Dear Sisters and Brothers:
The first months of the new year have provided me the opportunity to travel across the country meeting our leaders, members and staff at conferences, staff meetings and the first two Division conventions of 2016.
These months have also provided us with more insight into the priorities of the federal Liberal government. They have kept their commitment to repeal anti-labour legislation, introducing Bill C-4 which will reverse the provisions enacted with C-377 and C-525, and we commended their action. However, they are continuing the former government’s drive to pursue international trade. In addition to signing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in Australia at the beginning of February, they announced later that month that they will proceed with ratification and implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). We continue to work with the Trade Justice Network to build opposition to the Liberal’s trade agenda.
The All Committees’ Meeting at the beginning in March was a great success, with more than 200 members and staff in attendance. I was able to spend a bit of time with each of our Committees, Working Groups, Task Force and Council, and listened to them discuss their workplans and priorities. Watching our members interact and report out on the final day of the meetings, it was obvious that our committees had been able to develop a solid bond in their short time together.
I look forward to seeing the results of their planning and dedication in the coming year.
