessible to every migrant worker.
MEXICO CITY - On Thursday, July 1st, Maria Rosa Marquez Cabrera, representing the Secretaria de Desarrollo Rural y Equidad para las Comunidades (SEDEREC) and Victor Carrozzino, executive assistant to the UFCW Canada National President, signed a mutual cooperation and Letter of Intent to protect the human and labour rights of Mexican temporary agricultural migrant workers in Canada, as well as members of their families living in Mexico City.
Maria Rosa Marquez Cabrera, representing the Secretaria de Desarrollo Rural y Equidad para las Comunidades (SEDEREC)Victor Carrozzino, executive assistant to the UFCW Canada National President
The pact reflects the commitment both institutions have shown towards migrant workers for many years, and proposes a model of cooperation and institutional support to improve living and working conditions of Mexican migrant workers while in Canada.
"We look forward to the new cooperation pact with SEDEREC," says National President Wayne Hanley. "The corporate globalization agenda too often ignores the rights of migrant workers, so we are committed to working with sending countries to ensure that doesn't happen."
In association with the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA), UFCW Canada will provide workers with a toll-free Assistance phone line. In addition, 10 AWA centres across Canada, with Spanish speaking staff, will provide assistance with issues like labour rights, housing conditions, workers' compensation and other work-related matters. These centres will also offer workshops on health and safety, work-related accidents, English and French as a second language, and free long distance calls.
SEDEREC will also provide support and information through its Migrante Line, with trained staff to answer the concerns of workers and their families regarding issues such as birth certificates, drivers' licenses, consular referrals, duty-free imports when they return to Mexico, etc.
Every season, more than 17,000 Mexicans work in Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP); a bilateral treaty between Mexico and Canada. The new agreement between UFCW Canada and SEDEREC aims to address the current shortfalls in the SAWP program by offering a model of institutional coordinated support, accessible to every migrant worker.
Rise UP for your rights conference!
Save the dates December 8th - 11th, 2010!
Location & Date: Wednesday, December 8 to Saturday, December 11, 2010 at the Westin Hotel, Ottawa
This is an activist conference, for workers who recognize and are determined to change what Conservative policies mean for aboriginal and racialized communities, for LGBT communities, for people living with disabilities and for women. This event is also for our allies who understand what the Conservative agenda has in store for communities who don't share their vision. This will be an important moment for those who want to help build a strong, diverse and inclusive labour movement and it's a chance to act together – politically and strategically.
This is about taking back our future as a diverse movement and challenging the Conservative agenda – in our workplaces, in our communities and at the ballot box.
Ready to Rise UP for Your Rights? Sign up now..
Save the dates December 8th - 11th, 2010!
Location & Date: Wednesday, December 8 to Saturday, December 11, 2010 at the Westin Hotel, Ottawa
This is an activist conference, for workers who recognize and are determined to change what Conservative policies mean for aboriginal and racialized communities, for LGBT communities, for people living with disabilities and for women. This event is also for our allies who understand what the Conservative agenda has in store for communities who don't share their vision. This will be an important moment for those who want to help build a strong, diverse and inclusive labour movement and it's a chance to act together – politically and strategically.
This is about taking back our future as a diverse movement and challenging the Conservative agenda – in our workplaces, in our communities and at the ballot box.
Ready to Rise UP for Your Rights? Sign up now..
WHSC 2009 Annual Report now available online
The Workers Health & Safety Centre’s (WHSC) commitment to worker well-being is stronger than ever. Amid tough recessionary times and major changes within Ontario’s health and safety system, the WHSC’s focus is clear; our work never more centred on prevention.
The WHSC 2009 Annual Report, now available online, details our efforts to stay true to our vision of safer, healthier workplaces and how we continued to fulfill our core training mandate.
Last year we held our own delivering over 187,000 person hours of training including both legally mandated programs and other programs geared to our labour constituency.
Says Dave Killham, executive director, Workers Health & Safety Centre, “We’re optimistic as the economy recovers so too will our ability to reach all workers and their representatives who need health and safety training.” Understanding most economic growth comes from small business a key program development effort was the creation of a new program for worker representatives in smaller workplaces. This training program has the potential to extend our reach into workplaces that have been traditionally underserviced. If Ontario’s Expert Advisory Review Panel on Occupational Health and Safety recommends mandatory training for these representatives, this program will become indispensable.
Reaching more broadly still, a major revision to our unique Level 1 health and safety program allows it to be delivered to workers in all Canadian jurisdictions. This is essential training for worker reps wanting to fully exercise their considerable legal rights and expand their skills as health and safety leaders.
Updates to our Basic Certification program and to our Health Care & Social Services Sector program have us well poised to take the lead when revised Certification standards are released.
Regardless, we encourage you to read about all of our efforts on behalf of Ontario workers and their families.
Want to download the entire WHSC 2009 Annual Report?
Want more information about WHSC health and safety training? Call 1-888-869-7950 and ask to speak to a training service representative or contact a WHSC near you.
The Workers Health & Safety Centre’s (WHSC) commitment to worker well-being is stronger than ever. Amid tough recessionary times and major changes within Ontario’s health and safety system, the WHSC’s focus is clear; our work never more centred on prevention.
The WHSC 2009 Annual Report, now available online, details our efforts to stay true to our vision of safer, healthier workplaces and how we continued to fulfill our core training mandate.
Last year we held our own delivering over 187,000 person hours of training including both legally mandated programs and other programs geared to our labour constituency.
