Updates

The annual Christmas Parade was held on November 24th and the float won first prize in the most unique category. Thanks for the support to all.

The Halifax Human Rights Committee bought toiletries in support of Halifax Connects, a free event for Halifax's homeless and at risk citizens.  A group of PSAC activists, their families and allies gathered for a few hours on the afternoon of Saturday, November 3, to roll cutlery for a served hot meal planned for the event on Sunday.  The organizers were expecting to serve 800 hot meals at the Halifax Connects event being held at Halifax Citadel High School in the community centre.

Federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt speaks briefly with protesting Public Service Alliance of Canada members about federal job cuts in Cape Breton, following a news conference Sunday afternoon.You can read more about the event in this article from the Cape Breton Post.

The provincial medias qualified the interprovincial demonstration (New Brunswick/Québec) of October 27 in Campbellton against the proposed changes to EI as the "gathering of the peoples". Indeed, Acadians, Québécois, Aboriginals and Anglophones were all reunited to protest against Bill C-38 proposing unacceptable changes for EI recipients in regions where seasonal work is unfortunately a reality.

The PEI Federation of Labour, 48th Annual Convention was held November 2-3, 2012. PSAC was well represented with 27 members registered from UCTE, UVAE, TAX, AGR, NAT, CEIU and DCL Locals. Jeannie Baldwin, PSAC Atlantic Regional Executive Vice- President, attended and gave a very motivating speech on the “We are All Affected” campaign.   It was well accepted by all affiliates. Carl Percy was acclaimed to the position of President, Debi Buell remains the PSAC Executive Vice-President on the Federation of Labour and Jody LaPierre is the alternate.

On Saturday, October 6th, the Public Service Alliance of Canada joined with the community of Ingonish to hold a community gathering and BBQ.  This event was aimed at stopping the privatization of the Highlands Links Golf Course. This group was also joined by Mark Eyking a local Member of Parliament and various local Councilors from the area and beyond. Approximately 200 people from all around the area gathered at the Ingonish Fire Hall to send a message to Ottawa that privatization is not welcomed in their community.

On Thursday October 25, 2012, members of the NDP caucus will be wearing a purple ribbon in solidarity with public sector workers affected by the recent cuts to jobs and public services.  This initiative originated with a PSAC member, and I am encouraging our members from coast to coast to coast to join in and wear a purple ribbon to demonstrate that we are all affected by the cuts, and we oppose them.

Public Service Alliance of Canada members came out to support a PIPSC (Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada) rally to save jobs and public services at the Grand parade on Friday, Oct 19th.  Lori Walton, Director, addressed the crowd of roughly 75 people on behalf of the PSAC.