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For hundreds of years, many First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities have struggled with access to clean drinking water, as well as other necessities like quality food and safe housing. The current federal government has zeroed in on ending long-term boil water advisories in First Nation communities. But that’s just the start of what’s needed to end decades of water injustice and discrimination once and for all.

CUPE has long recognized that water is a basic human right for all people and our union is committed to taking action towards truth and reconciliation. CUPE’s Water is life campaign provides educational tools to learn about Indigenous water issues and mobilize all locals and members in support of Indigenous peoples and allies to protect and fix the water.

The vast majority of Canadian water and wastewater services are publicly provided by municipal governments. Most cities and towns have been delivering safe drinking water and high-quality sanitation services for decades. Municipalities have developed unprecedented experience and expertise providing these services.

The National Political Action Committee works to build CUPE’s political action capacity in every region, providing advice on effective lobbying and mobilization on federal, provincial and municipal political issues. They encourage members and staff to join and be active in the NDP and in friendly coalitions. Integrating political action into all aspects of union work is a major goal for this committee.

CUPE members are an important part of our communities. As citizens with a stake in public services, they want and deserve a say in the decisions that affect their neighbours, friends and family. By being active in municipal, provincial and federal politics, CUPE can achieve positive change for our members and all Canadians. We do this work every day, not just during elections. We defend the interests of workers at the bargaining table and in society to ensure our voices are heard.

Water is a precious resource and a vital public service. Public drinking water and wastewater services are human rights, and the lifeblood of healthy communities. We’re all better off with publicly owned and operated water services.

Union dues are the way workers who have decided to form a union pool their resources to enable the work of the union. Union dues fund the cost of bargaining, the cost of enforcing the collective agreement, and the cost of campaigns union members instruct their union to conduct.