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Heather McPherson announces plan to protect workers’ right to organize fairly

OTTAWA — Edmonton Strathcona MP Heather McPherson announced her plan this morning to strengthen workers’ rights and ensure every union in Canada is democratic, independent, and accountable only to its members.

McPherson has prepared legislation to amend the Canada Labour Code to prohibit employer-dominated “company unions” that undermine collective bargaining and weaken workplace standards. 

“This is about protecting the fundamental right to organize freely,” said McPherson. “Company unions drive down wages, weaken benefits, and erode the trust that makes collective bargaining work. Company unions should not exist in Canada.”

The legislation empowers the Canada Industrial Relations Board to investigate and decertify employer-dominated organizations, allows workers to petition for representation reviews, and requires unions to confirm their independence upon certification.

“Workers deserve to know that the people negotiating on their behalf are accountable only to them,” said McPherson. 

The CLAC is the largest company union in Canada. Labour relations boards in Nova Scotia and British Columbia have both ruled against them and they have caused complaints right across the country. On the international front, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) suspended the CLAC for “undermining labour conditions of workers.” Despite all that, last year, the Liberal government awarded $18 million in public funds. 

“Company unions don’t have the backs of workers, but the Liberal government clearly has the backs of company unions. That’s another reason we need this legislation,” said McPherson. “If the Liberals are serious about standing up for workers, they can prove it by supporting this move to get rid of - not fund - company unions.”

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The repressive Iranian regime is a dictatorship that murders and brutalizes the Iranian people. But an illegal and unjustified war driven by Trump and Netanyahu will bring more civilian deaths and regional chaos.

Already, dozens of Iranian schoolgirls were killed in a horrific attack on a school. This is outrageous.

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My heart is also with Iranian Canadians and everyone terrified for the safety of their family and friends in the region.

Canada must unequivocally condemn these grave breaches of international law.

Statement on Iran

MP and candidate for Leader of Canada’s NDP, Heather McPherson made the following statement on Iran

I strongly condemn the horrific attacks on brave Iranian people, and I am deeply concerned for the well-being of thousands of Iranian protesters, including the loved ones of many Canadians. 

I commend the bravery of Iranians protesting the regime, and I stand in solidarity with the Iranian people, who have suffered under a brutal regime for decades. They deserve to live in freedom. Iranian people, like all people, deserve a future that is democratic and free. 

For years, I have urged the Government of Canada to do more to support the human rights of the Iranian people.

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