REVP Letter: National Public Service Week

Dear Sisters & Brothers,

National Public Service Week, June 10-16, marks the importance of federal public service employees and recognizes their accomplishments and the positive role they play in Canadian society.

Normally, this is a time to celebrate our work and show our pride in being public service employees, but this year, given the extensive and ongoing public service cuts, we have little to celebrate. For this reason, PSAC will not support National Public Service Week and we ask for our members’ support and solidarity.

This government is gutting public services by cutting more than 19,000 federal government positions across the country and, in many cases, closing entire programs. The Prairie Region has already seen the devastating impact. More than 1,600 Prairies members have received affected or surplus letters, crucial programs are being shut down, and this government has been clear that more is yet to come.

The Treasury Board website calls the women and men of the Public Service of Canada “some of our most precious resources,” yet they are sending affected notices by the thousands. Their misguided effort to reduce the deficit at the expense of our members and, in many cases, the expense of the most vulnerable in our communities, is nothing to celebrate.

Area Councils, Locals and Regional Offices across the Prairie Region are calling the employer on their hypocrisy and standing up to let this government know that we refuse to play nice anymore. In lieu of NPSW events, we have organized alternate member appreciation events throughout the week.

• June 12: Calgary, AB – BBQ at Harry Hays. There will also be events at various locals throughout the week. Please contact your regional office for more information.
• June 12: Regina, SK – Member Appreciation & Celebration BBQ held at the new plaza area on 12th Avenue next to Victoria Park from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• June 12-14: Edmonton, AB – Cupcake Affair. Locals where their membership is located in Canada Place can pick up a cupcake in Room 235 June 12-14 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• June 13: Saskatoon, SK – BBQ at the Kinsmen Park, 945 Spadina Crescent East from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
• June 15: Prince Albert, SK – BBQ at the Kinsmen Park on 1st Ave. East (between 22nd and 28th Street) from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Also, as you may have seen on the PSAC website, we've launched an online campaign for people to send Harper an "affected" letter telling him that his services will no longer be required after the 2015 election.  Ask your co-workers, your family, your neighbors and people in your community to send a letter to PM Harper. 

Let’s show this government that Prairies members won't go quietly and are willing to stand up to defend public services in the communities we live in.

In Solidarity,

Marianne Hladun
Regional Executive Vice-President
Public Service Alliance of Canada, Prairies