Walking in Our Truth Together: Modules 2 & 3 now available

10 December 2024

Modules 2 and 3 of Walking in Our Truth Together — PSAC’s new, online course to support Truth and Reconciliation — are now available.

This course, created in collaboration with Canadian Geographic, offers members an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Indigenous history, rights, and resilience. Through education and reflection, participants gain the tools to advocate for justice and inclusivity in their workplaces, communities, and beyond.

If you’ve started your learning with Module 1, the next steps are ready for you. If you haven’t registered yet, this is a great time to begin.

Start learning

What you’ll learn

Modules 1, 2, and 3 are now available, and each module is self-paced, allowing you to learn and reflect on your schedule.

Module 1: Begin your journey with an overview of key themes in reconciliation, setting the stage for deeper exploration.
Module 2: Understand the fundamental values that guide reconciliation efforts and explore foundational agreements like the Peace and Friendship Treaties, Doctrine of Discovery, and 1763 Royal Proclamation.
Module 3: Delve into the origins and ongoing significance of treaties, including the Two Row Wampum and Peace and Friendship Treaties, and learn more about their relevance in shaping today’s society.

This online course is more than just an educational tool, it’s a vital step towards understanding and addressing the injustices that have impacted — and continue to affect — Indigenous communities across Canada.

Start learning

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Marking 35 years of the L’École Polytechnique Massacre

6 December 2024

Content Warning: This statement includes mentions of violence against women and gender non-conforming people.

Today marks 35 years since the tragic attack at L’École Polytechnique, where 14 women were targeted and killed simply because they were women. These women had families, dreams, and their whole lives ahead of them – all stolen in an act of violence. On this National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we honour their lives- cut short – and the longer lives they deserved to live.

In Canada, a woman or girl is killed every 48 hours. Indigenous women and girls are six times more likely to be killed than their non-Indigenous counterparts. Women continue to experience sexual assault and harassment at home, in public, online and in the workplace. In fact, 80% of sexual assaults occur in someone’s home and 70% are committed by someone the survivor knows, like a family member, friend, or a coworker. About half of all sexual assaults occur on dates.

These statistics only tell part of the story. Many survivors never report assaults due to fear, social stigma, distrust of police, and the overwhelming burden of proof placed on survivors in sexual violence cases. This makes it even harder to understand how widespread the problem really is.

Adding to the crisis, far-right extremism is a growing threat to the rights of women, Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary and gender non-confirming people.

Gender-based violence is upheld by societal attitudes, systemic failures, and inaction at every level. This also means we have the collective power to make things better.

Today, we renew our commitment to work for gender equality, support survivors, and take action to end gender-based violence. Together, we can create a safer and more equal Canada for everyone.

If you or someone you know is facing abuse of any kind, you can call the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511.

You can find a list of provincial and territorial supports at the Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment.

In memory of

Geneviève Bergeron

Hélène Colgan

Nathalie Croteau

Barbara Daigneault

Anne-Marie Edward

Maud Haviernick

Barbara Klucznik Widajewicz

Maryse Laganière

Maryse Leclair

Anne-Marie Lemay

Sonia Pelletier

Michèle Richard

Annie St-Arneault

Annie Turcotte

Resources:

Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment

White Ribbon Campaign

Facts and Stats from Women and Gender Equality Canada

Canadian Women’s Foundation

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

PSAC calls for Liberal government to be held accountable for pension attack on federal workers

5 December 2024

The PSAC launches national pension campaign to urge the Trudeau government to respect workers and keep its hands off pensions.

The Liberal government’s plan to raid $9.3 billion from the federal public service pension surplus is a betrayal of Canada’s public service workers and sets the stage for other attacks on the pension security of millions of workers in Canada.

“This is a betrayal of trust,” said Sharon DeSousa, National President of PSAC. “Workers and the government contribute equally to this pension fund, but now the government is taking a break while workers are left to shoulder the burden.”

This reckless decision jeopardizes the retirement security of over 700,000 federal public service workers, retirees and thousands of territorial government employees.

The government’s pension scoop sets a dangerous precedent for millions of other workers across Canada, one that could pave the way for private and public employers alike to raid their own employees’ pension plans. This is more than a fight for public sector workers – a fight for everyone who believes in fairness, accountability and the retirement security of workers.

“If the federal government – the largest employer in the country – can raid its own workers’ pensions, what’s to stop other employers from doing the same?” said DeSousa.

