OTTAWA – Members of Parliament have invited several top executives from BCE Inc. and Bell Canada to testify later this month about the company’s decision to cut about nine per cent of its workforce this year.
The House of Commons heritage committee has agreed to invite BCE Inc. CEO Mirko Bibic to address the cuts, which include impacts on newsrooms across the country.
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Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/10295853/bell-conditions-crtc-wholesale-internet-access/
BCE Inc. is urging the CRTC to implement conditions such as caps on eligible speeds and initial access restrictions if the regulator allows smaller internet providers to use rivals’ fibre networks to offer their services to customers.
TORONTO — Unifor commends the Ontario Court of Appeal’s decision today, upholding the Ontario Superior Court’s ruling that Bill 124 is unconstitutional.
“This decision is vindication for the tens of thousands of workers, many of them working in health care and education, who were denied their constitutional right to fair and free collective bargaining. It also sends a strong and clear message to governments across this country considering using legislative powers to deny workers’ rights,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“The Charter rights of workers, specifically, the right to freedom of association and all that this entails, are not something governments can ignore or deny anytime they feel like it. Unifor will always vigorously defend those rights,” said Payne.
Following the Ontario Superior Court’s ruling that Bill 124 was unconstitutional, Unifor has been pivotal in winning retroactive pay for workers impacted by the Ontario government-imposed wage caps. Unifor, along with other unions, had negotiated special “re-opener” language into collective agreements should the bill be struck down so wages could be renegotiated. This has resulted in wage increases for workers across the health and education sector.
“Lifting wages and protecting fundamental workplace rights has never been more crucial as workers struggle with affordability and a health care system that can’t meet patients’ needs,” says Samia Hashi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director.
“Strong collective bargaining helps workers not just improve their working conditions, but the quality of public services. Unifor will continue to fight for quality public services that Ontarians deserve.”
Bill 124 impacts more than 18,155 Unifor members in hospitals, non-profit long-term care homes, paramedic services, social services, and in education.
More than 70% of Unifor’s members impacted by Bill 124 are women doing undervalued, traditionally female-dominated care work.
February 9, 2024
TORONTO – Unifor welcomes the announcement of a new agreement between the federal and Ontario governments that promises to inject $3.1 billion in federal funding into the province’s health care system.
“Today’s announcement comes as a vital boost for Ontario’s health care system that’s facing immense strain,” said Lana Payne. “The agreement comes at a critical time as Ontario’s health care system faces severe staffing shortages, a historic high in the number of patients without a family doctor, and escalating wait times in hospital emergency rooms. We must ensure that these funds are not siphoned off by private interests but are directed where they will strengthen Ontario’s public health care system.”
The “Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care” is a result of negotiations following a national health funding summit in February 2023 where the federal government announced a significant increase in federal health transfers to the provinces, totaling $17.3 billion over the next ten years. Additionally, a further $25 billion has been pledged over the same period for bilateral agreements that focus on four federal priorities: enhancing access to family health services, increasing the health care workforce, bolstering mental health and addiction services, and modernizing health data collection. The agreement with Ontario is the fifth agreement announced, after British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.
“The rapid push towards privatization in Ontario’s health care by the provincial government is deeply troubling,” said Samia Hashi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director. “This trend not only undermines public hospital staffing and increases wait times but also paves the way for a two-tier health care system, where profits overshadow patient needs. With every step towards for-profit care, from surgeries to long-term care, we move further from the principles of equity and quality in health care. We must ensure that the new funding prioritizes patients over profits.”
Unifor remains committed to advocating for a strong, accessible, and public health care system across the country. The union plans to engage in discussions with both federal and provincial governments, aiming to strategically direct the new funding for the greatest public benefit.
Unifor members and leadership joined hundreds on Parliament Hill to rally in support of public health care on February 13, 2024.
“Unifor members believe in the fundamental right to accessible, quality health care for all, and we’re here to tell the federal government that if provinces are not going to protect public health care, Ottawa must,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Public funding in health care, including dental and pharmacare, is essential and desperately needed across Canada – but it needs to come with strings attached so that health care workers are recognized with fair wages and safe workloads.”
The event, organized by the Canadian Health Coalition and supported by various labour unions, health care professionals and community organizations, called attention to the pressing need for increased funding and support for public health care services across the country.
“Our health care members are on the frontlines witnessing the impact of underfunding every day,” said Kari Jefford, President of Local 229 and National Executive Board Member representing health care workers. “We rallied on Parliament Hill to demand action because we believe that no one should have to choose between their health and their financial well-being. It’s time the federal government steps up to ensure that public health care does not become a relic of the past, but a sustainable promise for the future.”
The rally featured heartfelt stories from individuals across the country, who shared their experiences with the health care system and called for urgent reforms to address the long-standing issues of underfunding, staffing shortages, and inequitable access to services. Advocates also highlighted the importance of addressing the social determinants of health, including housing, employment, and environmental factors, which significantly impact Canadians’ well-being.
“In Nova Scotia, we’re seeing firsthand how shortages in staff and resources are stretching our public health system to its limits,” said Jennifer Benoit, President of Local 2107. “Today’s rally isn’t just about voicing our concerns; it’s about advocating for a public health care system that values its workers as much as its patients. We’re calling on the government to safeguard our health care with proper funding and support, ensuring access for all, regardless of where they live.”
As chants and calls for action echoed off the parliamentary buildings, the message was clear: the time for meaningful health care reform is now. The Canadian Health Coalition presented a list of demands, including increased federal funding for health care, the implementation of a national pharmacare program, and measures to support health care workers and ensure the sustainability of the system.
Participants left Parliament Hill energized, ready to continue the fight for a health care system that truly serves the needs of every Canadian.