Women's Issues

“It may seem like an innocuous change, but it is a symbol of a pattern of assault on women’s issues by the Harper government,” said NAPE President Carol Furlong.

Provides fact based response to reports to the anecdotal attacks on the public sector from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) and other conservative think tanks.

"Canada has not lived up to its obligations under international human rights law to prevent, investigate and remedy violence against Aboriginal women and girls.”- Sharon McIvor of FAFIA.

More than 20 years after the tragic events in Montreal, violence against women continues to be a serious issue in Canada.

All Together Now! women activists to focus on public services key to achieving life/work balance.

At least one out of every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime - with the abuser usually someone known to her.

"This 30 year struggle shows that Canada needs to improve its pay equity laws to ensure this injustice never happens again. Women must be treated and compensated fairly in every workplace." - James Clancy, NUPGE President

The Conservative government has stubbornly reintroduced legislation to end the long-gun registry and destroy the data that has been collected over 15 years.

Women continue to raise our social conscience, give voice to issues of inequality and work to build a future free of discrimination, violence and poverty.

“I am a trade unionist and I am a feminist and I want to believe and I do believe that those two words are synonymous.” - Nancy Riche – acceptance speech on her election to
NUPGE National Secretary-Treasurer, May 26, 1984

Focusing attention on the crisis of murdered and missing Aboriginal women.

“With corporate childcare, the profit motive comes at the expense of families and workers,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

Women march and rally to prevent further violence against aboriginal women and girls. UPDATED

"The National Union is excited to be supporting and participating in such an important global feminist event," said ACWI chair Brenda Hildahl.

“The Supreme Court issued a devastating decision undoing the rights of millions of women across the country to come together and hold their employers accountable for their discriminatory practices.” - Marcia Greenberger,

“It’s money the federal government gets free.” - Pierre Fortin.

Domestic workers are excluded from the right to join a union and bargain collectively in the provinces of Alberta, Ontario and New Brunswick.

Research indicates that women remain the primary caregivers of children and the elderly among the majority of Member States of the EU.

"Post-2011 election is a good time to keep in mind our tradition of solidarity, and to build on it in new ways," - Martha Friendly, Executive Director CRRU

"Asking the experts to put their heads together to discuss how to guarantee that women achieve fairer representation in the seats of political power," - Joanna Birenbaum

“We are committed to the work we do,” said local president, Deb Morphew. "We would like to avoid disruption to people who receive supports, but are willing to do what it takes to get the much needed funding for the sector.”

“Consent ends when the active, independent, operating will ceases,” - Judge Laforme.

“It was a real shock that everyone on the government side would be funded but nobody on the advocacy side would be funded,” says David Eby.

The proportion of Aboriginal women who reported spousal violence was about two and a half times higher than the proportion of non-Aboriginal women.

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

A recent report coordinated by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA) highlights the sharp decrease in support for women’s issues under the Harper government.

On March 8th, as we take time to celebrate the achievements that women have made and their contributions to a better world, we must also renew our resolve to fight for a true and equitable society,” stresses James Clancy, president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

"Canada needs early learning and child care services, not a social policy gap that is decades behind reality." - YWCA Canada

Report recommends investing 1% of GDP to early care and learning.

“In this day and age, there is no excuse for anyone, let alone a member of the judiciary, to make this kind of statement,” said Brenda Hildahl, Chair of the National Union of Public and General Employees' Advisory Committee on Women’s Issues. “His comments and sentence are a disservice to all victims of sexual assault. He should tender his resignation immediately.”

'Counting Women In .. NSGEU Women Do Great Things.'

'A great opportunity for female members who have shown some interest in their union but haven’t quite known how to get more involved.'

'Huguette was a trailblazer. She spent her whole adult life fighting for fairness and defending the interests of working families.'

Poster symbolized the vital role that women played in World War II industries.

Federal Conservatives should now focus on real problems facing women such as pay equity, affordable child care, legal aid and other measures to prevent violence. - James Clancy.

Latest report from Statistics Canada reveals that a glaring pay gap still remains between men and women in Canada.

In 2009 over 70% of women with children under the age of 16 living at home were employed.

More than 20 years after the tragic events in Montreal, violence against women continues to be a serious issue in Canada.

Ranks a dismal 17th in the material well-being of children among OECD countries.

Group urges supporters across the country to pressure the Harper government to take action on urgent parliamentary committee report.

Opposition parties combine to outvote the Harper Conservatives 141-132 on a bill to create a national housing strategy.

'I urge you to not desert the families of the 582 missing and murdered Aboriginal women!' - James Clancy.

'A vital part of the meaning of consent is the right to say ‘no’ at any point.' - Joanna Birenbaum, LEAF

Women experienced disproportionately more gains in unionized jobs.

'As Canada has become a 24-hour society, the number of Canadians working non-regular hours has increased dramatically.'

'It is every woman’s fundamental right to live in safety and security in her home and community.'

October 27th will mark the 10th annual Day of Appreciation for Child Care Workers and Early Childhood Educators in Ontario.