Says Dave Killham, executive director, Workers Health & Safety Centre, “We’re optimistic as the economy recovers so too will our ability to reach all workers and their representatives who need health and safety training.” Understanding most economic growth comes from small business a key program development effort was the creation of a new program for worker representatives in smaller workplaces. This training program has the potential to extend our reach into workplaces that have been traditionally underserviced. If Ontario’s Expert Advisory Review Panel on Occupational Health and Safety recommends mandatory training for these representatives, this program will become indispensable.
Reaching more broadly still, a major revision to our unique Level 1 health and safety program allows it to be delivered to workers in all Canadian jurisdictions. This is essential training for worker reps wanting to fully exercise their considerable legal rights and expand their skills as health and safety leaders.
Updates to our Basic Certification program and to our Health Care & Social Services Sector program have us well poised to take the lead when revised Certification standards are released.
Regardless, we encourage you to read about all of our efforts on behalf of Ontario workers and their families.
Want to download the entire WHSC 2009 Annual Report?
Want more information about WHSC health and safety training? Call 1-888-869-7950 and ask to speak to a training service representative or contact a WHSC near you.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE UNION CONFEDERATION
Vancouver BC, 24 June 2010: Unions from all over the world are to adopt
today an ambitious resolution on climate change. In the framework of the 2nd
ITUC Congress, unions have debated their role in the fight against climate
change, the means to create green and decent jobs and ensure a just
transition towards a low carbon economy and the need for achieving a fair,
ambitious and binding deal on climate under UN auspicies.
"In the last years, unions have deepened their understanding and commitment
on climate change; the time has come in this 2nd ITUC Congress to
consolidate our policies" said Guy Ryder, General Secretary of the ITUC.
"With this resolution, trade unions of the world show that if there is
ambition and solidarity, it is possible to agree on the measures needed to
combat climate change; governments should step up to their responsibilities,
as unions have done".
The resolution establishes policies on the need for ambitious emission
reductions in developed countries, for sufficient funding to be allocated to
help the poorest of the world to adapt to climate change, and for developing
countries not to repeat the mistakes of the past but to engage instead in a
different development path, so as to help build the low carbon, climate
resilient and socially-fair world we need.
"Climate change is definitely a workers' issue, and Congress is
demonstrating leadership by showing that there is no incompatibility between
achieving decent work and social justice and protecting the environment",
said Sharan Burrow, President of the ITUC. "On the contrary, targetted
investments and policies aimed at creating green and decent jobs in certain
sectors, such as renewable energies, energy efficiency and public
transportation can help us overcome the job crisis we are living through,
and unions today are willing to convey this message to the world".
"Solidarity between and within countries and a Just Transition are key to
ending climate change" said Burrow. "Unions of the world have to ensure that
their governments share costs and gains in a fair manner, and push for the
transition to a low-carbon and sustainable society to be done in such a way
that everyone has a place" she added.
In addition to the resolution "Combatting Climate Change through Sustainable
Development and Just Transition", a documentary produced by ITUC and
Sustainlabour showcases activities and commitments from the world's
unionists- from leaders to shopfloor activists - on climate change.
http://www.ituc-csi.org/international-trade-unions-to.html
Vancouver BC, 24 June 2010: Unions from all over the world are to adopt
today an ambitious resolution on climate change. In the framework of the 2nd
ITUC Congress, unions have debated their role in the fight against climate
change, the means to create green and decent jobs and ensure a just
transition towards a low carbon economy and the need for achieving a fair,
ambitious and binding deal on climate under UN auspicies.
"In the last years, unions have deepened their understanding and commitment
on climate change; the time has come in this 2nd ITUC Congress to
consolidate our policies" said Guy Ryder, General Secretary of the ITUC.
"With this resolution, trade unions of the world show that if there is
ambition and solidarity, it is possible to agree on the measures needed to
combat climate change; governments should step up to their responsibilities,
as unions have done".
The resolution establishes policies on the need for ambitious emission
reductions in developed countries, for sufficient funding to be allocated to
help the poorest of the world to adapt to climate change, and for developing
countries not to repeat the mistakes of the past but to engage instead in a
different development path, so as to help build the low carbon, climate
resilient and socially-fair world we need.
"Climate change is definitely a workers' issue, and Congress is
demonstrating leadership by showing that there is no incompatibility between
achieving decent work and social justice and protecting the environment",
said Sharan Burrow, President of the ITUC. "On the contrary, targetted
investments and policies aimed at creating green and decent jobs in certain
sectors, such as renewable energies, energy efficiency and public
transportation can help us overcome the job crisis we are living through,
and unions today are willing to convey this message to the world".
"Solidarity between and within countries and a Just Transition are key to
ending climate change" said Burrow. "Unions of the world have to ensure that
their governments share costs and gains in a fair manner, and push for the
transition to a low-carbon and sustainable society to be done in such a way
that everyone has a place" she added.
In addition to the resolution "Combatting Climate Change through Sustainable
Development and Just Transition", a documentary produced by ITUC and
Sustainlabour showcases activities and commitments from the world's
unionists- from leaders to shopfloor activists - on climate change.
http://www.ituc-csi.org/international-trade-unions-to.html
United Water’s Service Failures Indicative of Problems Suffered Under Privatized Utilities
Washington, D.C.—Billing problems, poor system maintenance, repair delays, workforce reductions and other cost-cutting measures are just some of the many problems plaguing United Water, reveals a new report released today by the national consumer advocacy group Food & Water Watch. Entitled United Water: Suez Environnement’s Poor Record in the United States , the report details how this subsidiary of the French corporation Suez Environnement, and the second-largest private operator of municipal water systems in the U.S. , compromises consumer and environmental safety at the expense of profits.
