Have you ever thought bosses need even more power over workers? No? Well, our UCP government seems to think so. 🤔
Unboxing: The Better for Bosses Act
It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
ALBERTA BUILDING TRADES COUNCIL INC. | EDMONTON | $7,000.00 | Cash |
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM TRADE UNIONS | |||||
ALBERTA & NWT REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
ALBERTA & NWT REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS | EDMONTON | $2,400.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $3,400.00 | ||||
AREA CNCL PAC STEELWORKERS TORONTO | TORONTO - ONTARIO | $500.00 | Cash | ||
AREA COUNCIL C E P | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
C A W CANADA | $8,000.00 | Cash | |||
C E C U | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
C E P NATIONAL | EDMONTON | $4,000.00 | Cash | ||
C E P NATIONAL | EDMONTON | $7,000.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $11,000.00 | ||||
C L C | EDMONTON | $10,000.00 | Cash | ||
C M P L | $5,000.00 | Cash | |||
C S U | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
C U P E | EDMONTON | $5,000.00 | Cash | ||
CANADIAN COUNCIL A T U | $2,500.00 | Cash | |||
DISTRICT # 3 U S W A | BURNABY - B.C. | $500.00 | Cash | ||
EDMONTON FIRE FIGHTERS UNION | EDMONTON | $2,000.00 | Cash | ||
EDMONTON FIRE FIGHTERS UNION | EDMONTON | $2,000.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $4,000.00 | ||||
EDMONTON LABOUR COUNCIL | EDMONTON | $750.00 | Cash | ||
IRONWORKERS LOCAL 720 | EDMONTON | $3,000.00 | Cash | ||
LOCAL 1118 U F C W | RED DEER | $500.00 | Cash | ||
LOCAL 183 U N A | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
LOCAL 1900 C E P | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
LOCAL 569 ATU | EDMONTON | $3,000.00 | Cash | ||
LOCAL 6034 U S W A | CALGARY | $500.00 | Cash | ||
LOCAL 855 C E P | HINTON | $2,000.00 | Cash | ||
U T U | EDMONTON | $1,500.00 | Cash | ||
UNITED ASSOC OF PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS - LOCAL 488 | EDMONTON | $14,000.00 | Cash | ||
UNITED NURSES OF ALBERTA | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
UNITED STEELWORKERS OF AMERICA PAC | TORONTO - ONTARIO | $500.00 | Cash | ||
WORKERS UNION TELECOMMUNICATIONS | EDMONTON | $10,000.00 | Cash | ||
WORKERS UNION TELECOMMUNICATIONS | EDMONTON | $50.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $10,050.00 | ||||
YELLOWHEAD LABOUR COUNCIL | HINTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS | |||||
MEDICINE HAT LABOUR COUNCIL | MEDICINE HAT | $1,500.00 | Cash |
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM CORPORATIONS | |||||
ALBERTA VIEWS | CALGARY | $15,000.00 | Cash | ||
ALL WEATHER WINDOWS LTD | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
AMEC INC | OAKVILLE - ONTARIO | $2,500.00 | Cash | ||
ATCO GROUP | CALGARY | $5,000.00 | Cash | ||
BELL WEST | CALGARY | $3,000.00 | Cash | ||
BREWSTER TRANSPORTATION AND TOURS | BANFF | $500.00 | Cash | ||
CANADIAN NATIONAL | MONTREAL - QUEBEC | $3,000.00 | Cash | ||
CIBC | TORONTO - ONTARIO | $5,000.00 | Cash | ||
COHOS EVAMY | CALGARY | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
DAVID B. ROSS PROF CORP | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
DAVIS & COMPANY | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
DON WHEATON LTD | EDMONTON | $5,000.00 | Cash | ||
DOW CHEMICAL CANADA INC | SARNIA - ONTARIO | $5,000.00 | Cash | ||
EDCO FINANCIAL HOLDINGS LTD | CALGARY | $2,500.00 | Cash | ||
