Quebec's largest union federation outlines demands before election is officially called
The first demands related to the labour market were not long in coming, as Quebec's largest union federation announced its priorities even before the official call of the federal election.
The Quebec Federation of Labour (FTQ) believes that political parties must commit to improving the employment insurance system and modernizing federal laws that protect workers, whether it be anti-scab provisions, preventive withdrawal of pregnant workers or protection of pension plans in the event of corporate bankruptcy.
"The pandemic has made us realize the importance of having a strong and reliable social safety net. We have a duty to protect it and even improve it... Those who aspire to lead us must listen to the population," said FTQ President Daniel Boyer and Secretary-General Denis Bolduc in a statement issued early Sunday morning.
The environment is also at the heart of the FTQ's concerns, and it expects firm commitments from the candidates and leaders of the various political parties to implement an "economic recovery plan based on a fair transition and respect for the environment in the image of the 21st century."
The union leaders also invited the party leaders to come and meet them to share their concerns for the workers and their families. The union will also share its analysis of the election campaign with its members.
"The FTQ is preparing an electoral platform with its main demands, along with an analysis of the various commitments of the political parties. This platform will be made public so that all workers can make an informed choice at the time of the vote," said Bolduc.
The FTQ represents more than 600,000 unionized workers in Quebec.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Aug. 15, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs fall to Bruins in Game 3, trail series 2-1
Brad Marchand scored twice, including the winner in the third period, and added an assist as the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series Wednesday
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
New Indigenous loan guarantee program a 'really big deal,' Freeland says at Toronto conference
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was among the 1,700 delegates attending the two-day First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference that concluded Tuesday in Toronto.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.