It’s not too late for the Liberal government to do the right thing. PSAC has proposed three fair and reasonable solutions to address the pension surplus while protecting retirement security:

Reverse the Two-Tier System: Reverse the two-tier system introduced by the Harper government in 2012 Under the Harper changes, federal workers who started their jobs on or after January 1, 2013 must work five years longer to reach full retirement. This inequality is fundamentally unjust.
Equitable Retirement Options for Frontline Workers: Follow through on the government’s commitment to provide equitable retirement benefits for frontline public safety workers.
Suspend Employee Contributions: If the government gives itself a contribution holiday, workers who equally pay into the pension plan should get one too, ensuring fairness and equity.

“This isn’t just about pensions; it’s about fairness, accountability, and doing the right thing for the workers who serve Canada every day,” said DeSousa.

Visit StopPensionTheft.ca for more information about the fight for fair pensions and a secure future for workers.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Expanding the role of border officers: Letter of support from NDP MPs Brian Masse and Alistair MacGregor

2 December 2024

Following CIU’s letter to Dominic LeBlanc regarding the need for the government to expand the role of border officers between ports of entry, New Democratic Party MPs Brian Masse (NDP Canada-US Border Critic) and Alistair MacGregor (NDP Public Safety Critic) expressed support for the idea and for the Customs and Immigration Union and its members, in a letter to CIU National President Mark Weber. In the letter, they also highlight the need for increased staffing, enhanced resources and better training, and denounce the recent reduction in hours of service at more than a quarter of CBSA land ports of entry.

Read their letter, below.

Dear Mr. Weber,

We are writing to you on behalf of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in light of the recent call by United States President-elect, Donald Trump, for tighter security measures at the Canada-United States border. As you know, New Democrats have worked tirelessly over the years in Parliament to advocate for increased staffing, enhanced resources, and better training for the members of the Customs Immigration Union (CIU). We have been consistently critical of the cuts made a decade ago by the Harper Conservatives and have repeatedly called on the Trudeau Liberals to reinstate the necessary border officers and ensure staffing levels meet our country’s security needs.

Additionally, we have actively advocated for increased training for border officers and the establishment of a new training facility in Windsor, Ontario. Now, more than ever, it is essential that the government take immediate action to hire the necessary 2,000-3,000 border officers. If the government is serious about addressing border security, the most effective way to demonstrate that commitment is through a significant increase in staffing. In October 2024, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced our plan to immediately rehire the 1,100 border officers cut by the former Conservative government, with additional officers to follow.

The NDP is also committed to listening to Canada’s frontline border officers and ensuring the adequate staffing needed to maintain effective service at all ports of entry. We recognize that on November 18, 2024, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced a reduction in service hours at more than a quarter of its land ports of entry, to align with the operational hours of U.S. border crossings. However, we firmly believe that cutting service hours is not the solution. Instead, the focus must be on hiring and training more CBSA officers to ensure that all ports remain adequately staffed.

Furthermore, we want to express the NDP’s full support for the repeal of the 1932 Order in Council, which assigned policing duties between border crossings to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) instead of to frontline CBSA officers. If the government is serious about border security, they know that our CBSA officers are best positioned to intercept contraband such as illegal firearms and combat human smuggling. The only barrier preventing our officers from carrying out this critical work is the outdated 1932 Order in Council. It is time for this statute to be repealed and for CBSA officers to take on their rightful role.

It is also time to hire more officers, establish a new training facility, and ensure that our frontline officers are no longer overburdened. By taking these steps, we can strengthen border security, support the dedicated officers working on the frontlines, and ensure that Canada’s border protection is as secure as it needs to be.

The NDP remains committed to securing Canada’s borders through long-term, thoughtful investments in our border services. As always, we will work alongside the Customs Immigration Union and all stakeholders to ensure a safe and sustainable future for our border security.
Thank you for your continued advocacy on behalf of frontline workers. We look forward to working together on these critical issues in the near future.

Sincerely,

Alistair MacGregor MP
NDP Public Safety Critic

Brian Masse MP
NDP Canada-US Border Critic

Click here for the original PDF version.

Letter to Minister LeBlanc: Expanding the role of border officers between ports of entry

2 December 2024

CIU National President Mark Weber sent the following letter to the Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, on December 2, 2024.