ENBRIDGE PIPELINES INC | EDMONTON | $6,000.00 | Cash | ||
ENCANA CORPORATION | CALGARY | $5,000.00 | Cash | ||
ESPRIT EXPLORATION LTD | CALGARY | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
FIELD MANAGEMENT SERVICES | EDMONTON | $2,500.00 | Cash | ||
HOLE'S GREENHOUSES AND GARDENS LTD | ST. ALBERT | $883.00 | Valued | ||
HUSKY OIL OPERATIONS LTD | CALGARY | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
JAMES A. BUTLIN PROFESSIONAL CORP | CALGARY | $750.00 | Cash | ||
KATARINA O. STERLIND | VANCOUVER - B.C. | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
LAFARGE CANADA INC. | CALGARY | $500.00 | Cash | ||
LOVINK MEDIA INC | CALGARY | $3,300.00 | Valued | ||
MADACALO INVESTMENTS LTD | CALGARY | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
MANCAL PROPERTIES DEVELOPMENT INC | CALGARY | $2,500.00 | Cash | ||
MANCAL PROPERTY VENTURES INC | CALGARY | $2,500.00 | Cash | ||
MCDANIEL COMPANY INC. | CALGARY | $500.00 | Cash | ||
MCNALLY CUMING RAYMAKER | CALGARY | $2,000.00 | Cash | ||
NEXEN INC | CALGARY | $5,000.00 | Cash | ||
NOVA CHEMICALS CORPORATION | CALGARY | $3,000.00 | Cash | ||
OCTAGON CAPITAL CORPORATION | CALGARY | $2,500.00 | Cash | ||
P.J. PERRY | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Valued | ||
PETROVERA RESOURCES | CALGARY | $5,000.00 | Cash | ||
PHS HOLDINGS | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
PRECISION DRILLING CORPORATION | CALGARY | $2,500.00 | Cash | ||
PRICE WATERHOUSE COOPERS LTD | CALGARY | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
RBC CAPITAL MARKETS | CALGARY | $5,000.00 | Cash | ||
RBC CAPITAL MARKETS | CALGARY | $5,000.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $10,000.00 | ||||
READ JONES CHRISTOFFERSEN LTD | CALGARY | $500.00 | Cash | ||
REIMER LAW OFFICE | CALGARY | $500.00 | Cash | ||
ROCKWELL SERVICING PARTNERSHIP | CALGARY | $2,500.00 | Cash | ||
SCOTIABANK | TORONTO - ONTARIO | $4,000.00 | Cash | ||
SUNCOR ENERGY INC | CALGARY | $3,000.00 | Cash | ||
TD SECURITIES INC | TORONTO - ONTARIO | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
TORONTO DOMINION BANK | TORONTO - ONTARIO | $1,600.00 | Cash | ||
TRANSALTA UTILITIES CORPORATION | CALGARY | $2,000.00 | Cash | ||
TRANSCANADA PIPE LINES | CALGARY | $5,000.00 | Cash | ||
WESTERN FINANCIAL GROUP INC | HIGH RIVER | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY LIMITED | VANCOUVER - B.C. | $2,000.00 | Cash | ||
WILL CALL OILFIELD SERVICES LTD | SPRUCE GROVE | $500.00 | Cash |
Total: 99 Receipts | $206,496.74 |
Total Campaign Period Revenue $241,438.34 |
BRUSEKER, FRANK | AIRDRIE | $500.00 | Cash | ||
BRUSEKER, FRANK | AIRDRIE | $100.00 | Cash | ||
BRUSEKER, FRANK | AIRDRIE | $20.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $620.00 |
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM CORPORATIONS | |||||
AINSWORTH LUMBER CO LTD | GRANDE PRAIRIE | $3,000.00 | Cash | ||
ALBERTA BLUE CROSS | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
ALBERTA BUILDING TRADES COUNCIL INC. | EDMONTON | $2,200.00 | Cash | ||
ALBERTA BUILDING TRADES COUNCIL INC. | EDMONTON | $12,000.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $14,200.00 | ||||
ALBERTA FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOC INC | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
ALBERTA MOTOR ASSOCIATION | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
ALBERTA ROADBUILDERS & HEAVY CONST. | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
ALBERTA VIEWS | CALGARY | $15,000.00 | Cash | ||
