Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

via BC Federation of Labour

Nov. 1, 2001. It was the last time B.C.’s minimum wage was increased.

With another year gone by without a raise for thousands of workers, it’s an anniversary that is symbolic of the growing economic divide in our province. It spotlights the policies of the Campbell government that prevent the benefits of a booming economy from being shared by all.

To make it worse, the Liberals gave themselves huge pay boosts, but say no to a higher minimum wage.

We can be proud that the labour movement is leading the way to win a $10 minimum wage that will benefit 250,000 low-paid workers and bring more economic fairness for British Columbians.

To mark the Nov. 1 anniversary, I’m urging union members like you to act immediately to help win more support for our $10 NOW campaign.

Please click on this link to sign our $10 NOW petition. Then forward it to family and friends who you know support our efforts. Ask them to sign up before Nov. 1.

If you’re one of the thousands of trade unionists who’ve already signed the petition, then send this link http://www.bcfed.ca/petition/minimum_wage to your family and friends and encourage them to sign.

On Oct. 31, we will be lobbying politicians in Victoria for a higher minimum wage. And we’ll be presenting to the Legislature copies of all the petitions that have been signed so far.

Thanks for your help. I’m confident that if we keep up the pressure, we’ll win on this important issue for working people.

Jim Sinclair
President

First Nations, Inuit and Métis people are making important contributions in the struggle for social justice, equality and workers’ and human rights. Their particular struggle is a response to colonialism, domination and the policy of assimilation pursued by the Canadian government.

The fight for access to employment, housing, education, health care and other basic social services continues on a daily basis for many Aboriginal people. While the United Nations Human Development Index rates the majority of Canadian society as having one of the highest quality-of-life scores, Aboriginal peoples in Canada would place 48th among the world’s nations in the same index.

The Kelowna Accord reached between the Prime Minister, the Provincial Premiers, the Territorial Leaders and Aboriginal Leaders in November was an important first step towards improving socio-economic conditions of Aboriginal peoples and communities. The Conservative government, by not committing the funds agreed to by the previous government in the federal budget, has effectively turned its back on Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

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On June 21^st, 2006, Canadians from all walks of life are invited to participate in the many National Aboriginal Day events that will be taking place from coast to coast to coast.

June 21^st kick starts the 11 days of Celebrate Canada! which includes National Aboriginal Day (June 21), Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and concluding with Canada Day (July 1)!

First proclaimed by the Governor General of Canada on June 13, 1996, June 21^st of every year has become a day in the Canadian calendar that presents Aboriginal peoples with a great opportunity to express great pride for their rich diverse cultures with their families, neighbours, friends and visitors.

Read more about National Aboriginal Day at the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada website. Here is a list of events in BC.