Equality and Human Rights

'The actions Canada subsequently takes to create a more accessible and inclusive society will be the subject of both domestic and international scrutiny.'

'Why is Canada supporting murder, human rights violations and forced displacement in Colombia?'

Idea dates back to second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910

Legal experts warn of rights-clawback as Parliament returns

Reality Check: 'A sharp decrease in institutional and political support by the government of Canada for the promotion and protection of the human rights of women and girls.'

Stephen Harper has tried hard to obscure a hidden political agenda as prime minister but the reality is that he has 'abused, denied and diminished' democracy in Canada, say James Clancy and Larry Brown of the National Union of Public and General Employees. (NUPGE).

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

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

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

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

'This government ought to be ashamed of its failure to meet its international obligations and responsibilities.' - Judi Filion.

York University professor disputes the positive assessment of Canada’s migration policies in the UN Human Development Report 2009

First UN publication on the state of the world’s indigenous peoples reveals alarming statistics on poverty, health, education, employment, human rights, the environment and more.

Facebook group now has more than 200,000 members and protests are being planned in cities across Canada. Updated

The important work of all those who care for and support individuals with developmental disabilities is being celebrated in dozens of communities across Ontario today.

Canadian public sector union urges members and the general public to make individual donations to devastated Caribbean country.

Many believe that the case will eventually reach the United States Supreme Court, which will ultimately determine whether gay marriages in the U.S receives constitutional protection as in Canada

Stephen Lewis 'Grandmothers to Grandmothers' Campaign and UNICEF Canada's 'Spread the Net' Campaign.

New CCPA study says top 100 Canadian CEOs pocketed 174 times each what average Canadian workers earn all year.

New law ends three-year wait and gives same sex couples on P.E.I. all the rights enjoyed by mixed-sex couples.

'Participants will learn about the obstacles different equity groups face every day in their workplaces and in society.'

(27 Nov. 2009) - NUPGE president James Clancy says Harper is changing Canada so radically that we could lose more than our good name – already badly damaged on the world stage. "We just might lose Canada altogether," he writes.

'Labour rights and human rights should be promoted, protected and strengthened.' - James Clancy.

Action-based initiative, called Uniting to End Violence Against Women, will connect shelters that help abused women across the country.

 It's time for Canada to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

' I am encouraging all Canadians to contact their MPs and let them know that the long-gun registry should not be dismantled.' - James Clancy.

Members of NUPGE and its Component unions are encouraged to continue efforts to address the AIDS crisis in Africa - YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

“John Rae has spent a lifetime effecting change by taking up issues that have been relevant to persons who are disabled and specifically who are blind, deaf-blind or partially sighted.”

NUPGE is encouraging all Canadians to sign online message to Prime Minister Harper asking him to establish a national plan of action to stop violence against Indigenous women.

CLC marking 20th anniversary of Montreal Massacre with 20-day mailing campaign to highlight the ongoing need for change.

The occasion will mark 'a historic new chapter' in the lives of Métis citizens as well as Saskatchewan and Canadian citizens generally. - MN-S president Robert Doucette.

This fall municipal governments from across the country, representing more than 7.5 million Canadians, have passed official resolutions acknowledging Nov. 6 as Canadian Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day.

The bill would prohibit the importation of goods that fail to meet the labour standards as set out by the International Labour Organization Conventions and Protocols.

The MGEU, which represents many workers at Sandy Bay First Nation, has stepped forward as one of the organizations offering financial support for the project.

'Even more than immigrants, temporary migrants like farm workers, live-in caregivers, construction workers and others face exploitative and precarious work and living conditions.'

'We all need to learn more about the burden of mental illness on individuals, families and our society and try to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of those Canadians who are suffering in silence.' - James Clancy.

One in five cannot pay for basic needs like glasses and dental care or participate meaningfully in community recreational activities.

Offered to children of NUPGE's 340,000 members who are starting a post-secondary education.

'Like the Famous Five, we must continue to lobby, campaign and educate others to ensure that Canadian women obtain equity in this country.'

“Considering how wealthy this country is, these rates of poverty are unacceptable. Not only are we not making progress; we are losing ground.”