Lois Wales, a cardiology technologist, was elected president of the Mantioba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) at the union's convention this past weekend. It is the first time in MGEU’s history that a woman has been elected president. 

Report makes recommendations to protect women from serial predators who traget victims because of their availability, vulnerability and desirability.

NUPGE urging members to join with Canadians across the country in celebrating Women's History Month

Annual World Economic Forum study looks at 134 economies around the world.

Motion adopted unanimously asks province to reverse decision on program killed in July at VGH.

Focusing attention on the crisis of murdered and missing Aboriginal women.

Pay equity will eventually be assured for all LCBO employees under the Pay Equity Act of Ontario.

Focusing attention on the crisis of murdered and missing Aboriginal women.

Government accepts none of the 74 recommendations contained in a Senate report approved unanimously in April.

Equality Rights Central (ERC) will monitor all equality, human rights and discrimination issues, primarily in lower courts and tribunals

Canadians encouraged to e-mail, fax and phone MPs in advance of critical Commons vote on Bill C-391.

NAPE accuses employer of discrimination against women while managers are paid up to $40 an hour.

'Cutting outpatient care will result in higher medical costs overall, in addition to suffering.' - Reid Johnson.

Multi-bed shelter for women battling addictions, homelessness or other safety issues.

First major overhaul in 30 years would modernize the province's Family Relations Act.

Employer ordered to pay damages and learn about Ontario's Human Rights Code.

'Shirley moved women’s rights to the top of the labour agenda and she was a determined opponent of apartheid.'

“'We’re losing our reputation.... We have fallen way behind.' - André Lalonde.

'Just shut up - that's been this government's style right from the start.' - NUPGE president James Clancy.   

Lawsuit centers on allegations that Wal-Mart pays women less than men for the same jobs and that female employees receive fewer promotions and have to wait longer for those promotions than male counterparts.

New report concludes that the health of Canadians is much less determined by the health care system than we typically think. Much more important are public policies that influence our living conditions.  

'Participants took advantage of the opportunity to engage, talk, debate and share with activists – women who work diligently within their unions despite their life/work challenges.' - James Clancy

'There can be no justification for cutting services to women victims of violence who are often among the most isolated and vulnerable individuals in our society.' - Bob Bymoen.

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

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.'

“The Women’s Court finds that fiscal considerations should never suffice as a pressing and substantial basis for overriding equality rights”

'The report shows there’s a lot more at stake than lost child care spaces.' - Andrea Calver.

Union says Harper must take action at home and abroad to show he is serious about championing maternal health and child care around the globe.

'We hope that local communities across B.C. will join Vancouver's lead.' - Darryl Walker.

'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.

OPSEU says success achieved after 'long and tedious process' dating back to 2003.

Study at four city hospitals represents the first in-depth investigation of 'role overload' in Canada's health care system.

Another devastating cut to services for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.  Waddell's Haven Guest Home in Mission, B.C. at full capacity to be closed.

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

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

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

"Presently, the gap in CPP pensions between males and females is narrowing even if it is not expected to disappear completely."

Only 30 percent of women have a formal financial plan to meet their retirement goals

'Over the long term, every $1 invested in quality child care programs returns $2.54 in benefits to society.' - CCAAC.

Focusing attention on the crisis of murdered and missing Aboriginal women.

'Government needs to step forward with a comprehensive plan to ensure that quality care and education for our young children is here now and in the future.' - Shelley Ward.

Dismal 15th ranking out of 17 developed countries. Only Japan and the United States were worse. The top-ranked countries are Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands.

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

'The decrease in provincial budget funding for child care is most likely a result of the Harper Conservative government’s 2006 cancellation of the bilateral agreements.'

Crystal Lee Jordan Sutton, an activist to the end, has passed away from a brain tumor at age 68.

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

'Muriel will be forever remembered as an ambassador of peace, defender of women's rights and champion of educational development.' - Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter.

First woman to sit on executive council of B.C. Federation of Labour and become president of the B.C. NDP.

There has been an increase of more than 50 per cent in demand for Charlottetown's women's shelter.

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.

'Child care is a critical piece of the puzzle for many Manitobans these days.' - Gord Mackintosh, family services and housing minister.

NUPGE leaflet puts focus on Canadian women struggling to cope with severe economic problems.

Employers reap gains worth $6.03 billion but the cost in employee burnout is significant.

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

New survey by Statistics Canada says more than 80% were fleeing an abusive situation.

'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.

NDP again asks Parliament to pass legislation that would lay a foundation for a national child care system. 

Similar programs are already operating in Ontario and Saskatchewan.

Community-based women's shelters look to the international scene to find solutions that help women escape domestic violence.

The Expenditure Restraint Act violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by denying workers' rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

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

'A devastating impact on women, particularly those living in poverty, women of colour, Aboriginal women, and other marginalized women.' - HSABC

Canada has one of the lowest child care access rates in the industrialized world and fees are among the highest.

