Dear Sisters and Brothers:
Re: Human Rights Day
Since the beginning, this union has been at the forefront in promoting employment equity, pay equity and harassment-free workplaces and has been involved in the development and review of human rights legislation and jurisprudence. On December 10, 2010, we celebrate these achievements and those of all human rights activists for The United Nations’ Human Rights Day.
But the Harper government, it would seem, does not share our dedication to human rights, and clearly misunderstands Section 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states all “are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” The closing of the Court Challenges Program, the elimination of funding for women's groups who do advocacy work, the closing of many Status of Women Offices, the closing of Canadian Human Rights Offices and the elimination of Pay Equity under the under the Public Service Equitable Compensation Act are all examples of this twisted ideology.
Fortunately for our union, and for our country, our Brothers and Sisters are standing up and speaking out against the ongoing attacks to human rights. Through organized actions we are sending a clear message to the Harper government that we will not stand for the decay of our most basic and fundamental rights. With your passion for human rights and your commitment to fight against all forms of discrimination, we can strive for a world with true equality for all.
In Solidarity,
Robyn Benson
REVP – PSAC Prairies