“The many problems experienced by communities that have suffered under United Water’s so-called ‘service’ illustrate why the movement to stop the privatization of water is gaining momentum,” said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch. “While private water companies such as United Water often promise to improve the quality of aging, underfunded water systems, most communities find that their water service actually deteriorates under private control.”
By taking over smaller municipal water systems, United Water has grown into the second-largest private provider of drinking and wastewater services in the U.S. As of 2009, the company served 7.2 million customers in 26 states.
Yet expansion has come at a cost. Several municipalities, such as Atlanta , Ga. ; Milwaukee , Wis. ; Gary , Ind. ; and Gloucester , Mass. ended contracts with the company after suffering from maintenance backlogs, sewage spills, contaminated drinking water, workforce reductions and infrastructure problems.
Privatized water systems often end up costing municipalities extra money in the form of fines for water quality violations and water loss, among other problems. Gary , Ind. , which terminated its contract with United Water earlier this year, expects to save $8 million a year under public operation of its water system.
Ratepayers have also suffered financially under United Water’s service. North Brunswick , N.J. , cancelled its water contract with United Water in 2002, after customers there saw their bills increase by 100 to 200 percent.
“Reliable public operation of water systems is the best way to ensure the integrity of these essential services. With many communities lacking funds to upgrade and maintain their water systems, the federal government should implement a dedicated source of funding so that all Americans can have access to safe, reliable, affordable drinking and wastewater services,” said Hauter.
United Water: Suez Environnement’s Poor Record in the United States is available here: http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/report/united-water/
Contact: Kate Fried, Food & Water Watch: (202) 683-2500, kfried(at)fwwatch(dot)org.
Washington, D.C.—Billing problems, poor system maintenance, repair delays, workforce reductions and other cost-cutting measures are just some of the many problems plaguing United Water, reveals a new report released today by the national consumer advocacy group Food & Water Watch. Entitled United Water: Suez Environnement’s Poor Record in the United States , the report details how this subsidiary of the French corporation Suez Environnement, and the second-largest private operator of municipal water systems in the U.S. , compromises consumer and environmental safety at the expense of profits.
“The many problems experienced by communities that have suffered under United Water’s so-called ‘service’ illustrate why the movement to stop the privatization of water is gaining momentum,” said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch. “While private water companies such as United Water often promise to improve the quality of aging, underfunded water systems, most communities find that their water service actually deteriorates under private control.”
By taking over smaller municipal water systems, United Water has grown into the second-largest private provider of drinking and wastewater services in the U.S. As of 2009, the company served 7.2 million customers in 26 states.
Yet expansion has come at a cost. Several municipalities, such as Atlanta , Ga. ; Milwaukee , Wis. ; Gary , Ind. ; and Gloucester , Mass. ended contracts with the company after suffering from maintenance backlogs, sewage spills, contaminated drinking water, workforce reductions and infrastructure problems.
Privatized water systems often end up costing municipalities extra money in the form of fines for water quality violations and water loss, among other problems. Gary , Ind. , which terminated its contract with United Water earlier this year, expects to save $8 million a year under public operation of its water system.
Ratepayers have also suffered financially under United Water’s service. North Brunswick , N.J. , cancelled its water contract with United Water in 2002, after customers there saw their bills increase by 100 to 200 percent.
“Reliable public operation of water systems is the best way to ensure the integrity of these essential services. With many communities lacking funds to upgrade and maintain their water systems, the federal government should implement a dedicated source of funding so that all Americans can have access to safe, reliable, affordable drinking and wastewater services,” said Hauter.
United Water: Suez Environnement’s Poor Record in the United States is available here: http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/report/united-water/
Contact: Kate Fried, Food & Water Watch: (202) 683-2500, kfried(at)fwwatch(dot)org.
Georgetti says Good News on Jobs Undercut by Losses in Manufacturing Sector
CLC President comments on Statistics Canada job numbers for June
OTTAWA – There was some good news regarding employment in Canada in June but it was undercut by a continuing loss of jobs in the manufacturing sector, says Ken Georgetti, president of the Canadian Labour Congress. Georgetti was responding to the release by Statistics Canada of its monthly Labour Force Survey.
To view complete English version, click here.
CLC President comments on Statistics Canada job numbers for June
OTTAWA – There was some good news regarding employment in Canada in June but it was undercut by a continuing loss of jobs in the manufacturing sector, says Ken Georgetti, president of the Canadian Labour Congress. Georgetti was responding to the release by Statistics Canada of its monthly Labour Force Survey.
To view complete English version, click here.
Health Minister is in Denial--
Refuses to Re-evaluate Draconian Hospital Cuts
The time is now to contact Premier McGuinty and tell him what you think of his hospital cuts and the LHINs
The media has now managed to get Health Minister Deb Matthews' response to a scathing report on the LHINs by Andre Marin Ontario's Ombudsman released yesterday. In her first responses since the release of the ombudsman's report, the Health Minister has continued her government's stubborn refusal to review, evaluate, or concede in any way that there is a problem with her government's deep hospital cuts and the behaviour of her government's deeply unpopular LHINs.
In his report, "LHIN Spin" the ombudsman found LHINs across Ontario had passed by laws allowing them to meet in secret to discuss restructuring (ie. cuts) decisions without public scrutiny. He stated that the LHINs had rendered public consultation requirements "meaningless" and had counted individual conversations in grocery stores on on the golf course as "consultations".