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

Beware of child care property development/leaseback schemes, proposals to expand for-profit child care and pressure to reduce quality standards.

NSGEU women's conference April 24-26 at Debert Hospitality Centre. Helping women play a more assertive and active role in their union, workplaces and lives.

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.”
 

Preparing candidates for B.C.'s May 12 provincial election - 'The school will provide a combination of education, campaign team experiences and hands-on exercises.'

In preparation for the celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th, the National Union has created a poster entitled "Whatever became of me?"

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'.

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.

Conservatives' plans in child care leading to shrinking number of child care spaces and they have chosen to ignore the crisis in the recent federal budget.

'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

(Jan 27, 2009) -- 'Everyone except the prime minister seems to understand that big problems require bold solutions. Canada needs a large-scale fiscal stimulus.'

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

Thank you for your participation in the "Survey on work-life integration". 

The survey is now closed (effective Sept. 15, 2009)

Survey of child care standards in 25 developed countries

Attack outlined in economic statement remains despite political crisis in Ottawa

It is a sobering fact that in the nearly 20 years since those tragic events in Montreal, the incidence of violence against women remains extremely high.

'A problem of pandemic proportions.' - UN

Ms. Proulx-Daigle takes over the leadership of the union immediately, with a transition strategy to be implemented over the next two weeks.

(Oct 9, 2008) -- 'The Harper platform is a vapid document, full of slogans but lacking a substantive plan to tackle the current economic and social challenges.'

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

Check NUPGE's election leaflet and visit our election resource web page

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

Study by two University of Northern B.C. professors

Maria Fernanda Bolaños visits Daryl Walker and BCGEU trade unionists

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

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

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

Unfortunately, inequality continues to grow for millions of workers worldwide

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

Award-winning author and social activist speaks about the high cost of stress to women

By Brenda Hildahl

'No government could possibly be so small minded as to ignore the tremendous accomplishments of an exemplary Canadian.'

NUPGE releases new leaflet on renewing community-based social services

'Find your place in the union!'

100 years since 15,000 women garment workers marched in New York

Conservatives tax cut promises total $190 billion in two years

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

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

Over the last two years, Public Services International (PSI) has supported Annie Geron, General Secretary of Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK) and other unionists, in a long-standing case involving embezzlement of public funds at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

'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

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

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.

$250,000 over five years to help train managers and staff

PSAC finds high stress and work-life balance key causes

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

'The continued dedication of HSABC's leadership and members to support the fight to end breast cancer is inspirational.' - James Clancy, NUPGE president

Federal Government removed the words ‘women’s equality’ from the mandate of the Status of Women Canada, reduced the agency’s budget by 38.5% and made changes to the mandate and funding rules.

Dramatic change over past decade, StatsCan reports

Canada lags badly in survey of paid vacation and paid holidays among 21 OECD countries

Delegates support series of women's projects

NUPGE urges members to recognize and celebrate the value of diversity

June 9 event aims to attract as many participants as possible

Major new report by the International Labour Organization

(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

Only five of eight international labour standards signed by Canadian governments have been ratified

Well-know community and labour activist taking on Treasury Board President John Baird

New report says laws enacted by John Howard violate international labour treaties and conventions

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

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

Sex-discrimination case is largest in American history

NUPGE receives heartfelt letter of thanks from TESDA Women's Centre Alumnae Association

Actions since taking office directly contradict prime minister's election campaign commitments

Women continue to be the target of violence in their homes, workplaces and education facilities.' - Marie Bean

Recommendation by high-level panel hailed by AIDS envoy Stephen Lewis

James Clancy writes to Stephen Harper, urging Tory government to reconsider.

Website to combat inaccuracies and indifference towards Status Of Women Canada

"There was so many highlights I don't know just where to begin," Carol Meyer.

"I know that what you discuss over the next two days - during the presentations, during the workshops and in the hallways - will change the world." James Clancy

One in nine women will develop breast cancer

"This year's theme is Aboriginal Women, The Journey Forward."

She accomplished a lot for injured workers and the disability rights community.' - James Clancy

NUPGE among sponsors of Canadian tour by Malalai Joya to raise awareness of women's rights and the truth about Afghan warlords

Figure has increased from 1.4 million in 1967 - Statistics Canada

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

'After 50 years of passivity and paralysis, it’s time to have an agency through which women can assert their rights.'

Agreements affect 326,000 Quebec public employees and 5,000 current and former Bell Canada telephone operators

'We were all privileged to witness the passion, resolve, grace and courage of this remarkable woman." - James Clancy

Public sector workers rally at the provincial legislature

Society offer of 0%, 0% and 2% amounts to a significant pay cut when discounted for inflation

An outstanding contribution to the struggle for human rights and equality in Canada and around the world.

'We’re concerned that these regulations contain a systemic bias against women.' - George Heyman

Can you see me? Can you hear me? I am here. I am Woman!

Survey of food banks and emergency food programs

Children and families deserve more than empty Tory promises

'She was a member's member, always speaking truth to power.' - James Clancy