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Ottawa - The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) will hold its first National Human Rights Conference in Vancouver from November 23-26, 2006. The conference, Our Voices Rising!, will discuss key issues of privatization of public services, deterioration of working conditions and increased poverty rates.

Privatization is eroding public services that immigrants, women and the most vulnerable rely on,” said Paul Moist, CUPE national president. “The Harper government’s budget cuts to social programs threaten the basic human rights of many immigrant families.”

  • WHAT:
    CUPE National Human Rights Conference: Our Voices Rising!
  • WHEN:
    November 23-26, 2006
  • WHERE:
    Hyatt Regency Vancouver Hotel, 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
  • WHO:
    CUPE delegates from across Canada and guests

The conference will open with remarks by Musqueam Elder, Larry Grant, CUPE National President, Paul Moist, BC President and national executive board member, Barry O’Neill, HEU President and national executive board member, Fred Muzin. Claude Généreux, CUPE national secretary-treasurer will make closing remarks on Sunday, November 26, 2006.

Keynote speakers include

  • Anita Braha, Vancouver Human Rights Lawyer
  • Kiké Roach, Toronto Civil Rights Lawyer
  • Sherene Razack, Professor, Sociology and Equity Studies in Education. The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto
  • Itrath Syed, Vancouver-based Social Justice Activist

Lower Mainland performers will provide entertainment and engagement throughout the conference. They include: Jayne’s Gang, Curtis Clearsky, Riverside Beats the Rhythm, FootEdge Dance Group.

CUPE supports human rights locally and globally,” says Claude Généreux, CUPE national secretary-treasurer. “This conference will seek answers on how to strengthen and secure basic human rights for society’s most vulnerable.”

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For further information please contact:
James Chai, CUPE Communications 416-458-3983
Louise Leclair, CUPE Communications 613-314-7199