News and Events

TORONTO --On October 7, the World Day for Decent Work, app-based delivery workers took to the streets – their workplace – to demand that Ontario #MakeGigWorkDecentWork. While Gig Workers United was rallying at Queen’s Park to promote the Gig Workers’ Bill of Rights — a joint initiative with the Ontario Federation of Labour — at least two banner drops, one on the freeway and one on Kensington Market rooftop, carried the message “Gig work is real work. Make it decent work.”

This Thursday, September 30, will mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday to commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools in our country. The day coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which started in 2013, to honour Indigenous children forced to leave their families to attend residential schools. On this day, people wear orange shirts in honour of Phyllis Webstad, whose treasured new orange shirt was taken from her when she was brought to a residential school.

Now that results are in, Canada's 44th Parliament, for much of the country, will look a lot like our 43rd Parliament – with a few notable changes that matter to our membership.

Dear Members, The federal election campaign is coming to an end in less than a week, as we head to the polls on Monday, Sept. 20. It has been a rollercoaster ride for everyone. As the fourth wave of COVID-19 escalates and kids return to school, many are frustrated with this election call. And with good reason. Nevertheless, our voices will be heard to decide the right direction for the country. I encourage all members to learn about the different party platforms and candidates. Having the right representation makes a difference in our members' lives. What political parties put forward during this campaign is important, but we will not forget their track record to assess the credibility of their commitments. As the saying goes: History tends to repeat itself. Therefore, we must look at how political parties have addressed workers issues in the past. Here’s a brief summary of the main federal political parties positioning in recent years. I hope that this additional information will be helpful when you cast your vote. Remember who is on our side. If you haven’t done so yet, I urge you to exercise your democratic right to vote on Monday, September 20.