Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) plans conference to develop a strategic response to federal attacks on a broad range of human rights to be held in December 8-11, 2010. Sign up today.
For some years now, the continuous onslaught by the Conservative government is having devastating impacts on many groups that we work with our communities. As a result our grass roots democracy and advocacy has been fast eroding.
A number of groups have either lost or faced dramatic funding cuts in recent years, particularly groups representing people with limited resources to otherwise make their voices heard including:
- The Status of Women funding rules have been changed.
- The Court Challenges program was discontinued.
- The Canadian Human Rights Commission has closed down three offices in Toronto, Vancouver and Halifax.
- The Canadian Arab Federation lost funding for their newcomer settlement program.
In addition, funding has been cut for advocacy and research work with respect to a number of issues affecting Aboriginal Canadians such as:
- The National Residential Schools Survivors Society.
- The Aboriginal Healing Foundation.
- The Sisters in Spirit initiative - documenting the disappearance of Aboriginal women.
This government has also failed to ratify UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous People.
The conference
Our democratic values and the freedom and the ability to advocate for the protection of human rights of all people here and abroad are at stake. Thus, in light of the current attack on a range of human rights organizations and policies and given the internal challenges facing the CLC, it has proposed a national conference that will:
- Develop strategic responses to the Conservative attacks on the communities.
- Advance targeted political activism led by these communities.
- Highlight the growing presence and need to address the unique issues of these communities within the labor movement and labor force.
This two-day conference will bring together representatives of the equity groups (workers with disabilities, workers of color, Aboriginal workers and, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered workers) women and other CLC affiliate representatives to discuss ways to resist the Conservative attacks. A third day will be scheduled to bring together representatives of community organizations and the CLC/affiliate representatives to discuss establishing links to carry out the campaign.
Plan to attend
CUPE locals are encouraged to check the CLC link to the Rise UP for Your Rights Conference 2010 and plan to send representatives to this very important conference.
When: December 8 - 11, 2010
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Please note that this conference is intended to appeal to a broad cross section, not just those working on human rights issues. CUPE will also be represented by all of our co-chairs from our National Equality Committees and some staff advisors.
