Regional Executive Vice President in Nunavut

By Jack Bourassa, Regional Executive Vice President for the North As published in the Yellowknifer, July 2016 We would never move. Maybe inland, but never too far, my Inuvialuit friend says, with a firm certainty in her smile. I’m learning from her about environmental issues in Tuktoyaktuk in preparation for the Climate Change Townhall recently held by the federal government in Yellowknife.

Dear Prime Minister Trudeau: Re: Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers I write today on behalf of the Public Service Alliance of Canada North Region and our 13,000 members in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Despite the fact that the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) had stated that they were to continue negotiations and would like to reach a fair negotiated agreement, Canada Post management threatens to lock union members out as early as Monday July 11th and refuses to bargain in a meaningful way.

By Jack Bourassa, Regional Executive Vice President for the North As published in the Yellowknifer, June 2016  ‘Liberals will create clean jobs, grow our economy, and protect our environment’, boldly claims the 2015 Liberal platform document, next to a photo of young Justin canoeing with senior Trudeau – presumably to show his yet unconscious appreciation of the great Canadian outdoors.

The renewed federal and territorial political landscape has kept PSAC North on its toes. We have been monitoring closely and cautiously optimistic the performance of both the Liberal government, and of the NWT 18th Legislative Assembly. Read about everything we've been up to in my REVP Report.

By Jack Bourassa, Regional Executive Vice President for the North As published in the Yellowknifer, March 2016 For most of us Northerners, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) don’t mean much. We’re busy worrying about the price of food, the health of our loved ones and our land, the security of our jobs (or lack thereof), and at best keeping up with local politics. And when FTAs are negotiated in secrecy, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), it makes it virtually impossible to understand their ramifications.

It was inspiring to meet so many dedicated union leaders at the latest Union Development Program session in Vancouver, B.C. I know each and every one of our members will return to their workplaces reinvigorated with a passion to improve conditions for our members. Read all about my activities in my REVP report and find out more about UDP in our next newsletter. 

Bargaining, political action and mobilization - it's been busy! Read more in my REVP report.

By Jack Bourassa, REVP North As published in the Yellowknifer, June 24 Canadians from every walk of life came together to commemorate National Aboriginal Day this week, an important celebration that embraces the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across the country.

PSAC North members have been encountering tough labour practices by communities across the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, leading to strikes in fort Smith, Hay River and potential job action at Nunavut’s Qulliq Power Corporation. Zero per cent wage offers have been the norm, with considerable efforts being invested to educate the public about the danger of such poor treatment of Northern workers. Read more in my REVP report. 

The Seventeenth National Triennial Convention of the Public Service Alliance of Canada will be held at the Québec City Convention Centre in Québec City, Québec beginning Sunday, April 26 and concluding Friday, May 1, 2015.PSAC North Regional Caucus will take place Sunday, April 26 at 12:30 p.m. If you would like to take part in the caucus, ensure you arrange your travel to arrive on Saturday, April 25.