Health Minister Deb Matthews says she has "complete confidence in the LHIN," stressing that there will be no repercussions against the board of directors and that hospital restructuring in Hamilton and Niagara will go on as planned.
6 hours ago Hamilton Spectator (1 occurrences)
Matthews said, "Let me be clear, I don't concede it was illegal."
6 hours ago Hamilton Spectator (1 occurrences)
Yesterday, the Ontario Health Coalition called for a proper review and evaluation of the worst of the recent LHIN hospital cuts decisions. In every case we outlined, the LHIN operated without full information, without a proper assessment of the effect of their cuts on access to publicly-funded health care services, without meaningful consultation, and without coordinating the availability of community-based services and hospital care. In every case, vital hospital care has been cut for tens of thousands of local residents leaving them without adequate access to Canada Health Act services and crucial preventive care.
We can win change, but we need to take this time to let the McGuinty government hear what communities really think about the hospital cuts and the LHINs. Please ask your friends and neighbours to take a minute to write in.
Let Premier Dalton McGuinty know what you think about the Health Minister's refusal to listen to any criticisms or concerns about her government's hospital cuts. If you have already done it in the past, the time is now to do it again. Let him know what you think about your LHIN and whether you see the health system as worse or better since the LHINs were created. Encourage your friends, family and neighbours to do the same. Don't let them continue to refuse to act on reasonable concerns raised about their LHINs and the loss of vital hospital services.
Contact the Premier at:
Premier Dalton McGuinty
Room 281, Main Legislative Building,
Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A1
Tel 416-325-1941
Fax 416-325-3745
dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Refuses to Re-evaluate Draconian Hospital Cuts
The time is now to contact Premier McGuinty and tell him what you think of his hospital cuts and the LHINs
The media has now managed to get Health Minister Deb Matthews' response to a scathing report on the LHINs by Andre Marin Ontario's Ombudsman released yesterday. In her first responses since the release of the ombudsman's report, the Health Minister has continued her government's stubborn refusal to review, evaluate, or concede in any way that there is a problem with her government's deep hospital cuts and the behaviour of her government's deeply unpopular LHINs.
In his report, "LHIN Spin" the ombudsman found LHINs across Ontario had passed by laws allowing them to meet in secret to discuss restructuring (ie. cuts) decisions without public scrutiny. He stated that the LHINs had rendered public consultation requirements "meaningless" and had counted individual conversations in grocery stores on on the golf course as "consultations".
Health Minister Deb Matthews says she has "complete confidence in the LHIN," stressing that there will be no repercussions against the board of directors and that hospital restructuring in Hamilton and Niagara will go on as planned.
6 hours ago Hamilton Spectator (1 occurrences)
Matthews said, "Let me be clear, I don't concede it was illegal."
6 hours ago Hamilton Spectator (1 occurrences)
Yesterday, the Ontario Health Coalition called for a proper review and evaluation of the worst of the recent LHIN hospital cuts decisions. In every case we outlined, the LHIN operated without full information, without a proper assessment of the effect of their cuts on access to publicly-funded health care services, without meaningful consultation, and without coordinating the availability of community-based services and hospital care. In every case, vital hospital care has been cut for tens of thousands of local residents leaving them without adequate access to Canada Health Act services and crucial preventive care.
We can win change, but we need to take this time to let the McGuinty government hear what communities really think about the hospital cuts and the LHINs. Please ask your friends and neighbours to take a minute to write in.
Let Premier Dalton McGuinty know what you think about the Health Minister's refusal to listen to any criticisms or concerns about her government's hospital cuts. If you have already done it in the past, the time is now to do it again. Let him know what you think about your LHIN and whether you see the health system as worse or better since the LHINs were created. Encourage your friends, family and neighbours to do the same. Don't let them continue to refuse to act on reasonable concerns raised about their LHINs and the loss of vital hospital services.
Contact the Premier at:
Premier Dalton McGuinty
Room 281, Main Legislative Building,
Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A1
Tel 416-325-1941
Fax 416-325-3745
dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
The CAW is turning 25 this year and what better way to celebrate our two and a half decades than by a song?
Many talented CAW members from across the country submitted their original work. Congratulations to all participants, especially all finalists!
Now votes have been tabulated and the winner is in!
Congratulations to Glen MacNeil of Local 2027 in Windsor who has won the 25th anniversary song contest with his tune "Stand up for what you believe."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUBoB__CvxI
Glen will perform the song at the CAW Joint Council in Montreal, Quebec - August 27-29.
BTW- Glen is half of the duo called ReGael. Please visit their myspace. They have a new CD out.
http://www.myspace.com/regael
www.myspace.com/glenmacneil
In Solidarity,
Mark Bartlett
CAW Local 444
Community Environment Representative
CAW Regional Office
2345 Central Ave., 2nd Floor
Windsor, Ontario, N8W 4J1
Ph.- 519-974-5341
Fax- 519-944-5248
Cell- 519-982-8115
mdmbartlett@aol.com
Many talented CAW members from across the country submitted their original work. Congratulations to all participants, especially all finalists!
Now votes have been tabulated and the winner is in!
Congratulations to Glen MacNeil of Local 2027 in Windsor who has won the 25th anniversary song contest with his tune "Stand up for what you believe."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUBoB__CvxI
Glen will perform the song at the CAW Joint Council in Montreal, Quebec - August 27-29.
