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Labour Views May 10, 2017 | Defined vs Target: Bill C-27
Labour Views May 10, 2017 Written by Alexander Lambrecht, President Northern Territories Federation of Labour Defined vs Target: Bill C-27 Whether you’re currently retired and receiving payments from the pension that you paid into over your working life, or you are currently paying into a pension, Bill C-27 introduced and read for the first time by Finance Minister Bill Morneau on October 19, 2016 needs your attention – all current and future pensioners. What is…
Labour Views March 29, 2017 | Mental Health Crisis in the North
Labour Views March 29, 2017 Written by Alexander Lambrecht, President Northern Territories Federation of Labour Mental Health Crisis in the North Have you ever stopped to think about why you’re thinking about what you’re thinking? What is life, awareness, consciousness, mindfulness, thoughts, feelings? Many of us don’t take time to reflect on our mind or think about our thoughts. Regardless of the quantity of your thoughts, the quality is what shapes your perspective on your…
Labour Views March 15, 2017 | Canadian families need universal child care
Labour Views March 15, 2017 By Jack Bourassa, Regional Executive Vice President, PSAC North Canadian families need universal child care Canadian families need to have access to a universal, affordable child care system that helps everyone equally. The hodgepodge system of child care we have in Canada now, with every province and territory taking their own approach, is hurting families and failing to support Indigenous Peoples. The federal government needs to go back to the…
Alfred Moses: Labour Force Development: Delivered on March 9, 2017
Alfred Moses: Labour Force Development Delivered on March 9, 2017 Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and its partners across government, in industry, and education are all working together to ensure that NWT residents have the information they need to be well positioned to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Our government made a commitment in its mandate to take steps to close the skills gap using the Skills 4 Success…
Labour Views March 1, 2017 | UNW opposes GNWT budget
Labour Views March 1, 2017 Submitted by: Todd Parsons Union of Northern Workers, President UNW opposes GNWT budget With less than three weeks to go, the Union of Northern Workers remains resolute that the proposed 2017-18 GNWT budget is a bad one for workers. In recent weeks our members have been taking part in rallies in Fort Smith, at the Legislative Assembly, and in front of the Yellowknife Fire Hall. We have been trying to…
Welcome UNW Locals 38 and 39
Welcome Locals 38 and 39 The NTFL continues to grow! We are excited to announce two new affiliates – Union of Northern Workers Local 38 and 39. Local 38, which is made up of our members in the Tlicho Area, had been part of Local 1. Local 39, which is made up of members from the Sahtu area, had been part of Local 3. Local 38 Local 38 represents Behchoko Ko Gah K’aodee and GNWT (Behchoko, Gameti,…
Labour Views February 15, 2017 | Quality or Quantity? – Finding a Balance
Labour Views February 15, 2017 Written by Alexander Lambrecht, President Northern Territories Federation of Labour Quality or Quantity? – Finding a Balance We place education at the top of our societal values and expect nothing less than the highest quality education for our children – then why aren’t we providing the resources that are needed both intrinsically and extrinsically for students and teachers? If a doctor saved your child’s life, most parents would be forever…
Labour Views – February 1, 2017: FUTURE WORKERS’ PLIGHT
Labour Views – February 1, 2017 Written by: Alexander Lambrecht, President, Northern Territories Federation of Labour FUTURE WORKERS’ PLIGHT We’re living at a time where the production of goods is fast-approaching the golden “zero-marginal cost” (aka Free Goods and Services). However, rather than allowing this level of technology to benefit society, industries are working to prevent the global collaborative commons from eclipsing capitalism – typical greed over humanity. Technology and automation will inevitably replace many…
Labour Views – November 23, 2016: Make Canada Democratic Again
By Jack Bourassa, Regional Executive Vice President for the North (as published in the Yellowknifer, November 23, 2016) Trumpocalypse, #RIPUSA, and many other striking hashtags were trending on social media on November 8th 2016. Bewilderment rippled worldwide. Aside from the myriad of socio-economic issues that led to Trump’s election, one evident cause stood out. Hillary Clinton got 47.7% of the vote. Donald Trump got 47.5% of the vote. Donald Trump won the U.S. Presidency due to…
Labour Views – November 9, 2016: Humanities Collective Objectives – Because it’s almost 2017
Labour Views – November 9, 2016 Written by: Alexander Lambrecht, President, Northern Territories Federation of Labour Humanities Collective Objectives – Because it’s almost 2017 It’s almost the end of 2016, and soon we’ll be hearing “Because, it’s 2017”, yet every time I hear this I can’t help but think that the year is irrelevant in justifying the removal of systemic barriers within our outdated form of social governance – especially when humanity struggles to meet…
Labour Views column for October 26, 2016, 2016: Show me the money!
Submitted by: Todd Parsons President, Union of Northern Workers It would be fair to say the sentiment at the Union of Northern Workers these days is one of disappointment and bafflement. It is not news that right now we are consulting with our membership after going through four sessions of negotiations for a new collective agreement with the GNWT. Aside from some of the anti-bullying language we successfully achieved earlier this year, the employer has…
Labour Views column for October 12, 2016: People over roads: ending the corporate welfare
People over roads: ending the corporate welfare Jack Bourassa, Regional Executive Vice-President, PSAC North Here’s a $150 million-dollar question: if you knew your single-mom neighbour lives with her children in unsuitable housing, surviving off food banks, would you help out? Or would you give a hand to a businessperson with a vague intention to set up shop down the street, by helping them pave the road instead? Sadly, this is not a hypothetical question. It’s…
Labour Views column for September 28, 2016: Some Myths About Unions
Written by Alexander Lambrecht, President of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour Some Myths About Unions In a little over 200 years (I know, what took so long… Oh Opposition!), workers’ of the labour movement have gained legal recognition of many of the workers’ rights that weren’t always there: the right to form unions for the promotion and defense of their interests without interference by employer or government; the freedom of association and freedom of…
Labour Views for September 14, 2016 | Change Starts Here.
