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As part of National Unemployment Week, demonstrations have been organized for Saturday, October 27 in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec to denounce the Harper government’s recent changes to employment insurance and their negative impact on workers. CUPE encourages its members to come out in large numbers and show their support for the affected workers.
It is not only the unemployed and their families who are affected by this unjust reform. The entire local economy will suffer. As workers are forced to find lower-paying jobs away from their homes, employers in seasonal industries will no longer be able to count on qualified skilled labour when work resumes. The quality of public services provided by municipalities and school boards will also be affected without the support of these workers. We must respond by showing our solidarity with our sisters and brothers.
“We need to send a powerful message to the Conservative government to end the destruction of EI,” urged CUPE National President Paul Moist. “Side by side with unemployed support groups, community groups, other unions, and all workers come and demand the restoration of real employment insurance for all.”
In Quebec, the demonstration will be held in Thetford Mines, in the constituency of Minister Christian Paradis, Stephen Harper’s Quebec Lieutenant. In Nova Scotia, the demonstration will be held in Truro, in the riding of Conservative MP Scott Armstrong, who is also chairman of the Atlantic Conservative caucus. In New Brunswick, the demonstration will be interprovincial, held in downtown Campbellton, near the Quebec border. In Prince Edward Island, the demonstration will be held in Summerside, in the constituency of Gail Shea, Federal Minister for National Revenue.
Where to demonstrate on October 27:
Campbellton, New Brunswick at 11:30 a.m.
Shopping Centre parking lot
Walter Street
Truro, Nova Scotia at noon
Constituency office of Conservative MP Scott Armstrong
18 Willow Street, Suite 101
Thetford Mines, Quebec at 1 p.m.
Service Canada Office
350 Frontenac Boulevard West
Summerside, PEI at 1 p.m.
Constituency office of Conservative Minister Gail Shea
250 Water Street