BTW- Glen is half of the duo called ReGael. Please visit their myspace. They have a new CD out.
http://www.myspace.com/regael
www.myspace.com/glenmacneil
In Solidarity,
Mark Bartlett
CAW Local 444
Community Environment Representative
CAW Regional Office
2345 Central Ave., 2nd Floor
Windsor, Ontario, N8W 4J1
Ph.- 519-974-5341
Fax- 519-944-5248
Cell- 519-982-8115
mdmbartlett@aol.com
The Laborers (LIUNA) announced yesterday it is re-affiliating with the AFL-CIO effective Oct. 1
Following the unanimous approval of the union’s General Executive Board. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka praised the move, saying: “More than ever, now is the moment for a unified labor movement.” LIUNA President Terence O’Sullivan said a “united union movement can better focus Congress—and particularly the U.S. Senate—on helping to lead our nation.”
Following the unanimous approval of the union’s General Executive Board. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka praised the move, saying: “More than ever, now is the moment for a unified labor movement.” LIUNA President Terence O’Sullivan said a “united union movement can better focus Congress—and particularly the U.S. Senate—on helping to lead our nation.”
Census long-form debacle; G20 austerity measures repeat mistakes of 1930s
Dear Friends and Members,
The federal government refuses to yield on its decision to end mandatory census long-form data collection, despite an unprecedented Canada-wide backlash that includes doctors, religious groups, academics, city planners and economists.
The CCPA's Senior Economist Armine Yalnizyan has been amongst those leading the call for a reversal of the new long-form policy. Her criticism began two weeks ago with an open letter to the Honourable Tony Clement, Ministry of Industry and Minister Responsible for Statistics Canada and Munir Sheikh, Chief Statistician, Statistics Canada. Click here to read it.
Armine has continued her critique in a series of blog posts and a CBC radio appearance, all listed here:
Listen to Armine appearing on CBC radio's As It Happens. [July 5]
An account of the growing backlash to the policy, in Rolling Thunder Census Review. [July 9]
A media roundup of the latest top news stories and editorials on the issue. [July 12]
Christian and Jewish groups join the debate in this New twist on census story [July 15]
Armine comments as The Fraser Institute Weighs In on the Census [July 16]
Make sure to check our website reuglarly for the latest on this debacle.
Also, in the wake of the G20 and the agreement by its leaders to cut deficts in half by 2013, I write in a recent editorial that the austerity measures required to do so are a mistake. The Harper fiscal austerity plan repeats mistakes of the 1930s by cutting government programs before the recovery is complete. Click here to read the full commentary.
All the best,
Bruce Campbell, Executive Director
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
205-75 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E7
tel: 613-563-1341 fax: 613-233-1458
email: info@policyalternatives.ca
http://www.policyalternatives.ca
Dear Friends and Members,
The federal government refuses to yield on its decision to end mandatory census long-form data collection, despite an unprecedented Canada-wide backlash that includes doctors, religious groups, academics, city planners and economists.
The CCPA's Senior Economist Armine Yalnizyan has been amongst those leading the call for a reversal of the new long-form policy. Her criticism began two weeks ago with an open letter to the Honourable Tony Clement, Ministry of Industry and Minister Responsible for Statistics Canada and Munir Sheikh, Chief Statistician, Statistics Canada. Click here to read it.
Armine has continued her critique in a series of blog posts and a CBC radio appearance, all listed here:
Listen to Armine appearing on CBC radio's As It Happens. [July 5]
An account of the growing backlash to the policy, in Rolling Thunder Census Review. [July 9]
A media roundup of the latest top news stories and editorials on the issue. [July 12]
Christian and Jewish groups join the debate in this New twist on census story [July 15]
Armine comments as The Fraser Institute Weighs In on the Census [July 16]
Make sure to check our website reuglarly for the latest on this debacle.
Also, in the wake of the G20 and the agreement by its leaders to cut deficts in half by 2013, I write in a recent editorial that the austerity measures required to do so are a mistake. The Harper fiscal austerity plan repeats mistakes of the 1930s by cutting government programs before the recovery is complete. Click here to read the full commentary.
All the best,
Bruce Campbell, Executive Director
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
205-75 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5E7
tel: 613-563-1341 fax: 613-233-1458
email: info@policyalternatives.ca
http://www.policyalternatives.ca
MESSAGE FROM LABOUR COUNCIL
Communications
* Rally for Civil Rights
* City Council Rejects Selling Toronto Hydro
* Support Massey Centre Workers
* Star Op-Ed on Corporate Tax Cuts
RALLY FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES
Over two thousand people came out on Saturday, July 10th to Queen’s Park to demand an independent inquiry into the events around the G20. Many organizations have now joined the Canadian Labour Congress and Canadian Civil Liberties Association in calling for this inquiry into the largest mass arrest in Canadian history.
While most news from June 26/27 focused on the vandalism and arrests, the headline story should have been the G20 adoption of an austerity agenda the will result in deep cuts to public services and workers standards in many countries. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom is supposed to guarantee the rights to freedom of speech, freedom to assembly and freedom to exercise our right to peaceful and lawful protest. To read the full statement endorsed by Labour Council delegates click here. To sign a petition calling for the inquiry go to www.ccla.org
*******************************************
CITY HALL CHAMBERS PACKED FOR VOTE ON TORONTO HYDRO
The gallery at Toronto City Hall was packed on July 6th for the vote on Toronto Hydro. A staff report to the City Council Executive recently recommended asking the provincial government to cancel any taxes that would be paid if the city wanted to sell off its public utility. Instead, Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone moved a motion explicitly calling for keeping Toronto Hydro in public hands.