Dear Minister,

In the wake of the latest American presidential election, the last few weeks have brought renewed interest in the state of Canada’s borders, and in our country’s ability to adequately control the cross-border flow of people along with interdicting dangerous drugs and firearms.

In response to this renewed pressure, your government has signaled it was considering investing in drones and police helicopters, as well as redeploying existing RCMP officers to priority areas. I am glad to see the Canadian government take border security concerns to heart. A number of border threats have become prevalent in the last decade — notably illegal firearms, dangerous opioids, and human smuggling — and investing in our border is paramount.

I would like to suggest an additional course of action that will reinforce our capacity to better protect Canadian communities: Expanding the role of Canada Border Services Agency officers to allow them to act between ports of entry.

As you know, nothing in the Customs Act or the Immigration Refugee Protection Act prevents CBSA officers from performing their duties between ports of entry — in fact, the legislation explicitly provides for it. However, as confirmed to us by the Agency itself, law enforcement between ports of entry remains the purview of the RCMP due to a nearly century-old 1932 Order-in-Council still in effect.

With ongoing border security concerns, it would make sense for your government to revisit this decision and rely on the expertise of CBSA officers to help protect our borders at and between ports of entry. This is something the Customs and Immigration Union has long called for, and the time is right.

I am sure you’ll agree: A properly staffed border is a secure border. As such, in addition to investing in new tools like drones, it is crucial for the Canadian government to ensure a human presence at the border. CBSA officers are already trained with the border in mind and have a keen understanding of relevant laws and regulations. They are also already physically present at areas of importance. When considering the extensive mandate of the RCMP, empowering CBSA officers to act and patrol in between ports of entry in collaboration with RCMP officers is a logical step.

In light of this, I urge you to take the necessary steps — by reviewing the 1932 Order-in-Council and any other regulation necessary — to allow CBSA officers to perform the full extent of their functions at and between ports of entry. Doing so will send a strong signal that the Canadian government understands what is needed to protect our border and our communities.

I remain at your disposal should you wish to discuss this important matter in person, and I look forward to your response.

Yours truly,

Mark Weber
National President, Customs and Immigration Union

Click here for the original PDF version.

16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence 2024

27 November 2024

The 16 Days of Activism campaign runs each year from November 25 to December 10 and calls attention to the needs for action to put an end to gender-based violence against women and girls.

As part of this international campaign, the federal government’s theme for this year is Come Together, Act Now. As per the government, the theme “emphasizes how crucial it is to involve everyone in Canada – particularly men and boys – in changing social norms, attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence. It is also a call to action urging all of us to recognize the signs of gender-based violence and to reach out for support, for ourselves or loved ones.”

We invite all our members to take a look at the federal government’s campaign page for ways to get involved as part of the 16 Days of Activism. Be sure to also check out the related United Nations campaign UNiTE. Led by UN Women, this initiative “was created to support the civil society led 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign around the world.” The UNiTE theme for this year is “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women”. Read more about UNiTE here.

Honouring Trans Day of Remembrance: Standing Together Against Hate

20 November 2024

On November 20, we mark Trans Day of Remembrance, an occasion to honour the lives of trans people around the world, and those we have lost to violence and discrimination.

Although Canada has legal protections for gender identity and expression, transphobia is on the rise. Trans people face greater rates of violence, as well as greater barriers to employment and healthcare, which is now made worse by anti-trans laws in Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Alberta.

Not only do these laws harm trans people by limiting their ability to actively participate in society, they embolden people to act in discriminatory and violent ways, which has a very serious impact on the safety, mental health and well-being of trans people. In fact, a recent study found that transgender people in Canada are three times more likely to experience depression, anxiety and other mental disorders compared to cisgender people. Even worse, they are six times more likely to have attempted suicide in their life. We must fight against transphobia and anti-trans legislation to ensure that all trans people have access to mental and health care services so they can have full, thriving lives.

These anti-trans laws also fuel misinformation. Harmful myths about trans people — whether it be about sports or accessing gender affirming care — are often spread without evidence or care for the impact this has on trans people.

What you can do

On this Trans Day of Remembrance, let’s honour the lives lost, while recommitting ourselves to building a world where trans people can live safely and authentically.

Let’s take time to fact-check information, seek credible sources, and amplify voices from the trans community who can speak on their realities. Let’s create a more inclusive society, rooted in respect and understanding.

Like every year, vigils will be held across Canada. Attending these events is a powerful way to show your support and connect with others to help end anti-trans violence.

