Feedback Wanted on Proposed Changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Temporary Foreign Workers)

Shared on behalf of the Canadian Labour Congress

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are proposing regulatory amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), which are now published for consultation in the Canada Gazette, Part I for a period of 30 days.

The proposed regulatory amendments aim to strengthen protections for temporary foreign workers to prevent potential mistreatment or abuse during their period of employment in Canada.

Publication for consultation in the Canada Gazette Part I gives all Canadians and stakeholders a chance to submit comments about proposed regulations. We invite you to take this opportunity to learn about the proposed amendments and provide feedback.

Details on the proposed amendments for consultation are publicly available on the Canada Gazette website: Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Temporary Foreign Workers)

Please note that we are accepting submissions until August 9, 2021

Please provide your comments to:

Temporary Foreign Worker Program, ESDC at EDSC.DGCE.DPIRP.TET-TFW.IPPI.SEB.ESDC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca, or
Temporary Resident Program, IRCC at IRCC.TempResRegulations-ResTempReglement.IRCC@cic.gc.ca.
Link to CLC submission to Government on Canada on TFWP: https://documents.clcctc.ca/sep/Sub-TFWP-Amendments-2021-07-26-EN.pdf

August 5th Hilton Metrotown Sit-In

Shared on behalf of Unite HERE! Local 40

ACTION: August 5th Hilton Metrotown Sit-In!

RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/498439964549646

After 112 days of being locked out, it’s time we stand together with the women who cook for, clean after, and serve guests in hotels! No one should lose their job just because of the pandemic. On Aug. 5th, join fired and locked out Hilton Metrotown workers, hotel workers, and women leaders in the labour movement for a sit-in at the Hilton Metrotown to urge the hotel to bring workers back to their jobs!

When: Thursday, August 5th at 5 pm
Where: Hilton Vancouver Metrotown hotel, 6083 McKay Ave, Burnaby, BC

Stand With Asians Coalition Petition

Recirculated from SWAC/ MP Peter Julian petition-take action!

STAND WITH ASIANS COALITION (SWAC) IS CALLING ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO TAKE PRACTICAL AND CLEAR STEPS TO COMBAT HATE, PROTECT VICTIMS OF HATE CRIMES AND STRENGTHEN LEGISLATION TO GUARD AGAINST HATE SPEECH AND HATEFUL MESSAGES.

As part of its efforts to combat a “staggering increase in anti-Asian racism” in Canada, Stand With Asians Coalition (SWAC) is calling on the House of Commons to take six concrete steps. These steps are clearly outlined in a parliamentary petition launched on June 17 and sponsored by New Westminster – Burnaby MP Peter Julian. This petition was partly inspired by MP Peter Julian’s parliamentary motion M-84 – Anti-Hate Crimes and Incidents.

The exact text of Petition e-3512 is available through the House of Commons website and can be signed online.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day

Re-circulated by the New Westminster & District Labour Council

National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21

This National Indigenous Peoples Day we stand in solidarity and support with Indigenous communities. The Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association is holding a joint virtual event with the City of Surrey. Link and information can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/532015771502084

NIPD this year comes in the wake of the horrific and heartbreaking discovery of 215 Indigenous children in a mass unmarked grave at the Kamloops Indian Residential School.

If you are a survivor of the Indian Residential School system or inter-generational trauma there are supports available:

The Indian Residential School Survivors Society https://www.irsss.ca/home

Their mandate is

“To assist First Nation Peoples in British Columbia to recognize and be holistically empowered from the primary and generational effect of the Residential Schools by supporting research, education, awareness, establishing partnerships, and advocating for justice and healing. The Society assists Survivors with counselling, court support, information, referrals, workshops and more.”

IRSSS Toll-Free Line: 1-800-721-0066

24hr National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419

KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717

Tsow-Tun-Le Lum: 1-866-925-4419

For non-Indigenous delegates wanting to take action, here are some suggestions and resources:

From IRSSS

Learn about the impacts of the Indian Residential School system

Read the TRC’s 94 recommendations
Contact your MPs and local officials
Actively listen to people of First Nations, Inuit and Métis backgrounds
Stand up to stereotypes, prejudice and systemic racism
Have conversations with your family and friends (even children)
Be respectful towards trauma survivors and elders
Support Indigenous-led community organizations
Be patient, empathetic & receptive (it’s distressing for everyone)
Raise awareness in your community/online (wear orange)

Read Volume 4 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on the Residential School system: https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Volume_4_Missing_Children_English_Web.pdf

7 Free Ways to make a difference from First Nations Child & Family Caring Society

https://fncaringsociety.com/what-you-can-do

Donate and support work at organizations like:

https://www.irsss.ca/donate

https://projectofheart.ca/

https://fncaringsociety.com/donate

Follow and amplify Indigenous voices on social media and in the news:

https://www.aptnnews.ca/

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Unequal Women Campaign

Circulated on behalf of NWDLC

Shared on behalf of Single Mothers’ Alliance BC

At our regular meeting, delegates voted to sign on to the Open Letter Calling on Hotels to Safeguard Women’s Jobs in BC

SMA for Gender & Economic Justice and Migrante BC invite all allies in the community sector: non-profit organizations, labour unions, charities, community-based groups, businesses, key stakeholders and elected officials, to publicly sign and endorse this letter in support of Unite Here Local 40’s Unequal Women campaign.