Labour Views for September 14, 2016 Change Starts Here. Written by: Alexander Lambrecht, President Northern Territories Federation of Labour Organized labour and the United Way share a common goal – to strengthen our communities. The Canadian Labour movement has had a formal relationship with United Way Canada for over 25 years. Fourteen years ago the Northern Territories Federation of Labour, together with its affiliates, helped to found United Way Yellowknife, now known as United Way…
Recap | Aug 30, 2016 Yellowknife Electoral Reform Town Hall with Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Democratic Institutions
Around forty people attended the two-hour Town Hall organized/hosted by NWT MP Michael McLeod at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre on Tuesday evening. A diverse mixture of Northerners from young to old, indigenous activists, first generation Canadians, former politicians and electoral candidates whose thoughts and feelings around election reform in Canada spanned across the electoral reform spectrum: from wanting change, to needing more info on the options, to maintaining the status quo, together with concerns around…
Labour Views for August 31, 2016 | We Stand for Fairness
Labour Views for August 31, 2016 We Stand for Fairness Written by: Alexander Lambrecht, President Northern Territories Federation of Labour This Labour Day, union members and allies all across Canada will stand together to show that “We Stand for Fairness”! When workers stand up for fairness, they get results. Together, working people have won decent wages, pensions, and work hours, fair treatment, health benefits, job security, training, maternity leave, paid vacations, and safer workplaces. But…
International Youth Day
2016 Theme: The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production On 17 December 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day. The theme of the 2016 International Youth Day is “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production”. This year’s…
Labour Views for August 3, 2016: Pride North of Sixty
Labour Views for August 3, 2016 Pride North of Sixty Written by: Alexander Lambrecht, President Northern Territories Federation of Labour Across the globe Pride events are held at different times throughout the year. In Canada, the summer months bring Out a variety of Pride activities from coast to coast to coast. Just over five years ago, NWT Pride held its first festival in Yellowknife, and continues to grow as the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, fairness…
Labour Views July 20, 2016: Canada’s ignored labour force: challenges and opportunities
LABOUR VIEWS: July 20, 2016 Canada’s ignored labour force: challenges and opportunities Written by: Jack Bourassa, REVP PSAC North We would never move. Maybe inland, but never too far, Judy says, with a firm certainty in her smile. I’m learning from my Inuvialuit friend about environmental issues in Tuktoyaktuk in preparation for the Climate Change Townhall recently held by the federal government in Yellowknife. Tuktoyaktuk’s shores are eroding and ice freezes later than it used to, shortening…
Making Yellowknife Great Again: “Social Capital” and how we see the role of the union
LABOUR VIEWS: July 6, 2016 Written by: Todd Parsons, President of the Union of Northern Workers As I write this column, we are on the cusp of another July 1 and July 4 when we take the time in North America to celebrate Canada Day and Independence Day. At this point in our history we are bombarded on both sides of the border with one peculiar presidential campaign message of “Make America Great Again.” The title…
Postal Banking and the future of Canada Post – From anywhere… to everyone.
LABOUR VIEWS: June 22, 2016 Postal Banking and the future of Canada Post – From anywhere… to everyone. Written by: Alexander Lambrecht, President Northern Territories Federation of Labour In 1981 the Canada Post Act came into effect demolishing the Post Office Department of Canada. Since then Canada Post has evolved and modernized its operations, however, over the last few years many tactics have been employed by Canada Post to reduce expenses, increase revenue and eliminate…
2016 NTFL Learners Awards – Kivalliq Region
Each year in the Kivalliq region the RVP awards several students with a gift certificate in recoginition for the hard work and dediction to learning. On Tuesday, May 10 in Rankin Inlet at the Community Hall, Chad Carroll RVP Kivalliq Region presented Tapia Tattuinee and Jonah Jr. Siusangnark with the 2016 NTFL Learner Award ALL NTFL Kivalliq Region Award Recipients: Arviat: Rochelle Illnik Angela Mukjungnik Baker Lake: Kim Aupaluktuq Chesterfield Inlet: BoDerek Rudkin Coral Harbour:…
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 21 May
“In a diverse world, the destruction of cultures is a crime, and uniformity is a dead-end: our aim must be to enhance, in one movement, the diversity that enriches us and the human rights that bring us together.” Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and in December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural…
The Free Market; Nothing is Ever Free (A Societal Self-Reflection)
LABOUR VIEWS: May 18, 2016 Written by: Alexander Lambrecht, President – Northern Territories Federation of Labour Most people know of the game Monopoly – you know the one where you try to capture all of the open spaces on the board, building up property to increase your tax revenue and inevitably creating a monopoly to win the game. It’s no surprise that the objective of the game isn’t all that different from the objectives of…
17 May 2016, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD 2016)
Theme 2016: ICT entrepreneurship for social impact In 2016, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD-2016) will focus on the theme: “ICT entrepreneurship for social impact”, in accordance with Resolution 68 and as endorsed by ITU Council 2015. ICT entrepreneurs and start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a particularly relevant role in ensuring economic growth in a sustainable and inclusive manner. They are involved in the development of innovative ICT-enabled solutions with a…
International Day of Families 15 May
“Equitable social and economic development depends on fair legal frameworks and social norms that support the rights of women and children. Discriminatory laws and practices that do not give equal rights to all, and that suppress women’s and children’s rights, have no place in contemporary families, communities, societies and nations.” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon 2016 Theme: Families, healthy lives and sustainable future The International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May every year….
