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CUPE National President Paul Moist and National Secretary-Treasurer Claude Généreux joined leaders of more than 50 Canadian unions to express their solidarity this week with the aboriginal community of Kashechewan.

Heads of unions issued a statement condemning the travesty that this community is experiencing, sadly noting that it is not alone. Living conditions are deplorable in too many aboriginal communities, a grim reality that none of us would accept for ourselves just as we cannot tolerate for others.

Aboriginals in Canada face the systemic violation of even the most basic of human rights – access to clean, safe water. Right now, almost 100 aboriginal communities are boiling their water.

All of us deserve strong communities where the water is safe to drink and people can live their lives in dignity and justice. Well-maintained public infrastructure, trained and dedicated public sector personnel and adequate public funding make our communities strong, safe and equitable. Aboriginal communities deserve no less.

CUPE joins with Canadian unions and other organizations in demanding justice and respect – and immediate action – to improve the quality of life in aboriginal communities.