Canada still is not on board with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

'The typical worker had lost $51 the previous week through wage violations from average weekly earnings of $339 - a 15% loss in pay.'

Child poverty seems to win political points but Canadian governments are ignoring the very real and private struggle of women on their own.

Theme of World Outgames and Human Rights Conference in Copenhagen

BCGEU members participate in BC Pride events, in Vancouver, Victoria, Campbell River, Prince George, Eastside and Surrey

'We are now in the second year of this initiative within youth justice.'

The theme of the Convention was Generations United, Organizing for Change

'Climate change is the main environmental problem facing humanity.' - ITUC.

Richest 1% now hog 12.2% of all income while average wages have remained flat for 30 years.

More than 100 OPSEU members, family and supporters played live Soca, Reggae and Calypso music from the OPSEU float along the parade route

Province uses exemption under Employment Standards Act to renege on holiday and vacation pay for students.

'Men in particular are taking a hit in ways Canada hasn't seen in a very long time.'

Canada ranks almost dead last among OECD countries in terms of access, benefit duration and income replacement levels for Employment Insurance, according to a recent study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Campaign run in cooperation with the worldwide “Mayors for Peace” group, which covers more than 2,000 cities in over 130 countries.

Report by Public Interest Alberta calls for political financing reforms to ensure fair and equitable elections.

The report also recommends extending coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program to caregivers denied coverage under a provincial health plan

Precedent setting decision flows from discrimination against white firefighters in New Haven, Conn.

Random drug testing without reasonable cause is an "unwarranted intrusion" on employees' privacy and "an unjustifiable affront to their dignity,"

'Unemployment is especially serious this year – at the height of a severe economic recession –- and a deep cause of concern among Aboriginal communities.' - James Clancy.

Pride Week is associated with Pride Month which is celebrated in many areas of Canada and around the world in June as well as over the summer months.

Harper government rejects or partially rejects more than half of all recommendations contained in the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review of Canada.

NAPE says home care and support services for persons with disabilities must be addressed in Newfoundland and Labrador.

MGEU is one of the event's main sponsors. 'A great way to support of social justice and human rights,' union says.

Poor record cited on issues such as missing Aboriginal women, slow progress on land claims, funding cuts to women's groups and treatment of prisoners in Afghanistan.

Join the online letter campaign now. Thousands of e-mails and phone calls are having an impact. Liberal MPs are the key. Let's keep up the pressure.

NUPGE has supported this initiative with funding through its "Building International Sisterhood campaign" projects.

University of Toronto professor crunches numbers from 41,666 Statistics Canada interviews.

'The effort to end homophobia cannot be separated from the struggle to extend respect and dignity to all human beings everywhere.' - James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

'Successive Canadian governments, including the current Harper administration, have refused to ratify three key Conventions or to explain their failure to do so.' - NUPGE, CTF, CPA, UFCW Canada.

OPSEU develops an accessibility audit to evaluate its regional offices as a way to highlight all accessibility issues and provide recommendations for fixing them.

Canada’s cultural diversity strengthens the country socially, politically and economically.

In 1927, the Japanese Camp and Millworkers Union became the first union of Asian workers to become affiliated to a national labour central, the Trades and Labour Congress.

Lieutentant General Roméo Dallaire receives OPSEU's the prestigious Stanley Knowles Humanitarian Award for his extraordinary humanitarian efforts as UN Commander in Rwanda

“This award is not just about me. It’s about teaching every person within OPSEU that as a member of the union you can make a difference. All you have to do is say you want to.”

Vaisakhi marks the birth of Sikhism and the beginning of the New Year

Sections 15 and 28 are part of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms because of the historic activism of Canadian women.

'A significant victory for free speech and our democratic process.' - BCGEU president Darryl Walker.

Harper government using an online poll to determine whether to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Two years after signing, Canada still has not ratified Convention - pressure mounting for fast-track ratification

'Governments must improve social assistance programs in these tough times or we're going to see more families in Canada living in harsh, desperate circumstances.' - NUPGE president James Clancy.

Union to develop a comprehensive social map of the membership with the aim to create more inclusive policies, programs and services in all areas of union business

March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

El Salvador community organization thanks OPSEU's Social Justice Fund for the purchase of a truck to assist in their community development work.