The 2016 PSAC NATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY CONFERENCE
The 2016 PSAC NATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY CONFERENCE will be held November 18 to 20, 2016 at Le Centre Sheraton Montréal Hotel in Montréal, under the theme “SHAPING A NEW CULTURE FOR OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY.” Please find attached the call-out in both French and English as well as the link to complete the registration form on-line on our website.The deadline for applications and resolutions is June 10, 2016. LINK: https://psacunion.ca/eform/submit/2016-psac-health-and-safety-conf(link is external) The deadline…
World Press Freedom Day
Every year, May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. 3 May was proclaimed World Press Freedom Day the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO’s General Conference in…
International Jazz Day
“Jazz gave music to the courage that drove the civil rights movement in the United States, and it continues to provide inspiration to millions of people across the world, seeking freedom, fighting for respect and human dignity.” Irina Bokova, Director General Message on the occasion of the International Jazz Day Why International Jazz Day? Jazz breaks down barriers and creates opportunities for mutual understanding and tolerance; Jazz is a vector of freedom of expression; Jazz…
Hold real public consultations on the TPP
Today the NTFL received a response from Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, MP in support of Holding real public consultations on the TPP: You can read the PDF verion here: E. May TPP Response
Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
The Conference of the States Parties at its Tenth Session (paragraph 23.3 of C-10/5, dated 11 November 2005) decided that a memorial Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare would be observed on 29 April each year — the date in 1997 on which the Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force. This commemoration will provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare, as well as to reaffirm the commitment…
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
Theme 2016: “Theme 2016: Workplace Stress: a collective challenge” Today, many workers are facing greater pressure to meet the demands of modern working life. Psychosocial risks such as increased competition, higher expectations on performance and longer working hours are contributing to the workplace becoming an ever more stressful environment. Work-related stress is now generally acknowledged as global issue affecting all countries, all professions and all workers both in developed and developing countries. In this complex…
International Mother Earth Day: Apr 22
“But the big decisions that lie ahead are not just for world leaders and policy-makers. Today, on Mother Earth Day, I ask each one of us to be mindful of the impacts our choices have on this planet, and what those impacts will mean for future generations.” -UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Earth Day 2015: It’s our turn to lead 2015 – Earth Day’s 45th anniversary – could be the most exciting year in environmental history….
May Day 2016
May Day began over two hundred years ago during the industrial revolution, a weeks work was six days, each lasting 10-16 hours. This was the beginning of a monumental change, a revolution of great importance and historical significance – “Eight hours’ labour, Eight hours’ recreation, Eight hours’ rest” is the slogan that brought unity to the labour movement during a time when workers’ rights, health and safety were non-existent and disregarded by Governments and Employers….
World Health Day 2016: Beat diabetes
7 April 2016 – World Health Day Background In 2008, an estimated 347 million people in the world had diabetes and the prevalence is growing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In 2012, the disease was the direct cause of some 1.5 million deaths, with more than 80% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries. WHO projects that diabetes will be the 7th leading cause of death by 2030. Diabetes is a chronic…
Labour Views – Keep health care public
By Jack Bourassa, Regional Executive Vice President, PSAC North Privatizing long-term care in the Northwest Territories will drastically reduce the quality of care for our seniors and increase the cost for taxpayers. With the territory’s senior population quickly blossoming – the GNWT predicts that by the year 2034, 11.6 per cent of the NWT’s population will be aged 70 years or older – the government is frantically searching for space in long-term care homes. But…
International Day of Pink – April 13
What is the Day of Pink? April 13, 2016 marks the International Day of Pink. It is a day where communities across the country, and across the world, can unite in celebrating diversity and raising awareness to stop homophobia, transphobia, transmisogyny, and all forms of bullying. The International Day of Pink was started in Nova Scotia when 2 straight high school students saw a gay student wearing a pink shirt being bullied. The 2 students…
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
For over 400 years, more than 15 million men, women and children were the victims of the tragic transatlantic slave trade, one of the darkest chapters in human history. Every year on 25 March, the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade offers the opportunity to honour and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. The International Day also aims at…
International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
“On this day, I urge States to adopt measures to promote truth, justice and reparations for victims, which is so crucial to ensuring that gross human rights violations are not repeated. Let us all do more to protect human rights and human dignity.” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero Photo: © Carlos Reyes Manzo/APA On 21 December 2010, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed24 March as the International Day for the Right to…
National Social Work Month
“Each March marks National Social Work Month. This is a time of year that we recognize social workers across Canada for their dedication to working with individuals, families, groups and communities to enhance their individual and collective well-being. Social workers have a particular interest in the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed and/or living in poverty and changing the structures in society that lead to this inequality. Therefore, social work is concerned…
Labour Views – March 9, 2016
What is a Federation of Labour? It is an organization or group, and Labour is the body of persons engaged in such activity, especially those working for wages. Combined together they equal a Federation of Labour – a uniting of workers’ working together to advocate for positive social change. Just as workers unite in a union to fight for and protect their rights, so also do Unions in uniting under a Federation of Labour. However,…
Free Trade? More like economy in freefall. (Labour Views – Feb 24, 2016)
By Jack Bourassa, Regional Executive Vice President for PSAC North For most of us Northerners, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) don’t mean much. We’re busy worrying about the price of food, the health of our loved ones and our land, the security of our jobs (or lack thereof), and at best keeping up with local politics. And when FTAs are negotiated in secrecy, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), it makes it virtually impossible to understand…
Students show kindness has no boundaries
borrowed from: http://psacnorth.com/students-show-kindness-has-no-boundaries Empathy and kindness are universal traits that everyone can share to brighten someone’s day. Sometimes it simply takes a passing smile in the hallway, a gentle nod of approval, to break down the barriers of isolation we’ve built up inside of us. Through si mple gestures, we c an eliminate bullying and promote healthy, happy schools and workplaces. Students from across Yellowknife demonstrated how kindness can help overcome any challenge through…
UNW Local 32 – Coldest Night of the Year Feb 15, 2016 Fundraiser
