CALGARY Alberta members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, many with strong links to the agricultural sector, are launching an appeal throughout the province and across the country, calling on CUPEs half million members to buy Alberta beef. And to back up their call, the unions Alberta Division is buying $5,000 of beef and donating it to local food banks.
As each day passes with the border closed to exports, the concern among Albertans is mounting. Thousands of our members have ties to the agriculture sector and the hardship is spreading quickly through every sector of the economy, said Bruce McLeod, president of CUPE Alberta.
Were urging CUPE members across Canada to eat beef and when theyre buying beef to ensure its Canadian and Albertan, he said. And were issuing a challenge to other Alberta and Canadian unions to do the same. This is a time when all Albertans and Canadians can show their solidarity towards the families in the agriculture sector.
While CUPE has often been critical of the Klein government for its policies with respect to public services, but on this issue the premier enjoys the unions strong endorsement.
“Were supporting the efforts of the premier and Agriculture Minister McClellan along with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association to open up the border to beef exports. Its important they take an aggressive and focused stance on behalf of Albertas agricultural sector, said McLeod. While there have been times when CUPE Alberta has disagreed with the provincial government on public sector concerns and priorities, this is one time when we applaud the premier and this government.
CUPE will be getting the word out to its half-million members throughout the province and in all ten provinces. The message: “Buy beef and let’s support Alberta and those working in the beef industry, said McLeod.
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For further information, contact:
Bruce McLeod, CUPE Alberta president
(403) 818-4849