President's Blog
by Brian Harder, USW
Thursday, November 24, 2011
As a result of the recent referendum issue on the ballot in the City of Abbotsford, I received a thank you letter I would like to share with delegates to the Fraser Valley Labour Council and the general public from Water Watch Mission-Abbotsford:
Dear Water Watch Supporters,
We did it - and we couldn’t have done it without YOU!
Please accept our sincerest thanks and appreciation from Water Watch Mission Abbotsford for your support and encouragement in protecting the publicly operated water system in Abbotsford.
During this long and difficult campaign we faced many obstacles and your strength, determination, practical assistance and inspiring words and actions kept us going. Together we really did prove that the power of the people is greater than the people in power!
And, you once again affirmed that the Canadian way is to keep water services in public hands.
While Stave Lake was set to be the largest P3 in the water sector in Canada, there is a lot of profit to be made in the delivery of services that are vital for survival and the multinational corporations that want into Canada’s “gold” water market don’t have any intention of letting up.
The federal agency set up by the Harper government in 2009 to promote this “new model” of infrastructure delivery, called PPP Canada, currently has two dozen P3 water projects under review in Canada.
We support Mayor Banman’s call to the federal government to unlink federal funding from P3 deals.
The people of Abbotsford made a strong statement and we need to work to ensure that this statement is heard and repeated in communities, council chambers and provincial legislatures all over Canada – as well as in our national Parliament: it’s time to restore funding for public infrastructure for municipalities without forcing communities to privatize their services.
Abbotsford's overwhelming rejection of the Stave Lake P3 will encourage communities all across Canada to stand up and protect their public services. You’ve inspired the nation!
You have truly served (and saved) your community – you are heroes.
With warmest regards and deepest appreciation,
Water Watch Mission-Abbotsford
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Water for life, not for profit!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
For many of us in the Fraser Valley a big day is coming up… you might be thinking what big day? Well that big day is the upcoming municipal elections in your city, but the question is, “will you go and vote?”
Municipal elections are usually not the most anticipated, publicized or flashy affairs, and perhaps this is why many people do not participate. What many of us in the Fraser Valley seem to forget is that though the provincial and federal elections are important, however, it is the municipal elections that have the most direct impact on our lives.
Federal, and Provincial elections tend to cover our governing in a broader sense, legislation may be handled at federal and provincial levels, but the impact of such legislation or funding released by the government is handed out through the city councils; For example, if there is increased funding for a specific project, how that money will be used is decided by the Municipal government not the Provincial or Federal governments.
Many P3s that effect our communities are “championed” by those we elect into office and not just federally or provincially. If there is a project that you are concerned about or are in favour of, these are the folks we are to hold accountable for the outcome. When we as citizens do not realize this, it helps usher in representatives who may not be in line with the priorities that you see as important for you and your community; they (elected municipal officials) are the only ones who are accountable to us, City Hall staff are not. It's important not just to vote, but also to research and to vote for the candidate who will best represent the community.
Historically, in the Fraser Valley, less then 1/4 of those eligible to vote do. That means that we are allowing the few to make the decisions for the majority. We can have a direct impact on elections by ensuring that we are vocal about the candidates that we endorse, and encouraging political awareness and discussion on the issues in our communities; as labour leaders and activists in our communities we have a responsibility to not only educate ourselves but to participate in the election process and educate those around us.
I encourage you to not only vote this year but to encourage your friends, families, and colleagues to vote in the upcoming municipal elections.
For a list of our endorsed candidates, click here.
Friday, September 2, 2011
The Labour Day weekend is again upon us and I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy some time with their friends and families. But let us not forget what Labour Day is really about.
I have said it before and I will say it again, Labour Day is more than just the last long weekend of the summer, it’s a day for labourers brought to you by labourers.
Some of your friends or colleagues may ask, what is the labour movement? The labour movement is people, just like you and me, who work together for a voice on the job, for decent wages and fair working conditions.
Some may ask if the labour movement is still relevant… haven't all the battles been won? Yes, Labour Day celebrates our achievements – the eight hour workday, occupational safety and health laws, child labour laws, minimum wage laws and the labour code, just to name a few. Many of these rights and protections that working people have today were hard fought for by those who came before us – those who sacrificed, spilled their blood, sweat and tears and stood strong, together in solidarity, to win.
But nothing won stands unchallenged for long. Today’s labour movement plays a pivotal role in not only protecting the hard fought gains achieved by those who came before us, but to improve upon them through innovation and by finding workable solutions to the challenges of modern society. The labour movement is people like you and me who stand together to make sure employers and governments don’t chip away at workers’ rights and protections. Labour Day is our reminder that by standing together, we are stronger.
Workers are experiencing some of the toughest times I have seen in recent memory – record high unemployment, declining wages and working conditions and a vicious assault on workers' rights.
Turning it around will take a renewed commitment to unity and solidarity. The labour movement is very much needed in these uncertain times – and the question is, are you willing to do your part?
Get involved with the labour movement this weekend. Bring your friends, families and co-workers to the 2nd Annual Fraser Valley Labour Council Labour Day Picnic!