Together, we call for immediate action on the part of hotel employers to halt their current actions amid the COVID-19 crisis and safeguard the jobs and livelihoods of all workers in the hospitality sector in BC. Please note the entity you represent in the Comments box to the left. Thank you very much.

The letter will remain open to signatories until June 18th^th, 2021. After June 18th, this letter will be delivered to the BC Hotel Association and those CC’d, including specific hotel employers, government ministries and other stakeholders listed on the letter, by email and mail. Signing this letter means that your name and/or the name of the entity you represent will appear in the list of signatories included with the letter. All signatories will be informed when the letter is sent.

Please read the full letter here.

Please sign the letter here: https://www.singlemothersbc.org/

For further information or media inquiries please email viveca@singlemothersbc.org.

Two Government Leadership Opportunities

Recirculated on behalf of NWDLC

Reminder – The New Westminster & District Labour Council has opened registration for our local government leadership initiative Our Future Your Path, www.ourfutureyourpath.com focussed on union members identifying as women or non-binary who are interested in running for political office in the next 1-5 years. Hosted by the NWDLC, this opportunity is open to union and community members across BC.

Our program in partnership with PowHERhouse Impact Media, a BC based Indigenous-owned social impact organization, kicks off with a free FireCircle event on Saturday, May 29, 2021 (poster attached). This event features Hli Haykwhl Ẃii Xsgaak The Hon. Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Art, Culture, and Sport, the Hon. Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care, and Trish Mandewo, Coquitlam City Councillor speaking on their path to elected office and will feature break out groups and activities with other past and current local government leaders from across BC.

Our Future Your Path FireCircle Event

Saturday May 29, 2021

9:00am-noon

Free virtual event

The FireCircle event will be followed by a 10-week intensive cohort program. Limited spots are available for this interactive experience beginning June 16. Designed for those looking to become future political champions by those who have been there with input from those leading in politics at this time. Cohort cost: $895 pp. These sessions run evenings on June 16, July 7, July 28, and August 18 and will be held online.

More information on the cohort program, including registration can be found here:

https://www.powherhouse.com/nwdlc-first-steps/

We are asking local unions and labour councils to consider fully or partially funding the cost to attend the cohort program. We believe that by providing a supportive learning environment with shared experiences from current and past leaders we can increase diversity and participation of those with strong labour values on City Councils, School Boards and other elected positions in our communities. Please share this opportunity widely with your members.

Thank you in advance for your help in making this initiative a success!

Shared on behalf of the CLC

Below you’ll find information about an upcoming local government election course. The course is targeted to people that have an interest in running for local government office but would like more information. Please feel free to share with your delegates.

So You Want to Run for Local Office?

Are you considering running for Council, School Board, or Regional District Board in 2022 in your community? The Canadian Labour Congress and the Winch Institute are hosting a workshop for potential candidates on May 25th at 7:00 p.m. The 90-minute Zoom session will consist of a panel discussion with current and former councillors and trustees, regional breakout groups, and expert instruction. The workshop will be part of a series of campaign workshops and community forums in the lead up to the 2022 Local Government Elections. This initial workshop will focus on the reasons to run for public office, the work of elected officials, and what you need to start doing now in order to win in 2022.

You can apply for the course here: https://www.winch.institute/may_25_webinar. Space is limited, so sign up quickly! You’ll be notified if you are accepted.

105-3920 Norland Avenue

Burnaby, BC V5G 4K7

Phone: 604-291-9306

www.nwdlc.ca

Facebook: nwdlc Twitter: @nwdlc

The NWDLC acknowledges that our office is located on the traditional and unceded territory of Coast Salish Peoples including xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) territories

Mobilizing BC Post Secondary Education Members for the Climate Emergency

Recirculated on behalf of FPSE

Hello Members,

This year our FPSE AGM features a one hour pause in federation business amid Covid-19 and the focus on a safe return to campuses in BC to learn how to better mobilize today for future challenges. Renowned policy expert and author of the recently published book A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency, Seth Klein will highlight how post-secondary sector can be part of the solution. While Covid-19 has supplanted the interest, momentum and sense of urgency that was building in the climate movement, both crises share commonalities, and their effects are converging, as both are borne of human activity leading to environmental degradation. Beginning to align our responses through mobilization presents an opportunity to improve public health, create a sustainable economic future, and better protect the planet’s remaining natural resources and biodiversity.

