On October 19, vote for public services, for workers’ rights, and for our future.

A message from Bob Jackson

Sisters and Brothers,

This October, we have an opportunity to make Canada a better place. We can elect a government that respects our collective agreements and our right to a healthy and safe workplace.

We can elect a government that will bargain in good faith. One that respects the collective bargaining process, and respects public services and the workers that deliver them.

We can elect a government that works for all Canadians.

The Conservatives have attacked our public services, making billions of dollars in cuts, and continue to threaten further cuts.

These cuts have resulted in thousands of Canadians losing their jobs and the loss of services that Canadians need and deserve.

Please take a moment to visit www.psacbcvotes.ca to read about some of the issues in the upcoming election, take the pledge to vote, and talk to your friends, family, and co-workers about these issues.

And on October 19th, vote to stop the cuts and vote for a government that respects public services and the workers that deliver them.

In Solidarity,
Bob Jackson
Regional Executive Vice-President
Public Service Alliance of Canada, BC Region

Issues that matter to PSAC members and all Canadians

Public Services - the Conservatives cut 26,000 jobs in the public service and plan to cut 9,000 more, putting PSAC members, families and local economies in jeopardy. These job cuts mean that 35,000 full-time jobs will have been permanently eliminated from the economy. The cuts have directly hurt front line public services and the workers that provide them.

Workers' Rights - the Conservative government has passed a number of laws designed to take away the democratic rights of federal government workers in Canada. Bill C-4 and Bill C-525 are designed to weaken workers' rights while Bill C-59 threatens to take away sick leave and the collective bargaining rights of PSAC members.

Veterans - this government closed nine Veterans Affairs offices and cut hundreds of front line workers who provide services to veterans. As a result, many veterans are not getting access to the services they need. The federal government is betraying Canada’s veterans.

Employment Insurance - legislative changes to EI are hurting workers and economies in many communities in Canada. Fewer than 40% of laid off workers are now covered by EI, the lowest in 40 years.

Marine Safety - despite a huge outcry from the public and politicians at all levels, the government closed the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station and three of five Marine Communications and Traffic Services centres in BC, significantly reducing the ability of the Coast Guard to keep recreational boaters and commercial traffic in BC's waters safe.

Food Safety - despite the Maple Leaf Foods tragedy that left 22 dead and dozens ill, the Conservative government has pushed ahead with cuts at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Canadians need more and better government inspection and less industry self-policing when it comes to food safety.

Child care - fewer than 1 in 4 Canadian kids has access to regulated child care. The Conservatives abolished the federal-provincial-territorial funding agreements on childcare, cutting $1 billion out of childcare in Canada. Instead of making childcare affordable, the government introduced cash payments directly to parents, which represent only a small fraction of monthly childcare costs.

Environment - over the last decade, Canada has gone from having a good record on environmental protection, to one of the worst among industrialized countries. The Harper government has taken aim at environmental protection, slashing funding for conservation and restoration of landscapes, water and wildlife; monitoring climate change and minimizing threats from pollution.

Find out more about these issues and others, and take the pledge to vote at www.psacbcvotes.ca

About Voting

Make sure you’re registered

Earlier this year, the Conservative government made changes to the requirements for voting. Even if you have voted in past elections, you may not be registered. To avoid any problems on Election Day, make sure you’re registered and you have the necessary identification!

Visit www.elections.ca to check your registration and find out more about the identification you need.

Vote on Election Day, October 19

Polls in BC are open from 7AM to 7PM. If you’re registered, you will get a voter information card in the mail. It tells you when and where to vote.

Vote on advance voting days

There are four advance voting days: October 9, 10, 11, and 12. Polls are open from noon to 8:00PM Your voter information card tells you the address of your advance polling place.

Vote at an Elections Canada Office

Visit www.elections.ca to find out how.

What are my political rights during the election?

One of the hallmarks of a healthy democracy is the ability of citizens to participate freely and actively in determining who they elect to govern and make decisions on their behalf.

PSAC members are encouraged to take an active role in exercising their democratic political rights.

If you are disciplined in any way for participation in a political activity, this can be grieved. If you are disciplined, contact your Local/Branch, or your Component for representation and advise your PSAC regional office.

Any attempts by management to restrict your political rights should also be brought
to the attention of the PSAC regional office.

Visit www.psacunion.ca/political-rights for more information.

Questions? Want to get involved? Need more information?

Contact your PSAC Regional Office