After hours of debate, his motion passed overwhelmingly with a vote of 30-6. The unrepentant privatizers who opposed Joe’s motion included Karen Stintz and John Parker, but for once they were not joined by Rob Ford. He didn’t say a word . Maybe he read the opinion polls and understood that the public overwhelmingly wants to keep hydro public. Congratulations to CUPE Local 1 and their many allies who organized a great turnout.
*******************************************
JOE FOR MAYOR!
On July 6th, the Labour Council officially voted to endorse Joe Pantalone for Mayor in the 2010 municipal elections. As Deputy Mayor, Joe is the only candidate for mayor who is determined to defend a progressive Toronto where workers rights are respected and the crucial role of strong public services is understood. Check out our choice for Mayor at www.mayorjoe.ca
The Council also voted to support a number of sitting progressive Councillors for re-election, as well as Council candidates Cadigia Ali in Ward 2 and Kevin Beaulieu in Ward 18. Ten candidates for Toronto District School Board were also endorsed. The full list is on the Labour Council website.
*******************************************
SUPPORT MASSEY CENTRE WORKERS
Labour Council delegates heard from two of the SEIU members on strike for seven weeks against the Massey Centre for Women. Their picketline on Broadview Ave. north of Mortimer, has seen lots of union solidarity, including a BBQ earlier that day and CUPE Local 3902 bringing lunch to the strikers every week. Any time you have half an hour to spare, come by and bring some encouragement to those on the line for dignity and respect. www.seiulocal1.org
*******************************************
STAR OP-ED – CANCEL CORPORATE TAX CUTS
Opinion Editorial by Labour Council President John Cartwright.
We are told that the G20 leaders left Toronto agreeing on one main thing – an austerity agenda to reduce deficits within three years. We have all heard about the government budget deficits in Canada. The feds and the province have massive shortfalls because of the global recession and money for infrastructure stimulus. Both finance ministers have appeared numerous times to sternly warn that belts will have to be tightened, and spending reduced if we are to tackle the new fiscal reality.
But there is a disturbing other side to the picture that politicians seem to feel is impolite to mention in mixed company. That is that both the federal and Ontario governments are implementing a series of corporate tax cuts that deplete public revenues by billions of dollars every year. So while ordinary Canadians are being told there isn’t enough money for transit, or education, or healthcare, the wealthiest companies are getting bonus tax cuts. Read more click http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/834317--opinion-cancel-corporate-tax-cuts-to-deal-with-deficit
-------------------- If you wish to unsubscribe please contact afonseca@labourcouncil.ca
Communications
* Rally for Civil Rights
* City Council Rejects Selling Toronto Hydro
* Support Massey Centre Workers
* Star Op-Ed on Corporate Tax Cuts
RALLY FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES
Over two thousand people came out on Saturday, July 10th to Queen’s Park to demand an independent inquiry into the events around the G20. Many organizations have now joined the Canadian Labour Congress and Canadian Civil Liberties Association in calling for this inquiry into the largest mass arrest in Canadian history.
While most news from June 26/27 focused on the vandalism and arrests, the headline story should have been the G20 adoption of an austerity agenda the will result in deep cuts to public services and workers standards in many countries. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom is supposed to guarantee the rights to freedom of speech, freedom to assembly and freedom to exercise our right to peaceful and lawful protest. To read the full statement endorsed by Labour Council delegates click here. To sign a petition calling for the inquiry go to www.ccla.org
*******************************************
CITY HALL CHAMBERS PACKED FOR VOTE ON TORONTO HYDRO
The gallery at Toronto City Hall was packed on July 6th for the vote on Toronto Hydro. A staff report to the City Council Executive recently recommended asking the provincial government to cancel any taxes that would be paid if the city wanted to sell off its public utility. Instead, Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone moved a motion explicitly calling for keeping Toronto Hydro in public hands.
After hours of debate, his motion passed overwhelmingly with a vote of 30-6. The unrepentant privatizers who opposed Joe’s motion included Karen Stintz and John Parker, but for once they were not joined by Rob Ford. He didn’t say a word . Maybe he read the opinion polls and understood that the public overwhelmingly wants to keep hydro public. Congratulations to CUPE Local 1 and their many allies who organized a great turnout.
*******************************************
JOE FOR MAYOR!
On July 6th, the Labour Council officially voted to endorse Joe Pantalone for Mayor in the 2010 municipal elections. As Deputy Mayor, Joe is the only candidate for mayor who is determined to defend a progressive Toronto where workers rights are respected and the crucial role of strong public services is understood. Check out our choice for Mayor at www.mayorjoe.ca
The Council also voted to support a number of sitting progressive Councillors for re-election, as well as Council candidates Cadigia Ali in Ward 2 and Kevin Beaulieu in Ward 18. Ten candidates for Toronto District School Board were also endorsed. The full list is on the Labour Council website.
*******************************************
SUPPORT MASSEY CENTRE WORKERS
Labour Council delegates heard from two of the SEIU members on strike for seven weeks against the Massey Centre for Women. Their picketline on Broadview Ave. north of Mortimer, has seen lots of union solidarity, including a BBQ earlier that day and CUPE Local 3902 bringing lunch to the strikers every week. Any time you have half an hour to spare, come by and bring some encouragement to those on the line for dignity and respect. www.seiulocal1.org
*******************************************
STAR OP-ED – CANCEL CORPORATE TAX CUTS
Opinion Editorial by Labour Council President John Cartwright.
We are told that the G20 leaders left Toronto agreeing on one main thing – an austerity agenda to reduce deficits within three years. We have all heard about the government budget deficits in Canada. The feds and the province have massive shortfalls because of the global recession and money for infrastructure stimulus. Both finance ministers have appeared numerous times to sternly warn that belts will have to be tightened, and spending reduced if we are to tackle the new fiscal reality.