Together, we can create a future where trans rights are not only protected but celebrated. Let’s ensure that the lives we lost inspire meaningful action.

Here are just some of the locations hosting vigils happening across the country:

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Treasury Board National Bargaining Conference: members of equity groups, women and young worker encouraged to apply

20 November 2024

The Treasury Board PA, TC, SV and EB collective agreements will expire in 2025.

Program and Administrative (PA) group expiry date: June 20, 2025

Technical Services (TC) group expiry date: June 21, 2025

Operational Services (SV) group expiry date: August 04, 2025

Education and Library (EB) group expiry date: June 30, 2025

In preparation for the next round of bargaining, PSAC will host a bargaining conference for PA, TC, SV, and EB group members on February 19-23, 2025, in Montréal.

The conference will bring members together to review, discuss, and prioritize issues for bargaining with Treasury Board. Conference delegates will also be electing their bargaining team.

PSAC is issuing a call-out for equity group members to attend the Treasury Board national bargaining conference.

The participation of all groups in collective bargaining is critical and we encourage equity group members – Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, Access (members with disabilities), women and young workers (35 years old or younger) – to participate.

Applicants must be a member of the PA, TC, SV, or EB bargaining unit as well as hold union office and demonstrate evidence of union activism.

Please submit your application before December 16 to be considered for the upcoming bargaining conference.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

“An incredibly misguided decision”: Union calls on CBSA to reverse service hours cuts at land border ports of entry across Canada

19 November 2024

Ottawa, November 19, 2024 – The Customs and Immigration Union (CIU), which represents Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers and personnel across the country, is calling upon CBSA to immediately reverse its misguided decision to reduce hours of service at land ports of entry in New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.

On November 18, 2024, CBSA announced that it was reducing hours of service for more than a quarter of its land ports of entry, allegedly to boost security and align with United States border crossings operational hours. “This is an incredibly misguided decision” said CIU National President Mark Weber in response to the Agency’s announcement, which came with little advanced notice to the union and CBSA employees. “At a time when all eyes are on the border, given the potential impact of the recent American presidential election, it is beyond shortsighted for the Agency to proceed with this reduction of service. To claim that the border is more secure with ports closed more often is like saying that up is down — it’s nonsense” added the union president.

The union is disappointed to see that the Agency is once again making changes without consulting the frontline officers who work at the affected border crossings. Worse, CBSA does not appear to have consulted border communities at all, despite the significant impact of this reduction in hours of service on families and local businesses.

“Affected ports will see their operational hours slashed as of January 6, 2025, in some cases going from operating around the clock to only being opened for 12 hours,” said the CIU National President. For communities that straddle the border — many of them rural — such changes can be far-reaching, as both the Canadian and American sides are dependent on each other for critical services, employment, and industry.

With ports closing earlier, residents and commercial operators will have to travel further early in the morning, in the evening and at night — sometimes over long distances. Industrial sectors such as agriculture and forestry will certainly be impacted. Some of the affected ports also play an important role in connecting Canada to large U.S. metropolitan areas, such as Boston and Denver.

“This is not the first time that the Agency has sought to reduce hours of service at land ports,” said Mark Weber, “and the end result is that it makes the border both less secure and less functional. We really need the government to properly invest in the border to ensure it is adequately staffed, so our members can continue to serve Canadians and protect our communities. Reducing hours of service certainly does not help to achieve this.”

CIU members supports CUPW on the picket line

15 November 2024

As Canada Post workers from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) begin their strike for fair wages and fair working conditions, CIU members joined picket lines from coast to coast to show support with striking CUPW members.

In New Brunswick, CIU NB-PEI Branch President Marjorie Gavel stopped by the picket line in Woodstock earlier today to show solidarity with striking workers (and drop off muffins, donuts and coffee!). Despite the cold and the damp, spirits were high.

In British Columbia, CIU Young Worker Representative Kevin Kerr, along with his family, dropped by the CUPW local 728 picket line in Cranbrook to show support.

Support CUPW

While CIU members are not in a legal strike position, you can support CUPW members by joining picket lines during unpaid breaks and before/after your work day (FB members, please remember not to attend while wearing your uniform and tools). Let’s show solidarity with postal workers!

What you’ll learn

In memory of

Resources:

What you can do

British-Columbia

North

Prairies

Ontario

Quebec

Atlantic

Support CUPW