Labour Day, the first Monday in September, has been an official holiday in Canada since 1894. The origin of Labour Day came 20 years before that, when unions started holding parades and rallies in Toronto and Ottawa to celebrate the 1872 Toronto printers’ strike – the original “fight for fairness” that won major changes including the decriminalization of unions in Canada.

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Striking for a 9-hour workday

The Toronto Typographical Union (TTU) demanded a 9-hour workday from the city's publishers instead of the 12-hour, 6-day week. When employers refused, the printers walked out on March 25, 1872. On April 15, 1872, 10,000 supporters showed up for a rally at Queen's Park when the population of Toronto was only 50,000!  

Globe publisher George Brown launched immediate legal action that resulted in the arrest of the strike committee for criminal conspiracy. Union activity was still illegal under Canadian law. 

The people-powered domino effect

The Toronto parade inspired leaders in Ottawa to stage a similar event. A few months later, on September 3, 1872, 7 unions in Ottawa organized a parade more than a mile long, headed by an artillery band and flanked by city firefighters. 

The parade passed the home of Sir John A. MacDonald, then prime minister of Canada. He promised to sweep away “such barbarous laws” as those invoked to imprison the TTU workers in Toronto.

Historic legislation

While the strike did not win the 9-hour day, just months ahead of a federal election, under mounting pressure from unions, MacDonald led the passage of the the Trade Union Act, which legalized and protected union activity in Canada.  

The parades continued in support of the Nine Hour Movement and became annual events in such cities as Toronto and Ottawa.

American labour leader inspired by Canadian union parades

In 1882, an American labour leader, Peter McGuire, founder of the carpenters’ union and the American Federation of Labor, was invited to speak at a parade in Toronto. When he returned to the U.S., he organized a similar parade in New York City on September 5, 1882. 

The popularity of the event spread rapidly. The first labour day events were held in Toronto (1882); Hamilton and Oshawa (1883); Montreal (1886); St Catharines (1887); Halifax (1888); Ottawa and Vancouver (1890); and London (1892). 

Becoming an official holiday

U.S. President Grover Cleveland declared the first Monday of September as an official federal “labor” day holiday in 1894. Canada soon followed. Cleveland wanted to avoid May 1, which had been proclaimed the International Workers’ Day in Europe by unions and socialist parties, becoming the workers’ day also in the USA. May Day also commemorates the Haymarket riot in Chicago (1886).

It is with a profound sense of sorrow and regret that the Institute informs you of the untimely passing of our friend and colleague Kal Sahota, BC/Yukon Regional Director. Kal’s commitment to PIPSC members was deep and unwavering. We will miss him very much. 

Kal served Institute members with distinction in a number of capacities for two decades, notably as a union steward in Vancouver.  In 2014, he was awarded BC/Yukon Steward of the Year.

For years, Kal served as a member of the AFS Executive and Bargaining Team, as well on the PIPSC Finance Committee and AFS Employment Equity Committee.

Kal was also President of the Vancouver CRA Branch.  In November 2021, he was elected to serve on the PIPSC Board of Directors as BC/Yukon Regional Director, beginning January 1, 2022.   

PIPSC extends its condolences to Kal’s family and to the many friends who were privileged to know him.

Funeral: Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 1:00pm at Riverside Funeral Home in 7410 Hopcott Road, Delta, British Columbia.  

Members have created a ‘living legacy’ by planting hundreds of trees across Canada to celebrate PIPSC’s 100^th anniversary.

The trees represent PIPSC members’ ongoing contributions and commitment to assure a strong and healthy future for Canadians.

PIPSC members are proud to promote environmental stewardship, which is more important than ever as we attempt to address the climate crisis by reducing our carbon footprint.

Like PIPSC members who serve Canadians in many ways, trees offer immense value to help Canadians enjoy a better and sustainable future.

PIPSC partnered with Tree Canada, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees. For 25 years, they’ve engaged communities, governments, corporations and individuals in the pursuit of a greener and healthier living environment for Canadians.

Since 1920, PIPSC members have held important roles in collecting data that has confirmed we’re facing a climate crisis. Whether it’s surveying the health of our forests, mapping the stars or protecting the vitality of our marine ecosystems, the services provided by PIPSC members are services that all Canadians rely on.

OTTAWA, July 6, 2022 – Today, NDP Critic for Tax Fairness and Inequality, Niki Ashton (Churchill – Keewatinook Aski), along with Canadians for Tax Fairness economist and lead researcher, DT Cochrane, and Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada President, Jennifer Carr, called on Justin Trudeau’s Liberals to act for more tax fairness in Canada. They are calling on the government to end its unfair tax system and make the rich pay their fair share of taxes. The Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates that Canada lost up to $25 billion in 2018 alone due to tax evasion and avoidance by the rich and large corporations. The NDP is urging the Liberals to close the tax gap, identify loopholes in Canada’s tax code and give the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) the tools it needs to ensure that billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share.    