Please share this open invitation with your local membership and encourage all your members to join us for this important hour of presentation and discussion. As a reminder all delegates registered for the FPSE AGM have been automatically registered for this webinar.

Key Details and the Registration Link.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1vTXZMAUSj2t7IPPEO6mcg

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Keynote Speaker Seth Klein.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

WEBINAR – KEYNOTE SPEAKER SETH KLEIN – TUE, MAY 18, 7 PM.

We need a wartime-scale set of policies to confront the climate crisis in Canada. That’s the assertion of Seth Klein, renowned policy expert and author of the recently published book A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency. Join us on Tuesday May 18th for a keynote address from Seth Klein about the climate emergency and how we in the post-secondary sector can be part of the solution. The address will be followed by a moderated discussion period to dig into the answers to your questions.

All workers connected with the BC post-secondary education sector are welcome to attend this free event. Please register and join us in spreading the word about this event!

Thanks,

Brent Calvert

President, Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC

Spring 2021 VDLC Workshops

Our Winter/Spring 2021 VDLC Education Series is winding down with our last 2 classes.

Privacy Rights in the Workplace – Thursday May 20 via Zoom

9:30am to 4:00pm

Instructor: James Baugh, Kestrel Workplace Legal Counsel LLP

This course uses case law reviews to examine the privacy rights of employees in the workplace, the limits on employer interference with those rights, and the possible remedies for impermissible interference with those rights. Areas covered will include workplace surveillance, employer monitoring of computer use, internet and emails, permissible employee use of electronic communications and equipment at work, the perils and pitfalls of social networking, restrictions on access to medical information and drug testing and monitoring. The course will also discuss Supreme Court of Canada decisions on drug testing and publicizing personal information on the internet.

Charter Rights in the Workplace – Wednesday June 2 via Zoom

9:30am to 4:00pm

Instructors: Leo McGrady, Koskie Glavin Gordon and Craig Bavis, Victory Square Law Office LLP

In recent years, the Supreme Court of Canada, and some lower courts, have confirmed important rights for Canadian unions and their members. Significantly, these include Freedom of Expression (picketing, leafletting, protest, privacy rights) and Freedom of Association (the right to organize, bargain and strike). Decisions regarding Bill 29 in the health care sector, the Harper government’s back-to-work order against postal workers and the BC Teachers’ Federation win over the right to negotiate class size and composition, all combine to establish these Charter Rights. The implications of these decisions reach into every workplace, both in the public and private sector. This course provides an overview of Charter Rights, key decisions for unions, and how these cases can be used to advance our collective interests.

Thank you!

Vancouver and District Labour Council
http://www.vdlc.ca/

May 5 is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Re-circulated by the New Westminster & District Labour Council

May 5th is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We stand in solidarity and say #NoMoreStolenSisters. Everyone is encouraged to wear red to raise awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The history of Red Dress Day can be traced back to the REDress Project. The purpose of the project is to highlight the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women, with each red dress symbolizing an Indigenous woman who has been murdered or is missing. You can learn more about The REDress Project here: https://www.jaimeblackartist.com/exhibitions/

Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism – May 10, 2021

— Circulated on behalf of Stand With Asians Coalition (SWAC) —

Dear brothers, sisters & friends,

I am writing today to ask you and your members to consider endorsing May 10, 2021, as the “Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism” – a nationwide movement that was initiated by a group of grassroots activists in Burnaby, BC.

Stand With Asians Coalition (SWAC) is a community of people in Canada who are concerned about the surge of anti-Asian racism in our cities. Vancouver has seen a staggering increase of over 700%, Burnaby – 350% increase, and Ottawa – 600% increase in 2020. A recent federally-funded study reported 1150 cases of racist attacks in Canada last year. Forty percent were reported in Ontario and forty-four percent were reported in B.C. Sixty percent of the cases were reported by women.

Stand With Asians Coalition brings allies together to raise awareness and to combat anti-Asian racism. We must condemn all forms of hate in public spaces as it creates unsafe conditions for members of the Asian, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, and Racialized Communities.

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada. The City of Burnaby is the first city in Canada that has officially made a proclamation, declaring May 10, 2021 as the “Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism”. Many cities on the west coast, such as Vancouver, Surrey, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, New Westminster, Richmond, the District of Missions and on the east coast, Toronto and Ottawa, have either made similar proclamations or are in the process of considering.

SWAC is organizing a nationwide Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism E Rally on Zoom on May 10 at 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET. Speakers include: Speakers include: Jenny Kwan, MP (Vancouver – Kingsway) and former MP Olivia Chow. Join us and sign up here.

If your union decides to endorse the Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism, we ask that you kindly inform our SWAC organizer, Doris Mah, at 604-729-3107 or doriswkmah@gmail.com.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.