'The income gap has widened to the point that the top 10% of B.C. families now earn more than the entire bottom half of families.' - CCPA.

March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

This legislation will not help the economy or save jobs and there is no proof that it will save the government money.

OPSEU local honours the first black trade unionist to lead a major Canadian union. Upshaw was president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union from 1990 to 1995.

Balancing responsibilties at work and at home is a greater stressor for women.

The Canadian theme for International Women’s Day 2009 is “Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality.”
 

Focus of meeting on building strong network of equality and human rights activists across the country

Ben Powless is Mohawk from Six Nations in Ontario. He is currently studying Human Rights, Indigenous and Environmental Studies at Carleton University in Ottawa. The National Union sponsored Ben to attend the 2009 World Social Forum in Belem, Brazil, January 24 to February 2.

Budget implementation legislation would undermine federal rules governing pay equity.

Our cultural diversity is a key to reconnecting and strengthening our communities, and a much needed component for resiliency.

Only a few months into the economic crisis in Canada and Liberal and Conservative leaders are already using the economy to push for more restrictive immigration policies.

Public sector union hopes to donate 17,000 pounds of food to food banks across Alberta — one pound for each of its 17,000 members.

Conservative government is paying lip service to improving the lives of women even as it refuses to support pay equity, child care and economic measures that support women's equality.  So the Canadian Labour Congress is sending each Member of Parliament a gift of chocolate lips with an accompanying note - 'women are tired of lip service'.

National Union components, the Health Sciences Association of BC and the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union, are among the more than 200 organizations to sign onto an open letter calling for a commitment to a comprehensive poverty reduction plan.

As the economic crisis deepens and job losses mount, the National Union hopes that celebrations for Black History Month will encourage governments and employers to promote, defend and expand a commitment to equality in the workforce.

Long list of concerns about Canada's performance raised with particular attention to living conditions of Canada's Aboriginal Peoples, the use of Tasers, and the refusal to ratify outstanding human rights agreements.

'End the Harvest of Death' -  UFCW national president Wayne Hanley says that it is time for Alberta to join the national consensus by becoming the ninth province to respect the health and safety rights of agriculture workers.

'We continue to use your encouragement and spend these donated funds wisely to better the lives of the people of Lesotho fighting for their lives against the AIDS pandemic.' Executive Director Andy McDougall

With the Harper Conservatives moving in the opposite direction, the contrast between Canada and the new administration in Washington is startling.

The inauguration of Barack Obama as the first black president of the United States represents a major step forward and hope for the future.

2009 is the 200th birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of the ‘Braille’ method of writing and reading for people who are blind

Fingerprints and credit checks could become the norm once a federal task force finalizes new proposals and recommendations.

Fifty submissions slamming Canada – on everything from the state of Aboriginal Peoples to the erosion of labour rights – have been filed with the Geneva-based UNHRC.

Canada only country to vote against UN Human Rights Council motion condemning Israeli action.

Canadian arctic indigenous peoples and environmental groups launch a united call for action on climate change at United Nations negotiations.

(Dec 5, 2008) -- 'We've got an extremely rare opportunity right now to make progressive change in Canada -- to force our governments to deliver a plan that will ensure a strong economy, fair society and clean environment for all of us.'

Just before the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights Prime Minister Stephen Harper chose to violate human rights by further attacking labour rights

Attack outlined in economic statement remains despite political crisis in Ottawa

'Since 1991, more than 2,245 trade union leaders and activists have been assassinated in Colombia.'

Starting with the 2010 Olympics and the second Monday of February in future years

Four awards of $1,500 given each year to children of NUPGE members

Museum will be the largest human rights centre in the world.

By Canadian Press: Michelle Mcquigge

Toronto (21 October 2008) - The gap between the rich and poor in Canada widened significantly in a recent 10-year period partly because Ottawa spent less on cash benefits than many other developed countries, the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) says. 

Ottawa (14 Oct. 2008) – Each year, the National Union of Public and General Employees offers four scholarships that reflect its pursuit of equal opportunity for all workers. They are offered to the children of the National Union’s 340,000 members who are starting a post-secondary education. The National Union is pleased to announce the winners of these awards.