“While working people are struggling to make ends meet, it is unacceptable that the rich and powerful are being let off the hook,” said Ashton. “We are losing billions of dollars due to tax evasion and avoidance that could be invested in social services that Canadian families need, particularly as the cost of living soars. Justin Trudeau must act now to make things fairer for Canadians, and to give the CRA the tools it needs to make the rich and powerful pay their fair share.”   

Just recently, Canadians learned that the Liberals collaborated with accounting firm KPMG to keep them from paying their fair share of taxes. While hard-working people are struggling to get by, they watch in disbelief as their government caters to big businesses and billionaires. Since the Liberals came to power seven years ago, they have allowed big corporations and billionaires off the hook when it comes to paying their taxes. The NDP is fighting to change this.  

"It is our job to make tax fairness our priority and to close loopholes that let the rich and powerful off the hook,” said Ashton. “It's time for action. Liberals must change the law that lets the richest avoid paying their fair share. We also need greater scrutiny including a special committee focused on tax fairness. It's time to make sure those at the top are paying their fair share.”   

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Quotes by validators:

"Taxes deserve the careful consideration of parliamentarians if we’re going to get the fairer system that Canadians expect and deserve."

- Canadians for Tax Fairness economist and lead researcher, DT Cochrane
 

"We can’t afford to not invest in the CRA. It's not just about money for public services, it's about fairness. Everyone, including the ultra-rich and corporations, need to pay their fair share. It is everyone’s responsibility to contribute to the society that has made them successful. It is not about going after the average Canadian that works hard and plays by the rules. It’s about making sure they aren’t the only folks contributing to our tax system and the public services we all rely on."

- Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada President, Jennifer Carr
 

For more information, please contact: 

NDP Media Centre: 613-222-2351 or media@ndp.ca

View release in your browser:
http://www.ndp.ca/news/ndp-calls-action-make-rich-and-powerful-pay-their-fair-share 

It is with great sadness that the Institute learned that Judith King passed away on December 4, 2021.

Born in Ottawa to proud members of the federal public service, Judith served Institute members with distinction as an Employment Relations Officer from 1980 to 2005.  

With great composure, Judith was meticulous, methodical and fierce in her advocacy for what was just.

Her sharp intellect, critical thinking, tireless work ethic, and innate human benevolence earned not only the respect of her colleagues, but resoundingly impacted the outcome of favourable resolution throughout her career, improving the lives of many.

Institute members and staff extend their heartfelt condolences to Maureen’s family and friends, and especially Judith’s sister, Maureen, who was also a long-serving member of the PIPSC staff.

The PIPSC 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) is taking place in person November 18 and 19, 2022, in Montreal, Quebec.

If you’re interested in representing your group delegation, fill out the application form below before Tuesday, June 28 at 12:00 PM ET.

This application form is only for members of the following groups:

• BCFNHA, CCC, CFIA (IN, S&A, VM), CMH, CMN, HOC, JCC, MP, NAV, NB (all groups), NFB-PG, NGC, MAGE, NRC (IS, LS, TR), SEN, SUN-RT, SUN-MET, TOURISM, TBH-RT, UOTTAWA, WFCC, WRH-RT, WPEG, WTEG, YHC

The AGM is a gathering of the PIPSC membership, represented by delegates whose purpose is to review and set the policy direction of the union. Issues will be presented, debated and voted on by the delegates.

All costs are covered including meals, transportation and accommodation. Your salary will be compensated as required.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Sean O’Reilly, soreilly@pipsc.ca.

Please disconnect from the government's VPN and use a personal device in order to ensure the form loads.

The federal government has announced it will drop its COVID-19 vaccine mandates as of June 20, 2022. This means that the vaccination policy for federal public service workers of the core public administration, including the RCMP, will no longer be in effect. Crown corporations and separate employers were asked to do the same. 

As of June 20, 2022, those members on Leave Without Pay (LWOP) or another accommodation status will be allowed to return to work. Should circumstances of the pandemic change, the federal government may adjust their policies to align with public health guidance. We expect that separate agencies will soon be adopting the same approach and will keep you informed.

Unfortunately, this information was shared with the PIPSC President through the media before the employer informed us of the change. We, together with other unions, have been asking for an update for weeks. We have informed the Treasury Board of our disappointment and hope that collaboration will be a priority moving forward.