For three years Local 32 has joined the Coldestnightoftheyear.org in helping to spread awareness about homelessness and raise money for a local charity. This year 11 groups in Yellowknife have pledged to raise $25,000 for The Yellowknife Salvation Army to renovate their Emergency Men’s Shelter Kitchen where they serve lunch and supper to those in need in Yellowknife. On the 3rd floor of the Yellowknife Aurora College campus, a row of tables is lined against…
Make a Difference This Election
Labour Views – November 11, 2015 Written by Todd Parsons, President, Union of Northern Workers NWT voters go to the polls November 23 to elect new members of the Legislative Assembly. It’s the opportunity for workers and the users of public services to take a stand in support of GNWT employers and the services they provide. For the past year, the NWT Finance Minister has preached a steady sermon of financial bad news, arguing that…
What Northerners can expect from a Trudeau government
Labour Views – October 28, 2015 Written by Jack Bourassa, Regional Executive Vice President North for the PSAC The Big Red Machine has swept through the North, riding a wave of support from Canadians seeking to oust Stephen Harper’s 10 years in power. Liberal nominees from all three territories clung on tight for the ride, unseating incumbents in each of the territories. And voters from across the North came out in record numbers to voice…
Vote to Stop the Cuts
Labour Views – October 14, 2015 Written by Todd Parsons, President, Union of Northern Workers Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. But sadly, far too few people vote. For the past 30 years in Canada, voters have been disproportionately people of higher income, older or more right wing in their interests. Almost half of Canadians failed to vote in the last federal election. Poor voter turn-out has coincided with widening gaps in wealth, reduced employment…
Upcoming Forums and Debates in Yellowknife
As election time draws ever nearer, Yellowknife will be playing host to a variety of candidate forums and debates. Check out these events prior to the October 19th Municipal and Federal elections: Wednesday October 7 – Beginning at 7 PM at Northern United Place, Alternatives North will be hosting a forum for all candidates running in the October 19 Federal General Election.The public is invited to attend. Candidates will answer questions posed by social justice groups…
Health and Child Care – Top Priorities
Labour Views – September 30, 2015 Written by Gayla Thunstrom, Acting President, Northern Territories Federation of Labour When pollsters ask what issues Canadians care most about, two issues consistently rank at the top of the pile. Canadians in general care most about the preservation of a strong, publicly-funded health care system. And parents are most concerned about affordable child care. That’s why the Canadian Labour Congress has made public health care and affordable child care…
Safe retirement, good jobs key election issues
Labour Views – September 16, 2015 Written by Jack Bourassa, PSAC Regional Executive Vice President, North (REVP North) Life just doesn’t seem as simple as it used to be. There was a time when you could find a good, solid job, work hard your whole life and rest easy at night knowing there was a reasonable pension waiting for you at the end of your decades of toil. But that was then, this is now….
Northern Territories Federation of Labour pushing for child care in federal election
Labour Views – September 2, 2015 Written by Gayla Thunstrom, Acting President, Northern Territories Federation of Labour As the northern affiliate of the Canadian Labour Congress, the Northern Territories Federation of Labour is part of the national federal election advocacy campaign Better Choice. Better Choice focuses on four critical issues for action by the next government: good jobs, retirement security, support for health care and affordable child care. Our shaky economic recovery has left 2.8…
Labour Day Event – Monday Sept 7
Come and join the NTFL for our annual Labour Day event! Monday September 7th from 12pm until 2pm at the Yellowknife Stanton Plaza Parking Lot. It’s open to the public, there will be free chilli, bannock and cupcakes, as well as a bouncy castle for the children. Bring your family, neighbours and friends!
Harper is bleeding Canada dry
Labour Views – August 19th, 2015 Written by Jack Bourassa, PSAC Regional Executive Vice President, North (REVP North) Canada is slowly bleeding to death from a thousand cuts to public services. The Harper Conservative’s ideal vision of the country is devoid of the important programs we rely on, owned by foreign companies and unable to take care of its own citizens. Canada would merely be a husk of our once beautiful nation. With Harper at…
Trans-Gender Protection Axed by Tories
Labour Views – August 5, 2015 Written by Gayla Thunstrom, Acting President, Northern Territories Federation of Labour The clamour that followed the passage of anti-labour Bill C-377 by the Senate just before it rose on June 30 all but drowned out another negative move. The Senate permitted Bill C-279, on transgender rights, to die on the order paper. NDP MP Randall Garrison’s private member’s bill would have added gender identity provisions to both the Criminal…
Strikes Benefit Us All
Labour Views – July 22, 2015 Written by Jack Bourassa, PSAC Regional Executive Vice President, North (REVP North) What’s important to remember when it comes to labour disputes is that when any union supports its members and stands up for their rights, their actions benefit all workers in every profession. It helps to create an environment where standing up for decent working conditions is easier to do. It gets other people thinking that they should…
Time to Expand the CPP
Labour Views – July 8, 2015 Written by Gayla Thunstrom, Acting President, Northern Territories Federation of Labour Eleven million working Canadians — the vast majority of workers — have no workplace pension plan, or any prospect of having one. And a majority of Canadians agree that Canada Pension Plan contributions should rise so that benefits can be increased. A new poll says over 75 per cent of Canadians — 80 per cent in the most…
National Aborignal Day
Labour views – June 23, 2015 Written by Jack Bourassa, Regional Executive Vice President, PSAC North Canadians from every walk of life came together to commemorate National Aboriginal Day this week, an important celebration that embraces the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across the country. It was also a crucial time to highlight the healing that must still take place from Canada’s residential school system, and…
The Harper Casebook
As we approach the fall federal election, the NTFL encourages everyone to take the time to read this publication by the National Union of Public and General Employees. This publication gives quick review of the kind of government Stephen Harper has given Canadians during his three terms as prime minister of Canada. A PDF downloadThe Harper Casebook – We’re No Dummies NUGPE Website: http://nupge.ca/publications/harper-casebook ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Minimum Wages Aren’t Living Wages
Labour Views June 3rd, 2015 Written by Gayla Thunstrom, Acting President Northern Territories Federation of Labour On June 1, the minimum wage in the Northwest Territories rose from $10 an hour to $12.50. The increase in minimum wage came about following a recommendation from an advisory committee including business, labour and social justice representatives. With the new $12.50 wage, a single person working 40 hours per week earns just $26,000 per year. By any standard…
June 1st – Injured Workers Day
If injured workers are barred from suing their employers for injury, they should not receive half measures. On Injured Workers Day, June 1, injured workers, as well as unions and other organizations, will remind all governments that justice – not poverty – was the primary reason the compensation system was set up in 1914. Workers gave up their right to sue employers for workplace injury and illness compensation in exchange for a system that was…
Supporting Local 6
The NTFL is proud to support the workers of Local 6 in Hay River. The local is planning a BBQ for the community to thank them for their support and support other Hay River organizations that have stood beside them while out on strike.