But there is a disturbing other side to the picture that politicians seem to feel is impolite to mention in mixed company. That is that both the federal and Ontario governments are implementing a series of corporate tax cuts that deplete public revenues by billions of dollars every year. So while ordinary Canadians are being told there isn’t enough money for transit, or education, or healthcare, the wealthiest companies are getting bonus tax cuts. Read more click http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/834317--opinion-cancel-corporate-tax-cuts-to-deal-with-deficit
-------------------- If you wish to unsubscribe please contact afonseca@labourcouncil.ca
Jun 30, 2010 17:06 ET
Statement by the Canadian Labour Congress on G20 Summit Police Actions
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 30, 2010) - The Canadian Labour Congress supports the call of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and other organizations for an independent inquiry into the actions of the police during the G8 and G20 summits.
The G20 summit in Toronto on June 27 and 28 was an opportunity for us to tell our politicians that the needs of workers, of citizens, and the environment must take precedence over the greed of global finance and global corporations.
Our People First Rally on June 27 brought over 30,000 people to Toronto, to the official demonstration area at Queen's Park, and along a parade route negotiated with security officials. By all accounts – including the police – labour's rally was a peaceful demonstration with hundreds of volunteer marshals from the labour movement ensuring we had a successful event.
Unfortunately our successful and peaceful demonstration was overshadowed by the actions of small numbers of individuals unrelated to our event, who committed serious acts of vandalism.
The Canadian Labour Congress quickly and publicly deplored those actions, which undermined the efforts of labour and civil society to ensure our voices were heard.
Reports of peaceful demonstrators, exercising their democratic rights of expression and free assembly, being rounded up and detained in mass arrests are cause for concern. We are further disturbed by the revelations that the Ontario government passed in secret an amendment of the Public Works Protection Act that did not meet Canadian constitutional standards and resulted in inappropriate use of police powers to arrest and detain individuals for recognized legal activities.
It is the responsibility of our governments to ensure Canadians know exactly what transpired during this security operation, and that police will be held accountable if mistakes were made. We call on the federal and provincial governments to conduct an independent inquiry into security during the 2010 G8 and G20 summits.
The Canadian Labour Congress, the national voice of the labour movement, represents 3.2 million Canadian workers. The CLC brings together Canada's national and international unions along with the provincial and territorial federations of labour and 130 district labour councils. Web site: www.canadianlabour.ca
For more information, please contact
Dennis Gruending
613-526-7431
613-878-6040
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Statement-by-the-Canadian-Labour-Congress-on-G20-Summit-Police-Actions-1284594.htm
Migrant Morkers March to Canada's Embassy in Mexico City
Workers call for stop to exploitation of migrant workers on Canadian farms under federal government s Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program
Under the flags of the Agriculture Workers Alliance, more than 300 Mexican migrant farm workers descended on the Canadian embassy in Mexico City on June 15, to denounce their working and living conditions as migrant agriculture workers in Canada under the federal government s Seasonal Agriculture Workers Program (SAWP).
The protest parade started at the Tamayo Museum, marched down Reforma Avenue and arrived at the front steps of the Canadian embassy, where the workers demanded a complete reform of SAWP which currently leaves workers vulnerable to abuse, exploitation and unsafe living and working conditions.
The peaceful protest brought together both current and veteran members of SAWP fields who sang on the steps of the embassy together – No more fear, no more discrimination: equality and justice for migrant workers.
In Canada the government doesn t listen. Neither does the consulate. They pretend the problems with SAWP don t exist, said a worker at the Mexico City protest. But the abuse is real and we know it .
Under SAWP, migrant agriculture workers are typically paid minimum wage and are often subject to working and housing conditions that Canadian residents would find intolerable. SAWP workers have historically been hesitant to report dangerous working conditions or hostile employers for fear of being sent home or blacklisted from returning the next season.
Canada says SAWP is a model program but the model is broken, says Andrea Galvez, the co-ordinator of the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA) in Quebec, who joined the workers in Mexico City for the protest. These workers have come from all over Mexico today to tell the real story about SAWP and the changes needed to make it a fair system for everyone.
While protest songs and traditional music filled the air, the protesters distributed pamphlets describing those changes: the right to have a voice in negotiating their working and living conditions; stepped up enforcement of health and safety regulations; respecting all the human and labour rights that every worker in Canada is guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including the right to unionize.
Every year more than 15,000 Mexican workers come to Canada under SAWP. For three decades UFCW Canada has led the campaign for justice for migrant and domestic agriculture workers in Canada. In partnership with the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA), UFCW Canada operates ten AWA worker support centres across Canada.
Workers call for stop to exploitation of migrant workers on Canadian farms under federal government s Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program
Under the flags of the Agriculture Workers Alliance, more than 300 Mexican migrant farm workers descended on the Canadian embassy in Mexico City on June 15, to denounce their working and living conditions as migrant agriculture workers in Canada under the federal government s Seasonal Agriculture Workers Program (SAWP).
The protest parade started at the Tamayo Museum, marched down Reforma Avenue and arrived at the front steps of the Canadian embassy, where the workers demanded a complete reform of SAWP which currently leaves workers vulnerable to abuse, exploitation and unsafe living and working conditions.
The peaceful protest brought together both current and veteran members of SAWP fields who sang on the steps of the embassy together – No more fear, no more discrimination: equality and justice for migrant workers.
