Campaigns

 Nearly 50 people attended a community town hall meeting at the Sawridge Inn on January 9, 2013. The passionate residents from Jasper and surrounding areas gathered to voice their concerns regarding the privatization of the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs, including the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park, and share fond memories of one of Canada’s most valuable natural treasures.

With the Conservatives in charge, our country is turning into a giant auction where even our best-kept treasures are being put up for sale. Yes, that’s right; even the Canadian Rockies aren’t safe. Earlier last year, Parks Canada announced its plans to privatize the operations of three of its most iconic attractions: the hot springs in Banff, Jasper and Radium.

Blowing snow and treacherous driving conditions weren’t enough to keep Jasper residents quiet, with nearly 50 people attending a community town hall meeting at the Sawridge Inn last Wednesday.The passionate residents from Jasper and surrounding areas gathered to voice their concerns regarding the privatization of the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs, including the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park, and share fond memories of one of Canada’s most valuable natural treasures.

Imagine a country where the national government introduces and passes legislation that detrimentally affects all of its First Nations communities but it doesn't bother to consult with them. Does this have implications for all Canadians? You bet it does. This will not be the last time that individuals or groups will take such extreme measures in response to the federal government's public policy process or lack thereof.

Generosity seems widespread among PSAC Prairies members in the more than 210 Locals across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Agriculture Local 30048 in Lethbridge, Alberta is a shining example of this, with several inventive and effective initiatives in their workplace at the Lethbridge Research Centre to raise money and awareness.

Jasper, AB – Residents from Jasper, Hinton and surrounding areas will come together Wednesday to discuss the sale of the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park, one of the three Canadian Rockies Hot Springs facing privatization under Harper’s Conservative government.

The January 2013 issue of The Labour Reporter features an article on Howard Willems. The newsletter, published by the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour, has been the voice of Saskatchewan's working families since 1956. The article has been reproduced below with links added.

On December 27, 2012, Howard Willems was announced as the 2012 CBC Saskatchewan Person of the Year.  Howard’s tireless efforts towards advocating for a registry of public buildings containing asbestos earned him the honor of being the person of the year. 

The Idle No More movement continues to gain momentum, with events held across the country on a regular basis, consistent coverage from major media outlets, and growing support from the public. In Saskatchewan, PSAC members united with activists from other unions and community groups to participate in Idle No More rallies and marches.

Rob Clarke, the Conservative MP for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, has been silent on Parks Canada's decision to stop grooming ski trails in Prince Albert National Park, and we've taken notice. Marianne Hladun, Regional Executive Vice-President for the PSAC Prairie Region, wrote him a letter to voice her concerns.