WORKERS, TOWN OF HAY RIVER AGREE TO RESUME TALKS TODAY
Plan to set aside differences, reach deal for members to return to work Bargaining teams representing Town of Hay River workers and their employer will resume negotiations in an effort to find common ground and put an end to the labour dispute. Both parties will resume talks Monday May 25. “This strike has taken a heavy toll on the community,” says Jack Bourassa, Regional Executive Vice President for the Public Service Alliance of Canada North….
Fracking Petition
May 27 is the deadline for signing the petition calling for a moratorium on fracking until a regional study with public consultations is completed. The petition urges the Government of the Northwest Territories to put a moratorium on fracking until “a comprehensive, transparent and public review of environmental, social and economic risks and benefits…is completed” and “the NWT public clearly indicates whether the risks and benefits are acceptable or not. “ It also calls upon the…
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF NORTHERN SOLIDARITY
Labour Views May 20, 2015 Written by Alex Lambrecht, Treasurer Northern Territories Federation of Labour 35 years ago, On May 17, 1980, 54 delegates attended the founding convention of the Northwest Territories Federation of Labour, chartered by the Canadian Labour Congress. The delegates represented 26 Locals with a total membership of 3,230. They adopted a Constitution, elected an executive, and dealt with 23 resolutions. The first elected President of the Federation was Phil Malloy of the United…
The Importance of Workplace Safety
NAOSH Week The North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week is a continent wide event spanning Canada, the USA and Mexico. NAOSH Week was created to highlight to the public, government, and industry the importance of reducing injuries and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community. The goal of the North American Occupational Safety & Health (NAOSH) Week is to focus the attention of employers, employees, the general public and all…
NUNAVUT FOOD SECURITY COALITION PARTICIPATES IN EVERY PLATE FULL
From May 2 to 8, 2015, food banks across Canada will come together to raise food and funds at the local level, stocking the shelves for the summer months as part of Food Bank Canada’s Every Plate Full fundraising campaign. In support of this campaign, the Nunavut Food Security Coalition has prepared a resource called Nunavut Community-Based Food Programs to help simplify building relationships between donors and recipients. More information can be found on the Nunavut…
Happy May Day! – International Labour Day
Today is May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day. It is a celebration of the international labour movement and is a national holiday in more than 80 countries worldwide. In many other countries, like ours, it is celebrated by workers but not recognized by governments. May Day’s roots go back 120 years. It began as a commemoration of the 1886 Haymarket riots, where police shot and killed many public demonstrators who were supporting a…
Election 2015: Time for better choices
The Canadian Labour Congress has launched a new campaign to promote dialogue and better choices around 4 key issues in the upcoming Federal Election. Here’s a quick overview. To learn more about this critical issues please visit www.betterchoice.ca Retirement Security – With the number or Seniors living in poverty constantly increasing and an increasing number of workers set to retire, it is time to expand CPP. No one should have to retire in Poverty….
National Day of Mourning
Labour Views April 22, 2015 Written by Gayla Thunstrom , Acting President, Northern Territories Federation of Labour As we approach the April 28 National Day of Mourning for persons killed or injured in the workplace, it’s important to remember again why unions are so important. Unions save lives. Fewer people are dying today in their workplaces because of those men and women who fought, and struggled, protested, and picketed — and yes, who were injured…
National Day of Mourning – Tuesday April 28 2015
April 28 is the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job. The National Day of Mourning was first declared in 1984 by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). The date, April 28 was picked because it was this day in 1914 that the Workers’ Compensation Act received its third reading. In December 1990, the Workers Mourning Day Act was passed, officially recognizing April 28 as a National observance. When the CLC…
Tackling mental health in the workplace
Labour Views Column for April 8, 2015 By Jack Bourassa, REVP PSAC North Canadian workers struggling with depression and mental health issues are one step closer to help, thanks to a landmark deal between one of Canada’s largest unions and the Conservative government. The agreement – which seeks to tackle the underlying issues making public servants sick and increasing mental health claims – is one bright spot in a long and grueling round of negotiations…
The Constitutional Right to Strike
Labour Views March 25 Written by Gayla Thunstrom, Acting President Northern Territories Federation of Labour On January 30, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the right to strike is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. All Canadians should celebrate this courageous decision. It recognizes the fact that there is a fundamental power imbalance in the workplace that favours employers over employees. Confirming the right to strike confirms balance and promotes equality…
Why you should not cross a picket line
Labour Views March 11, 2015 Written by Jack Bourassa, Regional Executive Vice President, PSAC North It’s been a tumultuous year for unionized workers in the Northwest Territories, with more than 30 workers still on the picket line in Hay River, and the memory of the Fort Smith strike still fresh on everyone’s mind. Employers are taking a hard line in negotiations, leaving many workers with no choice but to strike to bring about change. That’s…
Support Town of Hay River Workers by signing their Petition
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Request for Participation in Important Disability Services Survey
The Survey The NWT Disabilities Council is currently running a project to update basic information on disability and related services in the Northwest Territories. The reason for the creation of this project was to revisit the NWT Action Plan for Persons With Disabilities, published in 2008. As a part of this project, we have developed three surveys: one for people living with a disability, another for parents and caregivers of people living with a disability,…
International Women’s Day—Struggles Won, Struggles Continue
Labour Views for February 25, 2015 Written by Gayla Thunstrom, Acting President Northern Territories Federation of Labour History teaches us the importance of remembering and celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8 every year. The day has its roots in the early 20th century, when labour movements first began to advocate for equal rights, such as pay, for women as they began to join the work force in greater numbers. Throughout the 20th century in…
A Fond Farewell – Mary Lou reflects on her time as NTFL president
Labour Views February 6, 2015 Written by Gayla Thunstrom, Acting President Northern Territories Federation of Labour As president of the NTFL Mary Lou Cherwaty was regular contributor to the Labour View column since 2007. She has recently left the north to work in the labour movement in Manitoba. NTFL Kivalliq Vice President Maureen Doherty caught up with Mary Lou and asked her to reflect on her term as President and share with us, her parting...
