Members,

This year, as many in our society both young and old feel isolated and alone, it is more important than ever to stand united against bullying on Pink Shirt Day, February 24, 2021.

The pandemic has detached people from friends and family and cut off traditional support networks for many. In some cases, it has forced increased contact with bullies within COVID-19 cohorts or online harassment as kids and teens expand digital platform use.

This year’s theme is “lift each other up”, an important reminder that we have the power to provide support and kindness and to advocate for those who need it.  

Harassment and threats are endured in schools, workplaces, online and even within the so-called safety of home, with increased risk to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirited and queer (LGBTQ) people.

Unifor has a clear policy to address all forms of harassment and bullying in the workplace to help create a safe, harassment-free work environment.

Pink Shirt Day originated 14-years ago in Nova Scotia when a group of high school students supported a grade 9 boy bullied for wearing a pink shirt.  Now each year Canadians nationwide put on their pink to stand against bullying on the last Wednesday in February.

On February 24 wear something pink to let those who are experiencing bullying know they are not alone and to tell aggressors that their actions will not be tolerated. All members are encouraged to participate to send the message that you oppose homophobia and all forms of bullying.

Stand in solidarity with those who are bullied by sharing your picture or the Unifor Pink Shirt Day graphic on social media using the #Unifor and #PinkShirtDay hashtag. You can also share your photo with your Unifor family by emailing it to communications@unifor.org.

Download this poster and shareable to use on Pink Shirt Day.

View statement on our website here.

Black History Month in Canada

Black History Month is observed across Canada every February. Black History Month in Canada provides an opportunity to share and learn about the experiences, contributions and achievements of peoples of African ancestry (see Black Canadians). It was initiated in Canada by the Ontario Black History Society and introduced to Parliament in December 1995 by Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected as a member of Parliament. Black History Month was officially observed across Canada for the first time in February 1996 (see also Black History in Canada).

Unifor  1996-O Recognize:

Annamie Paul

In Solidarity,

Equity Committee 1996-O,

1996-O Executive

Members,

Jagmeet Singh’s NDP has tabled Private Member’s Bill C-213, An Act to Enact the Canada Pharmacare Act.

Bill C-213 is ground-breaking new federal legislation, modelled off the Canada Health Act, to establish a universal, single-payer, comprehensive and public pharmacare plan that will deliver better healthcare and improve the health and lives of millions of Canadians.

We are reaching a crucial period for Bill C-213.

The second hour of debate and first parliamentary vote will take place February 24.

Bill C-213 could be the law of the land, but not enough MPs support the legislation yet. That’s where you come in.

Will you act now for pharmacare, and sign NDP MP Peter Julian’s petition to support Bill C-213?

This legislation will not move forward unless 170 MPs vote in favour next week. We need your help to push it over to the top.

Unifor has long supported universal prescription drug coverage.

Since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, all countries are responding to what will surely be remembered as the biggest health, social and economic crisis of our time.

Still, Canada stands alone as the only developed country with a universal health care system that has no universal prescription drug coverage.

Please join me in signing this petition today.

In solidarity and thanks,

Jerry Dias
Unifor National President