In Canada the government doesn t listen. Neither does the consulate. They pretend the problems with SAWP don t exist, said a worker at the Mexico City protest. But the abuse is real and we know it .
Under SAWP, migrant agriculture workers are typically paid minimum wage and are often subject to working and housing conditions that Canadian residents would find intolerable. SAWP workers have historically been hesitant to report dangerous working conditions or hostile employers for fear of being sent home or blacklisted from returning the next season.
Canada says SAWP is a model program but the model is broken, says Andrea Galvez, the co-ordinator of the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA) in Quebec, who joined the workers in Mexico City for the protest. These workers have come from all over Mexico today to tell the real story about SAWP and the changes needed to make it a fair system for everyone.
While protest songs and traditional music filled the air, the protesters distributed pamphlets describing those changes: the right to have a voice in negotiating their working and living conditions; stepped up enforcement of health and safety regulations; respecting all the human and labour rights that every worker in Canada is guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including the right to unionize.
Every year more than 15,000 Mexican workers come to Canada under SAWP. For three decades UFCW Canada has led the campaign for justice for migrant and domestic agriculture workers in Canada. In partnership with the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA), UFCW Canada operates ten AWA worker support centres across Canada.
Travers: Changing Canada, one backward step at a time
June 19, 2010: James Travers
Imagine a country where Parliament is padlocked twice in 13 months to frustrate the democratic will of the elected majority. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that slyly relaxes environmental regulations even as its neighbour reels from a catastrophic oil leak blamed on slack controls. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that boasts about prudent financial management while blowing through a $13-billion surplus on the way to a $47-billion deficit. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country where a political operative puts fork-tongued words in a top general’s mouth. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that refuses to fund the same safe abortions to poor women abroad as it provides at home. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country where the national police commissioner skews a federal election and is never forced to explain. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that writes a covert manual on sabotaging Commons committees. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country dragging its climate change feet as the true north melts. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that silences political debate on the sale of a publicly owned, crown jewel corporation. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that puts higher priority on building super-prisons than keeping people out of them. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country where parties that win the most federal seats are dismissed as “losers”. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that twists its foreign policy around the interests of another nation. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that argues that barricading its largest city promotes tourism. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that promises Senate reform only to continue stuffing it with political hacks. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that avoids answers about a controversial war by accusing questioners of supporting the enemy. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country where party apparatchiks decide who in a nominally free press is allowed to ask the Prime Minister questions. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country where donut shop wisdom is more prized than expert analysis. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that builds a fake lake for a tough-times summit. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that preaches law and order while killing a long-gun registry police chiefs insist makes citizens safer. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country where serving the Prime Minister as chief propagandist is job preparation for running a national news network. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country where charities mute constructive criticism of public policy for fear of losing federal funding. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that can spend $1.2 billion for summit security but can’t find the petty cash needed to invest in the status of women. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that promises accountability only to impose secrecy. That country is now this country.
Every example is familiar, all are documented. Only the cumulative effect is surprising.
Conservatives came to power knowing reluctant Canadians could only be shifted to the political right incrementally. That movement is now advancing according to the plan Conservative thinker, strategist and Stephen Harper mentor Tom Flanagan infuriated the Prime Minister by making public.
Imagine that.
June 19, 2010: James Travers
Imagine a country where Parliament is padlocked twice in 13 months to frustrate the democratic will of the elected majority. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that slyly relaxes environmental regulations even as its neighbour reels from a catastrophic oil leak blamed on slack controls. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that boasts about prudent financial management while blowing through a $13-billion surplus on the way to a $47-billion deficit. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country where a political operative puts fork-tongued words in a top general’s mouth. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that refuses to fund the same safe abortions to poor women abroad as it provides at home. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country where the national police commissioner skews a federal election and is never forced to explain. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that writes a covert manual on sabotaging Commons committees. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country dragging its climate change feet as the true north melts. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that silences political debate on the sale of a publicly owned, crown jewel corporation. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that puts higher priority on building super-prisons than keeping people out of them. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country where parties that win the most federal seats are dismissed as “losers”. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that twists its foreign policy around the interests of another nation. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that argues that barricading its largest city promotes tourism. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that promises Senate reform only to continue stuffing it with political hacks. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that avoids answers about a controversial war by accusing questioners of supporting the enemy. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country where party apparatchiks decide who in a nominally free press is allowed to ask the Prime Minister questions. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country where donut shop wisdom is more prized than expert analysis. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that builds a fake lake for a tough-times summit. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that preaches law and order while killing a long-gun registry police chiefs insist makes citizens safer. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country where serving the Prime Minister as chief propagandist is job preparation for running a national news network. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country where charities mute constructive criticism of public policy for fear of losing federal funding. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that can spend $1.2 billion for summit security but can’t find the petty cash needed to invest in the status of women. That country is now this country.
Imagine a country that promises accountability only to impose secrecy. That country is now this country.
Every example is familiar, all are documented. Only the cumulative effect is surprising.
Conservatives came to power knowing reluctant Canadians could only be shifted to the political right incrementally. That movement is now advancing according to the plan Conservative thinker, strategist and Stephen Harper mentor Tom Flanagan infuriated the Prime Minister by making public.
Imagine that.
Comprehensive Economic
and Trade Agreement (CETA)
and Trade Agreement (CETA)
| ceta presentation2010.ppt |
| critical.pdf |
| clc_presentation.ppt |
| canada-eu-2009-02-26-en.pdf |
| canada-eu-snapshot-2009-02-26-en.pdf |
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
The Ontario Federation of Labour