Canadian Psychological Association says big challenge awaits Oct. 14 election winner

Focusing attention on the crisis of murdered and missing Aboriginal women

This year’s theme is 'Women in the Lead'

'She never wavered when she believed the cause was right. We will miss her more than words can ever say.' - NUPGE president James Clancy

'Over 25,000 women and children in Alberta were turned away from overcrowded shelters last year.' - James Clancy, National President of NUPGE

'Almost every jurisdiction in Canada has experienced a major violation of bargaining rights.'

An Alberta provincial government employee who posted derogatory descriptions and criticisms of her co-workers and supervisors on several online blogs that she created was justifiably dismissed because this conduct irreparably undermined the employment relationship, an Alberta arbitration board has held.

24,000 delegates from 190 countries attended five-day gathering

Critics say the move won't help the vast majority of Albertan residents struggling with severe disabilities

OPSEU president scheduled to make presentation on Bill 77

Complaint results in Men at Work and Men Working Ahead signs being changed to read Workers Ahead

Survey finds 43% targeted in the past year by clients, co-workers and supervisors

Compensation for failure to accommodate and wrongful dismissal reduced to back pay

As Brazilian sugar cane feeds the biofuel industry, it takes its toll on its labourers.

'If Bill 77 goes ahead as is, it will have a hugely detrimental effect.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas

Ontario caseloads more than twice the national average

May 17 marks key anniversary of important step taken by the World Health Organization in 1991

Accelerating the disconnect between the nation's overall wealth and that of ordinary people

Four long years after legislation was passed unanimously by Parliament, the first low-cost shipment of generic drugs from Canada should soon be en route to Africa to help AIDS victims.

While pausing to recognize and say thank you to our own mothers, we can also help African mothers struggling with the ravages of AIDS

Government employees crying for relief from high-tech intrusion into private lives away from the job

James Clancy sends letter to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo condemning treatment of political opponents

Opposition parties approve declaration despite position taken by Harper government

Poverty afflicts 12.6% of all Ontario children including 44% of all children in low-income families

National Union expresses concern over the refusal of the Harper government to support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

Police urged to be more careful of information they release

'The minister may not know what is going on in his own ministry.' - George Heyman

'Prison costs are blowing holes in state budgets.' - Pew Center on the States

'Every member deserves to have a safe and healthy workplace where they are treated with dignity and respect.'

Join a rally, organize a vigil, or write an MP

By Michael Honey
History Professor at the University of Washington, Tacoma

Give more than flowers and chocolates this year - help African communities in need.

Online resource will help counter the invisibility of black history in the dominant narrative of Canadian history.

Equal Pay Coalition uses anniversary to call for action to end widespread gender pay discrimination in Ontario

Birth parents continue to receive 15 weeks more leave from work than adoptive parents

'Outrageous that Harper Conservatives would consider signing a free trade deal with such a country.' - James Clancy

NUPGE planning national appreciation day later in the year

Domestic carriers must stop charging severely disabled passengers fees for extra space or caregivers.

Legislation introduced following Supreme Court decision on security certificates

You can make a difference in someone’s life

(Dec 7, 2007) -- 'Labour rights are human rights. Seize them. Defend them. Promote them. Understand them and insist on them. It’s a sure way to strengthen our democracy while helping to achieve equality and justice for all working people.'

'Violence is far less likely between equals. . .therefore, equality and respect of all people is a crucial concept. . .women have not yet achieved equality, and this must be redressed.' - Witness at the Canadian Panel on Violence Against Women, 1993

'These organizations, and the people they help, need and deserve a clear commitment.' - James Clancy

NUPGE calls on Canada to ratify UN Convention

Ipsos Reid poll commissioned by Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace

'We need to continue our labour rights are human rights campaign.' - James Clancy

By Ginette Petitpas-Taylor

When New Brunswick university students held a bake sale where sweets were offered at $1 apiece to men and 80 cents to women, the organizers were trying to upset people.

Canada has a tax system that most would find offensive, says CCPA

Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union has created a Humanity Fund to support international and domestic initiatives. The fund will be initially drawn from 10% of the interest earned by the MGEU defence fund.

