Regional Executive Vice President in Northwest Territories

Bullying is a crisis that must be dealt with urgency   Students and workers from coast to coast to coast in Canada mark Pink Shirt Day to raise awareness on the urgency of putting an end to bullying in our communities, schools, workplaces and everywhere. Needless to say, this year, Pink Shirt Day is different.

By Jack Bourassa   “The time is always right to do what is right” ~ Martin Luther King Jr. Let’s do what is right.

By Jack Bourassa  There’s nothing quite like a freshly brewed cup of joe on a frosty winter morning. It’s how I like to start everyday but especially those during our darker and very much colder winter months. And it’s during those initial months when we all begin preparations for the holiday season.

By Jack Bourassa  Imagine being told you’re not a person. Imagine being stripped of your rights. Imagine being banned from participating in public and political life.  Less than a century ago, women were not recognized as “persons” in Canada. On October 18, we’ll mark Person’s Day in Canada. It’s the day in 1929 when the highest court of appeal included women in the legal definition of “persons.” Let’s learn from our history while honouring those who strived to pave the way for women’s participation in public and political life.  

By Jack Bourassa    After weeks, months and years of continuous job searching they still can’t find a job that helps them pay their bills. They can’t pay rent and might soon face eviction and are at risk of becoming homeless. Single parents have to choose between, putting food on the table or paying for their rent. Their kids haven’t had nutritious food in months. They’re lucky if the school runs a lunch program.

By Jack Bourassa    I’d first like to express my support to those peacefully and globally protesting the death of George Floyd. Your courage is both humbling and inspiring! The recent outcry for change heard around the world is the result of yet another unnecessary black life lost. George Floyd was just the most recent victim, in a long list of victims who’ve lost their lives to prejudice, racism and systemic injustice. This very long list of victims is a result of a human condition worse than any virus… greed and indifference!

I’d like to take this time to express my support to all those peacefully protesting the death of George Floyd. Like most, I found the images that have been circulating horrifying. I sat in disbelief as this despicable and heinous crime was committed with such callousness. Violence and racism everywhere needs to stop. As an organization, the PSAC North has always been committed to a shared vision of inclusiveness and respect. We will continue to press the fight and shine the light on violence and racism.

By Jack Bourassa  Our communities thrive on kindness. Every action has an apposite and equal reaction. For kindness, appreciation must be the consequence. The little things that pull us together as a community often go unnoticed in the midst of our busy lives.

By Jack Bourassa  To date my articles have been motivated by the pressing issue of the day. This article is no different. We are faced with a challenge that we all must meet head on if we’re to be successful. A challenge that requires we stand united. The Coronavirus (Covid-19) has been and is headline news around the world, capturing everyone’s attention. Canada is only now starting to experience what others like China, Italy, Iran and Spain, to name a few, have had to endure over these past few weeks.

By Jack Bourassa    International Women’s Day (IWD) has been observed since more than a century ago and is now celebrated on March 8. This is not only a day to celebrate, but it’s time to take action. More than a century ago thousands of women were marching in the streets of New York demanding voting rights and better living standards: gender equality, better pay, shorter working hours, access to childcare, etc. The protests turned viral across North America and the world.