CLC forum will coincide with International AIDS Conference

Concern by global leaders contrasts with snub by Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Toronto (28 June 2006) - The Canadian Labour Congress will host a global forum on AIDS August 11-13 in Toronto. The event is timed to coincide with a global summit dedicated to fighting the disease - the XVI International AIDS Conference.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has already created an international controversy by disclosing that he will not attend. The event, held twice previously in Canada, attracts attention around the world.

In 1989, Brian Mulroney represented Canada as prime minister at the same conference and was one of the major speakers. In 1996, Jean Chretien declined to attend, creating a national embarrassment to Canada by sending a signal that he did not rate AIDS as a major health priority.

Harper's absence is likely to be taken the same way, given the annual global focus on the conference. Among those participating this year are expected to be former U.S. president Bill Clinton and Microsoft Corp. chairman Bill Gates.

A first for the global labour movement

The labour forum will not be officially linked to the conference but it represents a significant effort by the trade union movement to assist in the challenge of tackling HIV and AIDS around the world.

"The HIV/AIDS pandemic feeds on inequity, poverty, poor education and lack of access to health care, prevention and treatment," the CLC says.

"Unions the world over are fighting this disease through workplace programs, community education, legislative action and global solidarity, to protect workers' rights and provide them with direct health and social support. Through advocacy, unions are also shaping policies which prevent HIV/AIDS by tackling its root causes, and which help those living with the virus."

The forum will analyze the effectiveness of trade unionist activities and help representatives to learn from one other’s experience, and to develop strategies to better respond to the global pandemic.

"This is the first ever global meeting specifically for trade union activists working on HIV/AIDS, and the first time that a uniquely labour-focused event has been held in conjunction with the International AIDS Conference," the CLC notes.

"It is an excellent opportunity for both frontline labour activists and national/global union leaders to develop individual and collective capacity in the fight against AIDS." NUPGE

More information:
• Labour fights AIDS Aug. 11-13 in Toronto
• Registration deadline - July 31, 2006