TOWN OF HAY RIVER WORKERS BEGIN STRIKE FEBRUARY 9
Picket line to be set up outside Recreation Centre Unionized workers at the Town of Hay River will begin a strike with full withdrawal of services Monday February 9 at 8 AM. Public Service Alliance of Canada North members of Union of Northern Workers (UNW) Local 6 will set up a picket line at their strike headquarters outside the town’s Recreation Centre. The required 72 hour strike notice was served following approval of documentation by…
Town of Hay River Workers Give Strike Notice – Delayed
Media Release February 4, 2015 – For Immediate Release Town of Hay River Strike Delayed Due to a delay in approvals by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), strike action by the Union of Northern Workers against the Town of Hay River will not begin on Friday, as previously announced. The UNW will again serve strike notice as soon as documentation is approved, and will be in a legal strike position 72 hours later. The…
Fort Smith Housing Authority workers on strike
Unionized workers at the Fort Smith Housing Authority (FSHA) begin a strike and full withdrawal of services Monday, February, 2 at 8 a.m. Public Service Alliance of Canada North members of Union of Northern Workers (UNW) Local 2 will set up a picket line Monday morning at their strike headquarters across from the Housing Authority office. The beginning of the month is a busy time for tenants in Fort Smith, and the picket line will…
FORT SMITH HOUSING AUTHORITY WORKERS SERVE STRIKE NOTICE
Media Release – January 29, 2015 For Immediate Release Unionized workers at the Fort Smith Housing Authority have given notice of strike action to begin Monday, February 2. PSAC members of Union of Northern Workers (UNW) Local 2 will be on the picket line Monday morning unless a deal to avert the strike is reached beforehand. Workers unanimously supported strike action in a vote taken December 11. Conciliation following the strike vote failed to produce…
Fight for the right to retire
Labour Views January 28, 2015 Written by Jack Bourassa, Regional Executive Vice President, PSAC North Canadian workers shouldn’t have to fight for the right to a secure retirement. They should feel comfortable knowing they’ll be able to live out their twilight years without worrying about making ends meet. After all, most workers have paid into the Canadian Pension Plan all their lives, and have put in their fair share of contributions to their workplace pension…
NWT Campaign School for Women – Yellowknife February 6 & 7th
The Status of Women Council of the NWT will be hosting a 2 day Campaign School workshop of Women February 6th and 7th, 2015 Yellowknife. The purpose of the Campaign School workshop is to provide support and relevant information about elections and campaigning as woman in the NWT to prospective female candidates who are considering running in the 2015 territorial election, and key members of their campaign Team. More information and a registration form can…
TAKE CHARGE OF CHANGE – activist training for young workers
Originally posted on Canadian Labour Congress Website Taking Charge of Change (TCC) is an intensive eight-week activist training program for young workers and youth activists (age 30 and under) who want to lead, build and organize for change. This program takes place in a participatory online learning environment. This program will help you: build leadership skills to engage and mobilize young workers; build knowledge about the issues affecting young workers in the union, workplace and…
Stephen Harper: The Musical – Tickets on Sale Now!
NTFL is proud to support the NWT Council of Canadians in bringing this production to Yellowknife! A perfect night out for Valentines Day & Tickets make the perfect Stocking Stuffer! Tickets for yourself and stocking stuffers for your friends are one sale now at Northern Images. Price is $20 or by donation for low income people. How to survive and thrive in the dying days of the empire of oil Starring James Gordon James Gordon’s fourth…
Labour’s Year: Past and Future
Labour Views January 14, 2015 Written by Gayla Thunstrom , NWT Vice President, Northern Territories Federation of Labour First Vice President, Union of Northern Workers Labour was under attack nationally and territorially in 2014 and faces major challenges in the year ahead. The Federal Government waged a fierce attack on workers’ rights to organize and govern their unions. The Conservatives passed their omnibus Bill C-4, which stripped away basic health and safety regulations for workers….
The Night Before Christmas 2014
Labour Views column for December 24, 2014 Written by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the North, Every worker is wondering, “just what am I worth?” The gas caps are hung by the pumps with much luck, That Santa brings fuel for the car and the truck. Another long year has slowly crept by, And the Conservative government still makes us cry….
Have Your Say on the NWT-BC Transboundary Water Agreement
The NWT Chapter of Council of Canadians has been advocating for the protection of our waters. Please take the time to read their message below and contact the GWNT with your comments. The long awaited transboundary water agreements are beginning to move quickly. The NWT-BC Agreement is nearing completion; the NWT-Alberta Agreement will be made public early in the new year. Agreements with Saskatchewan and Yukon will follow thereafter. The NWT-BC agreement is a template…
A Global Celebration!