This is a welcome update from the employer as we have been pushing for this policy to reflect the current status of the pandemic. PIPSC filed policy grievances in May 2022 against the Mandatory Vaccination Policy for all members who remain on LWOP beyond April 6, 2022. Those grievances remain in effect until we have further details. 

Our members have gone above and beyond throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to keep their colleagues and the Canadian public safe. We encourage all members to continue to follow public health guidelines and keep their vaccinations up-to-date.

The employer must maintain a safe workplace, especially as members return to their workplaces. We will continue to advocate for flexible and telework arrangements as it’s a virtual world and our members have proven their ability to be productive while working remotely. 

PIPSC’s Human Rights and Diversity Committee is excited to lead this year’s Indigenous History Month celebrations.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission presented 94 Calls to Action, which public service professionals, as all people in Canada, have a duty to support and implement.

In particular, PIPSC members should be aware of recommendation #57, which invites public service professionals to commit to reconciliation through education.

Enroll in an Indigenous history class

These courses explore the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. They include education on the role and responsibilities of the Government of Canada towards Indigenous people and their ongoing struggle against colonialism.

PIPSC members who enroll in one of these courses can upload proof of their enrollment for a chance to win a $500 gift card supporting these Indigenous artists and businesses:

• Candle designer: http://www.angelademontigny.com/
• Khewa: Wakefield-based artist https://khewa.com/en/
• Tribal Trade Co: https://tribaltradeco.com/
• Victoria's Arctic Fashion: https://vafashion.ca/

The contest is now closed. Congratulations to Boyong Liang, PIPSC AFS member, winner of the 2022 Indigenous History Month contest.

Courses

The Canada School of the Public Service offers multiple courses as part of its Indigenous Learning Series.

ENROLL IN A CSPS COURSE

The University of Alberta offers a free course called Indigenous Canada – a 12-lesson online course from its faculty of Native Studies. You can also pay a modest fee for a certificate upon completion.

ENROLL IN THE UALBERTA COURSE

Learn about Truth and Reconciliation at your next executive meeting

Are you interested in learning more about Truth and Reconciliation at your next branch, group or regional meeting? The PIPSC Human Rights and Diversity Committee is happy to join your meeting for a 1-hour presentation on the importance of Truth and Reconciliation.

REQUEST A PRESENTATION

Indigenous Day Live

PIPSC is a proud sponsor of APTN’s Indigenous Day Live. We encourage you to attend the celebrations in-person if you are in Treaty 1 territory (Winnipeg area), or online via the livestreams on June 18 at 6:00 PM CT.

New this year, IDL is being reimagined from a traditionally-hosted concert to a cultural and artistic presentation that shines a light on this year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Lands.” The show celebrates gender diversity and the important connection Indigenous women have to the land. Each act is led by an Indigenous woman or member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

You’ll also hear President Jenn Carr address the community, before the official PIPSC fireworks display.

Join the PIPSC Indigenous caucus

The Indigenous caucus advises the PIPSC Human Rights and Diversity Committee on issues directly related to Indigenous members.

Its mission is to advance equity in the union and workplace for Indigenous members through the elimination of barriers, including anti-Indigenous racism, and to support environments where members can reach their full potential.

PIPSC is now looking for members to join the caucus for a 1-year term. The focus this year is to support the development of a 3-year strategic plan for the caucus, and centralizing existing work on anti-Indigenous racism (i.e. research projects, committees, advisory boards).

Indigenous members, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, are welcome to apply. If you’re interested, please email HRDC Chair, Greg Scriver at gscriver@pipsc.ca.

On June 2, 2022, Ontario voters re-elected the Ford Conservatives. While this is not the result we were hoping for, it is the reality we face together. We must continue our fight for fair wage increases for our members.

June 2022 marks the 3rd anniversary of Ford’s Bill 124. Bill 124 limits collective bargaining wage increases to 1% per year for 3 years for all Ontario public servants. This includes essential hospital workers.

We refuse to accept Bill 124. 

“My top priority is restoring the right to bargain a fair collective agreement.” said President Jennifer Carr, “Our members have worked tirelessly to provide care and treatment for vulnerable patients throughout the pandemic – Bill 124 completely ignores their hard work.” 

We are working with the Ontario Federations of Labour, other unions to challenge this bill. We have also supported the Ontario Health Coaltion’s efforts to raise awareness healthcare privatization throughout the election campaign. Together we are fighting to restore collective bargaining rights through a constitutional challenge to Bill 124.

It must be repealed.

Our members have provided essential services to Ontarians. We will not stop fighting for you until you get the respect, and wages, you deserve.