Why should we talk about federal politics?
Decisions made by the federal government can have a significant impact on our lives. So, we must ensure that the interests of workers are properly represented when those decisions are made. Talking about politics with coworkers, friends, and family is crucial to building our collective power and fighting for our interests at all levels. The power of workers does not come from wealth or connections, it comes from unity of purpose. You have an audience only you can mobilize. You can help build that unity one conversation at a time.
Why do we want to elect more NDP MPs?
CUPE is a partisan union. We helped build the NDP from its founding in 1961, and we have maintained a close working relationship with the party for many decades. NDP MPs have helped the labour movement push for changes to improve the lives of workers, including labour laws to better protect workers and by expanding public services. They often come to our picket lines and know our struggles, or advance our causes during political debates in the legislature.
How do political conversations help?
The goal of a political conversation is to get coworkers, family members, and friends activated and engaged. When you talk to others about the federal election, be sure to have a goal in mind. How do you want them to join the fight? Make an ask! People can join you for a meeting or a rally, vote, donate, volunteer, etc. Always be ready to offer a path to action.
Do I know enough about politics to have these conversations?
In Canada, there are many political issues being discussed at any time, and no one knows them all. It is important that you talk about what matters to you and to your coworkers. The more engaged you become, the more you will learn. Fighting for your interests is the best political education.
Here are some tips to help you prepare to respond to common myths and misconceptions:
MYTH: The NDP will destroy the economy.
REALITY: This is old right-wing rhetoric that simply doesn’t add up. Many provincial NDP governments have proven to be good economic stewards. Currently, the governments in BC and Manitoba are investing in affordable housing, hiring health care workers, and opening new child care spaces - all while promoting economic growth. That’s because they understand that a good economy is one that works for workers. In contrast, the federal government—under either Liberals or Conservatives—keeps making life easier for the wealthy and well-connected, and harder and more unaffordable for the rest of us.
MYTH: Unions shouldn’t be getting involved in politics.
REALITY: Our job as a union is to make life better for our members. Beyond the bargaining table, elections are often the most important opportunity for us to fight for good ideas that will help make life better for CUPE members and working Canadians. Politicians write the laws that become the rules of engagement at the bargaining table. We need to elect politicians who are committed to representing working people.
MYTH: We can’t afford good public services. We need to cut somewhere!
REALITY: Universal public services like health care, schools, and libraries are all about making life more affordable for everyone, especially people having a hard time getting by. Instead of undermining public services, we should strengthen them by making the wealthiest pay a little more – and by ending the corporate handouts and privatization of our public services.
MYTH: Pierre Poilievre is an ally to working people.
REALITY: Pierre Poilievre has made a career out of undermining workers’ rights and attacking public services that help working people. As a cabinet minister in Harper’s government, he proudly supported raising the retirement age from 65 to 67. He proudly supported bills C-377 and C-525 that attacked unions and made it harder for workers to join one. He proudly supports US-style “right-to-work” laws that undermine unions and their collective power to bargain better contracts and give the working class a leg up. Pierre is no friend to workers, no matter how many hard-hats and vests he puts on.
MYTH: Voting for the Liberals is the only way to stop Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives .
REALITY: The Liberals have had the last nine years to get the job done – and they’ve fallen short. Canada needs new ideas and new leadership – not the Liberal status quo, or the reckless cuts of the Conservatives. The NDP is running to strengthen workers’ rights and wages, build housing, expand health care, and take real action on the climate crisis and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. That’s something CUPE members can and should proudly stand behind. The “strategic” vote is to support the party that represents us – and that’s the NDP.