Labour Views column for December 10, 2014 Submitted by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour The United Nations General Assembly adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948. The Declaration forms a basis for human rights all over the world. It represents a significant change of direction from the events of World War II and the continuing colonialism that prevailed at that time. Today, the…
December 6th – A Vigil of Remembrance
Labour Views column for November 25, 2014 Written by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour On December 6, 1989, a man entered the School of Engineering at Ecole Polytechnique, University of Montreal. He separated the women from the men. He then systematically murdered these 14 young women: Genevieve Bergeron, age 21, Helene Colgan, age 23, Nathalie Croteau, age 23, Barbara Daigneault, age 22, Anne-Marie Edward, age 21, Maud Haviernick, age…
A Rose by any other name …
Labour Views for November 12, 2014 Submitted by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President As far back as 1970, the Royal Commission on the Status of Women called for a national day care program. Its main goal was to realize equality for women. The debate and discussion on the need for a national program have produced additional goals; thereby shifting the language. By the 1980’s and 90’s, day care became child care; then early learning and care,…
Privatization of Stanton Hospital Facilities Management Services
Labour Views for October 29, 2014 Submitted by Todd Parsons, Union of Northern Workers President On September 30, a Senior GNWT Labour Relations Officer advised the Union of Northern Workers that Facilities Maintenance Workers at Stanton Territorial Hospital will face lay off. The Stanton Territorial Health Authority plans to replace these workers with contracted-out services. The lay-offs could come as early as June 2015. At the Hospital Authority’s Annual General Meeting October 7 union members…
HANDS OFF OUR PENSIONS
Labour Views for October 15, 2014 Submitted by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President If you are a member of the Northern Employee Benefits Services (NEBS) Pension Plan or an employee of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), BEWARE! The GNWT is proposing legislation in Bill 12 that can take away some of the money you were promised for your retirement. Bill 12 breaks the pension promise made to workers at the time of hiring. Every…
Stop the Privatization of Stanton Hospital (STHA) Facilities Department
The following is posted on behalf of UNW Local 11: On Tuesday September 30th Todd Parsons, UNW President, received notice from GNWT Labour Relations that Stanton Territorial Health Authority plans to privatize our Facilities Department as soon as July 2015. On Thursday October 2nd the GNWT Messenger service confirmed this announcing three bidders for the Stanton renewal project. We must stand together to counter this privatization move and protect our public servants from these layoffs….
Global Frackdown – October 11, 2014 Yellowknife
NWT citizens are joining the worldwide Global Frackdown event Saturday, October 11th to highlight concerns with the dangers of fracking for our waters and climate. People will gather in Somba K’e Park at noon Saturday and march to Northern United Place to participate in an information session on the dangers of fracking. The documentary “Showdown”, which focuses on the anti-fracking protests in New Brunswick, will be screened. Participation in the worldwide event is being organized…
Change starts here
Labour Views for October 1, 2014 Submitted by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President Organized labour and the United Way share a common goal – to strengthen our communities. The Canadian Labour movement has had a formal relationship with United Way Canada for 25 years. Twelve years ago the Northern Territories Federation of Labour, together with its affiliates, helped to found United Way Yellowknife, now known as United Way NWT. The federal and territorial governments have payroll deduction…
Stop Bill 12 !!
Last night the Standing Committee on Government Operations held a public meeting in regards to Bill 12 – The Northern Employee Benefit Services Pension Plan Act. The NTFL, along with PSAC North and NWTTA all spoke urging the standing committee to stop this BILL 12, which in current form would allow for the Defined Benefit plan to be converted to a Target Benefit plan. Let’s stand together to stop this Bill and ensure that workers…
Petition: Adoption of Improved Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
Every worker should have the right to feel safe when they go to work every day. Every employee should have the right to feel safe when they go to work every day. That’s why the Safety Advisory Committee helped draft better language to protect workers with new Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. But the draft regulations have been collecting dust on the desks of both territorial ministers since 2011, and every year more workers die on the...
Labour Presidents send message to Premiers
Labour Views for September 17, 2014 Submitted by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President NTFL During the last week of August, all of the Provincial and Territorial Premiers met in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island for the Council of the Federation. The Federation of Labour Presidents from across the country took this opportunity to deliver a unified message to the First Ministers, consisting of the following proposals: Labour Market Skills Development Restore financial and human resources to Statistics…
Fracking Action North Film Night – Monday Sept 15th
Gasland II Film Screening Monday September 15, 7-10 PM Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre In this explosive follow-up to his Oscar®-nominated film GASLAND, filmmaker Josh Fox uses his trademark dark humor to take a deeper, broader look at the dangers of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, the controversial method of extracting natural gas and oil, now occurring on a global level (in 32 countries worldwide). GASLAND PART II shows how the stakes have been raised…
We want a public inquiry: Justice for Canada’s Aboriginal Women and Girls
The RCMP has reported close to 1,200 cases of missing or murdered Aboriginal women and girls between 1980 and 2012. That same report highlighted the fact that this number is disproportionately high, showing how Aboriginal women and girls make up over 16% of female homicides, 11% of missing women and yet make up only 4% of the female population in Canada. With evidence like this, the only right thing to do is call for a…
Food Banks and Soup Kitchens
Labour Views for September 3, 2014 Submitted by Jack Bourassa, Regional Executive Vice-President Public Service Alliance of Canada North To be or not to be… that is a question pondered by many accessing services at local food banks and soup kitchens across the country and particularly in the North. To be hungry and dignified, that is, or to ask for help when they need it most. That’s because from 2008 to 2013, under the Conservative…
Celebrating Workers – Labour Day Across the North
