REVP's Desk

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    Labour day tradition involves flipping burgers while being surrounded by friends, co-workers, union members and supporters. The energy of the cheerful crowd fills the park and union activists chat with the public and hand out leaflets. Signing petitions and taking action on issues that matter to our communities — that’s what we often do on this special day. Kids have their special treats too: face painting, colouring pages, play-dough and lots of laughter. I’ve always looked forward to Labour Day.

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    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.

Lest We Forget   By Jack Bourassa  Lest we forget. It’s that time of the year again. People proudly wearing their red poppies close to their hearts. They give a powerful message: we’ll always remember. Remembrance Day is around the corner. I want us to bring the spirit of remembrance to our daily lives. What’s the best way to honour and remember our brave women and men? There is no one way, but I will share my thoughts and aspirations with you. 

By Jack Bourassa    The government is not an alien. Elected politicians are not foreigners. No matter where they stand, they are people voted in by people. And that’s democracy. It is important to vote. It is crucial to never miss an election opportunity: Federal, Territorial, Municipal, etc. Our voices must be heard. The Federal Election is around the corner. I want to dedicate this space to ask you to go out and vote.

By Jack Bourassa  A homeless person asking for change. An unemployed hopeless youth. A single parent working two jobs. A worker earning a minimum wage that’s way below a Living Wage. A child deprived of nutritious food. A family striving to find an affordable place to call home. Poverty is real and we witness it every day.

By Jack Bourassa A long weekend filled with picnics, good times and beautiful memories. That’s Labour Day for many of us, including myself. You might be too busy today, or you might just be taking a break— we all need some ‘me’ time. Whatever you’re doing today, let’s all take a moment and acknowledge the power of our voice and pledge to create a positive change.

By Jack Bourassa   The personal is political. This is not just a slogan. This phrase has always inspired me. I asked myself if the need for affordable housing is a personal issue for someone else— an argument often presented. The hunt for affordable housing, sadly, is a personal problem for many. And “the personal is political” as affecting change requires political will.