On 18 April, 2024, the CLC Canadian Council met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. Both leaders discussed their work and addressed anti-scab legislation, Pharmacare, dental care programs and other progressive legislation. They spoke of their support for workers and the importance of strong unions and the role they play for Canadians.
CLC President Bea Bruske welcomed Trudeau and Singh to the House of Labour.
Addressing the entire CLC Canadian Council, Trudeau said, “We may not agree on everything, but we agree on the big things.” He thanked all the labour leaders and the workers present who make Canada a better place. He also recounted the federal government’s investment in housing, healthcare, child care, sustainable jobs equal pay for equal work, as well as anti-scab legislation and more.
Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the Canada’s New Democrats, a regular guest at CLC meetings and gatherings, also addressed the CLC Canadian Council. “If unions hadn’t been pushing for anti-scab legislation, Pharmacare, childcare and so many other changes, it would never have happened.” He also quoted what Jack Layton once told him when he first ran as a Member of Provincial Parliament, “Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.”
IAM Canadian General Vice-President David Chartrand, a member of the Executive and the Canadian Council had this to say, “The CLC and labour leaders had the opportunity to ask questions and talk about our concerns on the various issues our members from various sectors face.”
“It’s clear that Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives are NOT on the side of workers and their families. I want all IAM members to seriously consider supporting only those who support workers. This meeting was important because we could all sit down in the same room and discuss issues crucial to our working lives,” Chartrand concluded.