Coverage of the Yellowknife Event in September 2nd’s Edition of News North Labour Day events were held across the North with community bbq’s held in Rankin Inlet, Fort Smith, Yellowknife and Iqaluit. Labour Day is a chance recognize the contributions unions have made to improving the quality of life for all workers and their families. Thank you to everyone who came out and to our all our volunteers who helped make all the events a…
Labour Day Events Across the North
Come join us as we celebrate Labour Day in the NWT and Nunavut. Click on the Posters below for more information on events taking place in the following communities: Yellowknife – Stanton Plaza, Noon to 2:00 pm Fort Smith – Conibear Park, Noon to 2:00 pm Iqaluit -Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park, 2:00pm – 4:00pm Rankin Inlet – Elder’s Cabin , Noon – 3:00pm
Hay River Soup Kitchen Food Drive
(originally posted on the PSAC North website) Walking through the cramped aisles of the Hay River Soup Kitchen’s food pantry, it’s hard not to bump into a box of macaroni and cheese or a tub chock full of rice or flour. The shelves are brimming with nutritious supplies, so much so that Soup Kitchen organizer Laura Rose has to store many of the boxes in a spare sea locker outside. That was hardly the case…
Labour Day – Celebrating Workers
Labour Views for August 20, 2014 Submitted by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President This Labour Day, union members and allies all across Canada will gather to show that “Together Fairness Works”! When workers stand up for fairness, they get results. Together, working people have won decent wages, pensions, work hours, fair treatment, health benefits, job security, training, maternity leave, paid vacations, and safer workplaces. But unions didn’t stop there. What they gained for their members, they…
Pride North of Sixty
Labour Views for August 6, 2014 Submitted by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President Across the globe Pride events are held at different times throughout the year. In Canada, the summer months bring Out a variety of Pride activities from coast to coast to coast. Just over two years ago, the Public Service Alliance of Canada North formed a Pride Committee in the NWT, and received their charter to be active in the territory. While comprised specifically…
Minimum Wage Fails
Labour Views column for July 23, 2014 Written by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour The minimum wage is one of the basic labour standards. It identifies the lowest wage rate that an employer can pay their workers. Today, one of its main functions is to protect workers in non-unionized workplaces, but it also influences the level of compensation for all workers. Minimum wage laws were first introduced in 1918…
Temporary Foreign Worker Changes – Smoke and Mirrors
Labour Views column for July 9, 2014 Written by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour On June 20th, Minister Jason Kenney announced changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). While on the surface, these changes may appear to be positive for workers, one needs to look at the history of why this program and the so-called changes are really nothing more than “smoke and mirrors”. From 2006 (when the…
Public Service Week
Labour Views column for June 25, 2014 Written by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour Last Thursday, the Public Service Alliance of Canada hosted a barbeque in front of its offices in downtown Yellowknife. On behalf of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour, I was proud to join them in highlighting the federal government’s dismal record on protecting public services. Cuts. The ongoing mantra of the Harper Conservative Government has…
Labour in the North
Labour Views for News North June 16, 2014 Submitted by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President The last two weeks have seen some exciting times for the Labour movement in the North. On June 3, the Northern Territories Federation of Labour (NTFL) hosted a Political Activism Workshop in partnership with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). Over 60 participants discussed valuable ways to engage in electoral politics. Whether it be to run as a candidate in an election,…
Welcome to Our New Executive
NTFL’s 19th Convention took place June 4th, 2014 . Please help us welcome our newly elected executive. Back Row: Dudley Johnson, Gayla Thunsrtom, Appitak Enuaraq, Maureen Doherty, Crystal Walsh, Sheila Laity Front Row: Bruce Gudeit, Mary Lou Cherwaty, Sam Inaksajak, Hanna Wolff, Chris Parsons Missing: Alex Lambrecht President Mary Lou Cherwaty Vice-President, NWT Gayla Thunstrom Vice-President, Nunavut Appitak Enuaraq Vice-President, Youth Chris Parsons Treasurer Alex Lambrecht Secretary Sheila Laity RVP Dehcho/South Slave Bruce Gudeit RVP Tłįchǫ/Somba…
Missing and Murdered Vulnerable Women and The Canadian Justice System
The Native Women’s Association of the Northwest Territories invites the public to a presentation of Dr. Maryanne Pearce’s latest research and database of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. Maryanne Pearce is a woman of Aboriginal and European descent. She is a mother and public servant. Her undergraduate and Master’s degrees were in anthropology and women’s studies. Where: Native Women’s Assoc. Board Room (above Post Office) When: Tuesday, June 17th, 2014 Time: 1:00 pm…
“Celebrate and Protect Workers” Happy May Day!
Labour Views for April 30, 2014 Submitted by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President Happy May Day! Tomorrow is May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day. It is a celebration of the international labour movement and is a national holiday in more than 80 countries worldwide. In many other countries, like ours, it is celebrated by the labour community but not recognized by governments. It began as a commemoration of the 1886 Haymarket riots,…
Labour Views – “30 Years Later, We Still Mourn”
Labour Views column for April 16, 2014 Written by Mary Lou Cherwaty, President of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour “30 Years Later, We Still Mourn” April 28 is the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job. The National Day of Mourning was first declared in 1984 by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). The date, April 28 was picked because it was this day in 1914 that the Workers’ Compensation…
NTFL 19th Convention
The Northern Territories Federation of Labour ‘s 19th Convention will take place June 4th 2014 in Yellowknife at the Explorer Hotel. Election of Officers for the next 3 years will take place at this time. Anyone interested in running for a position is encouraged to contact current president Mary Lou Cherwaty. She can be reached by email at president@ntfl.yk.com or toll free at 1-888-873-1956.
Can Work Be Safe When Home Isn’t
Help us learn more about the impact of domestic violence in the workplace. If you are 15 years or older, fill out a 10-30 minute, anonymous research survey at: fluidsurveys.com/s/DVatWork
Fight the Threat to Health Care–Public Presentation April 16
Northerners will hear how to fight the threats to universal health care at a public presentation Wednesday April 16 at 7 PM in the Northern United Place Auditorium. The event is part of the national campaign to strengthen and reform Medicare following the federal government’s failure to renew the Canada Health Accord. Alternatives North and the Canadian Health Coalition (CHC) are the co-sponsors. The federal-provincial-territorial Health Accord provided stable federal funding, and set national standards,…