The former grocery store clerk turned President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) used her address to convention to call on CUPE members to get active in the fight for working people.
Bea Bruske told delegates that working Canadians are worried about their jobs, their bills and their kids’ futures, and that too many conservative politicians are trying to distract them with divisive issues.
“When the right blames newcomers or racialized people, they’re trying to keep us divided so we won’t notice the tax breaks, unfair treatment, and price hikes that enrich the top,” said Bruske.
Bruske said the CLC and labour unions have to demand better jobs, fair pay, strong public services, and a government that stands up for workers, not the wealthy.
“If we don’t define the next chapter, those who believe in cuts will.”
Bruske reminded delegates that while Canada may have “dodged the worst of Trump-style politics,” the threat remains. “We can’t count on political parties to do the work for us,” she said. “Carney comes from Bay Street and boardrooms. He’s planning cuts to services and jobs. So, it’s up to us in the labour movement to push back.”
She ended with a call to action for CUPE members to join the NDP and participate in their leadership race to define what a workers’ party should look like.
“We often tell our members that if they don’t participate in the bargaining process, they can’t complain about the outcome. Political action is no different.”