'An individual's right to own their personal information is an important principle.' - James Clancy

International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has condemned the murder of Marco Tulio Ramírez Portela, a key member of the Guatemalan Banana Workers Union of Izabal, SITRABI.

'This year's theme is Celebrating Immigrant Women in Canada.'

New definition of harassment includes on-the-job issues that include abuse of power and bullying

As in Ontario, Manitoba's social assistance rates are not keeping up with the cost of living. In Manitoba 60,000 people use employment and income assistance (EIA) as their major source of income. This assistance program as well as the shelter assistance has not kept pace with inflation.

October 1-7 is Mental Illness Awareness Week

A broad coalition of community organizations and poverty groups have formed to address the ever-worsening poverty in Ontario.

The 'father of Manitoba' led the Northwest Rebellion in 1885  

Four awards of $1,500 given each year to children of NUPGE members 

Disappointment expressed in Canada's refusal to support declaration  

Economic boom confined to corporations and CEOs

  Doesn't require 'rocket science' to understand the threat      

Union interested in 'understanding and meeting' challenges faced by members

Union has made a positive difference in many lives

International group urges IOC to demand crackdown by Chinese government

Eyesight problem stopped veteran employee from driving but did not prevent him from continuing to work

'I will advance the cause of accessibility.' - David Onley

Man in wheelchair left behind after fire alarm sounds in Charlottetown

A step forward for the rights of workers

Delegates support series of women's projects

'We look forward to strengthening and deepening our common bonds.' - James Clancy

NUPGE urges members to recognize and celebrate the value of diversity

June 9 event aims to attract as many participants as possible

(Mar 15, 2007) -- 'Doris Anderson was an important journalist, women’s rights champion and activist.  Canada mourns her loss, but celebrates a remarkable life.'

Government and opposition still believe five-year plan will work but Coalition for Pay Equity is less optimistic

Top 10% earn 75 times more than bottom 10%

Ron James headlines Winnipeg fundraiser scheduled on May 1

A good first step but changes fall far short of what is needed, says 40,000-member coalition

Mayor Larry O'Brien and councillors petition Ontario legislature members to pass Bill 150

CCPA says existing rates leave full-time, year-round workers $4,000 to $6,000 below poverty line

Via Rail must make passenger cars more accessible

'We are strongest when we are united. Racism divides us from within and makes us weaker.' - James Clancy

'Homelessness is an embarrassment to governments at all levels right across this country.' - James Clancy

'To many of us, people with developmental disabilities are invisible.' - Leah Casselman

'Equality - not 'til every piece is in place.'

Gap widest in 30 years even though the poor are working harder than ever

1998 cut-off declared discriminatory but survivors of gay couples are not entitled to greater benefits than survivors of opposite-sex couples

Harper government in Ottawa planning to boycott March 30 ceremony in New York

'This is an immense victory for all of us who believe in the fair and transparent application of the law.' - James Clancy

'Children deserve the highest level of service and greatest measure of safety that we can offer.' - Peter Olfert

Joint presentation to province by NSGEU, NSTU, NSNU and CUPE

356,000 violent incidents reported; 71% physical assaults

'Yet another three children have been orphaned, thereby joining the long list of sons and daughters of workers.'

On Day 83 of his hunger strike, good news finally arrives.

Raise the minimum wage, because in a just society no one working full time for a full year should find themselves in poverty.

Members of Parliament will be voting this week on renewing two provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act enabling 'preventive arrests' and 'investigative hearings.'

Appeal to Campbell government to stop systematic transfers

Unions join in campaign to push for legislation against violence in the workplace

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives shines a spotlight on obscene corporate salaries

Calling for a full public inquiry into the threats and the resulting poisoned work environment

Born in Scotland, she will be remembered for her contribution to the labour movement

Massive federal government survey finds that one worker in five is affected

The best way to prevent child labour is to pay coffee pickers a fair living wage

Oil sands worker fired unfairly over positive test resulting from social marijuana use five days before he was hired.

Small six-inmate facility within maximum security Millhaven Penitentiary already the subject of human rights protests

'We must value our diversity and embrace our distinct differences.' James Clancy

James Clancy, national president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), is urging members and supporters to protest the repressive actions of the government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines.

It has proven its worth to the Vancouver community.