Campaigns

On behalf of the membership of the Public Service Alliance of Canada I today am urging you to meet immediately with Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation.

The National Aboriginal Peoples' Circle (NAPC) of the Public Service Alliance of Canada together with the leadership of the union are proud to stand in support of the grassroots First Nations movement “Idle no More.” Rallies in major centres across the country have brought thousands of Aboriginal peoples and their supporters to the streets, and more are planned in coming weeks.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Union of National Employees (UNE) have launched a campaign to fight back against the proposed privatization of the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs, including Radium Hot Springs, Miette Hot Springs and Banff Upper Hot Springs.

In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning was born Banff National Park, Canada's first national park and the world's third.

Despite the fact that the Hot Springs Enterprise Unit is a cost-neutral Parks Canada program, the Conservatives plan to privatize these services. For Canadians, this will mean an increase in rates or decrease in the standards of service.

The proposed privatization of Canadian Rockies Hot Springs have caused an uproar in communities like Jasper, Banff, and Radium Hot Springs, where these attractions are based.“It’s a slap in the face to every Canadian,” says Stephan Titcomb, 14-year employee of Banff Upper Hot Springs. “It’s the most affordable thing to do in Banff. Patrons are outraged when they hear about the pending privatization. Nobody’s pleased about this.”

Banff residents are outraged over the proposed sale of the Banff Upper Hot Springs, an attraction they consider to be a part of their history and a part of their home.But the integrity of the picturesque mountain community isn’t the only thing at risk. According to one expert, the natural habitat and an endangered species that calls it home could be jeopardized if the deal to privatize goes ahead.

Bill C-377, a private member's bill that directly attacks unions by driving up operating costs unnecessarily, is moving ahead with full force and will go to a final vote next week on Wednesday, December 12. If passed, this senseless legislation would be detrimental to all working families and crush many smaller unions and labour organizations in the process, who will be unable to keep up with the expensive and onerous requirements.

Stephen Harper's Conservatives are determined to ram through Bill C-377, a private members' bill that will force every union to file intrusive financial reports that will be posted on a public website for every employer to see. We need your help now to stop this bill in its tracks!

Prince Albert, SK – The Public Service Alliance of Canada condemns the federal government for their continued attacks on Canada’s most valuable natural ecosystems and natural areas, including the most recent decision to stop grooming cross country ski trails in Prince Albert National Park.