What PSAC members are saying to their MP's about Bill C-59
PSAC members in BC have been calling and emailing their MPs to let them know how they feel about Bill C-59 and telling them they expect the government to respect collective bargaining rights. Here's a sample of what members are saying.
To John Duncan, Conservative MP for Vancouver Island North
I ask you to speak for me and respect The Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the collective bargaining process.
To John Duncan, Conservative MP for Vancouver Island North
I want you to know, as a voter in your riding, that legislating any changes to collective agreements is not acceptable and I expect you and the government to respect collective bargaining rights.
Ironically, a great number of the constituents in your riding are federal employees – Department of National Defence, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canadian Coast Guard, Environment Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canadian Border Security Agency, Industry Canada, Public Service Commission, Health Canada, Veteran Affairs, etc.
Stand with your constituents and vote against Bill C-59.
To Russ Hiebert, Conservative MP for South Surrey—White Rock—Cloverdale
As a long-time supporter of the Conservative party and someone who has voted for yourself and other Conservatives in past elections I wish to let you know that if the Conservative Government passes the tabled Bill C-59 it will signal the end of that support.
To Mark Strahl, Conservative MP for Chilliwack–Fraser Canyon
I am writing to you today to express my frustration and extreme disappointment with your Bill C-59. In 2007, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that freedom of association contained in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms includes the right to free collective bargaining. The latest Conservative budget implementation bill (C-59) violates that right … Please remove my name from your mailing list. I am no longer a supporter.
To Mark Strahl, Conservative MP for Chilliwack–Fraser Canyon
This government is obviously acting in bad faith and have decided to bully their way into getting what they want, in complete disregard for the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and existing collective agreements. Any government that is willing to completely disregard my Charter right is not worthy of my vote and will not be getting it this upcoming election. And rest assured, I will continue to share my views with EVERYONE I know. This issue not only affects one of the largest unions in the country - it clearly shows ALL voters how badly this government is prepared to behave in order to get what it wants. This is unacceptable.
To Nina Grewal, Conservative MP for Fleetwood–Port Kells
I am writing you regarding the above mentioned topic. I want to let you know that I am upset over this government’s latest attempt to use a budget bill to curb our right to collective bargaining. I want to let you know that I will be working closely with my union to maintain that our rights to bargain with our employer without any legislative interference.
To James Moore, Leader of the Conservative Caucus in BC
I am writing to you to today as a constituent in your riding and a proud public servant to implore you to reconsider the implementation of Bill C-59, a bill which would see the right of public sector unions to negotiate a fair contract abolished by your government. This a right which has already been entrenched within the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms … I just want to express how disappointed I am that this government is considering the measures in Bill C-59, I ask you to please respect our Charter rights to collective bargaining and please stop this Bill. Please do the right thing for the thousands of us who keep this country running – we are relying on you to help.
To Wai Young, Conservative MP for Vancouver South
I would like you to explain to me how violating the Charter of Rights and Freedoms makes Canada a better place.