Updates

Each year in February, we honour Black History Month, a time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of black citizens in Canada and around the world.

This month allows us the opportunity to reflect on the social forces that have shaped and influenced our communities. We revisit the struggles and challenges inherent in black history in order to continue our work towards harassment free workplaces and a racism free Canada.

The Canadian government is divesting from 2.3 million acres of native grasslands in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba. These community pastures were created in 1935 under the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act to restore the land following the Dust Bowl of the Great Depression.

Earlier this month, we offered PSAC members in the Prairie Region the opportunity to participate in the Social Justice Fund’s Education in Action trip to Guatemala, March 8-22, 2013. We received 20 applications from members interested in this opportunity, which proves how many dedicated members we have in our region. It also indicates that our union’s involvement in social justice work has wide support, which is essential to our continued success in providing aid to communities in Canada and abroad. Unfortunately, however, due to circumstances beyond our control, we’ve decided to cancel this trip.

Today marks the Idle No More World Day of Action, a momentous day for the historic movement that has swept the country and attracted global attention and support. As MPs return to Parliament Hill today, we will stand together to peacefully protest attacks on democracy, Indigenous freedoms, human rights and environment protections.

Idle No More was founded by four women in Saskatchewan who felt it was urgent to act on current and upcoming legislation that not only affects First Nations people, but all Canadians. The movement has been quickly building for nearly two months, with round dances, rallies and teach-ins taking place across the country.  PSAC members have embraced the movement, attending events in Regina, Winnipeg and throughout the Prairies in support and solidarity.