ALLIANCE PIPELINE LIMITED | CALGARY | $875.00 | Cash | ||
ALTAGAS SERVICES INC | CALGARY | $525.00 | Cash | ||
AON REED STENHOUSE INC | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
APEGGA | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
ARTTEC ADVERTISING INC | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
ASSOCIATED ENGINEERING ALBERTA LTD | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
BOMBAY PALACE RESTAURANT | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
BREWSTER TRANSPORTATION AND TOURS | BANFF | $500.00 | Cash | ||
BURLINGTON RESOURCES CANADA LTD | CALGARY | $1,200.00 | Cash | ||
CANACCORD CAPITAL CORPORATION | VANCOUVER - B.C. | $1,750.00 | Cash | ||
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF OILWELL DRI | CALGARY | $1,100.00 | Cash | ||
CANADIAN ENERGY PIPELINE ASSOCIATION | CALGARY | $875.00 | Cash | ||
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LTD | CALGARY | $1,100.00 | Cash | ||
CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY COMPANY | CALGARY | $550.00 | Cash | ||
CANADIAN SALT COMPANY LIMITED | POINTE CLAIRE - QUEBEC | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
CAPITAL PACKERS INC | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
CAPITAL PACKERS INC | EDMONTON | $100.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $600.00 | ||||
CARLYLE & ASSOCIATES | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
CARMA DEVELOPERS LTD. | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
CARMA DEVELOPERS LTD. | CALGARY | $200.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $750.00 | ||||
COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS | EDMONTON | $275.00 | Cash | ||
COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS | EDMONTON | $525.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $800.00 | ||||
CORIL HOLDINGS LTD | CALGARY | $2,000.00 | Cash | ||
DOUGLAS A. LYNASS PROF CORP | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
DOUGLAS A. LYNASS PROF CORP | EDMONTON | $350.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $900.00 | ||||
DRAGICH DESIGN | EDMONTON | $850.00 | Valued | ||
DYNACARE KASPER MEDICAL LABORATORIES | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
ENBRIDGE PIPELINES INC | EDMONTON | $2,200.00 | Cash | ||
ENBRIDGE PIPELINES INC | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $3,200.00 | ||||
ENER-WEST PROJECTS LTD | CALGARY | $550.00 | Cash | ||
FIELD ATKINSON PERRATON MANAGEMENT | EDMONTON | $2,200.00 | Cash | ||
FIRSTENERGY CAPITAL CORP | CALGARY | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
FWD STEP RESOURCES | CALGARY | $500.00 | Cash | ||
FWD STEP RESOURCES | CALGARY | $25.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $525.00 | ||||
GENERAL ELECTRIC CANADA INC | MISSISSAUGA - ONTARIO | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
GRAHAM GROUP LTD | CALGARY | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
HAMILTON HALL SOYES/RAY & BERNDTSON INC | CALGARY | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
HEMISPHERE ENGINEERING INC. | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
HOLE'S GREENHOUSES AND GARDENS LTD | ST. ALBERT | $836.74 | Cash | ||
HOLE'S GREENHOUSES AND GARDENS LTD | ST. ALBERT | $50.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $886.74 | ||||
HUSKY OIL OPERATIONS LTD | CALGARY | $2,000.00 | Cash | ||
IMPERIAL OIL LIMITED | CALGARY | $3,500.00 | Cash | ||
IMPERIAL OIL RESOURCES LTD | CALGARY | $3,500.00 | Cash | ||
INLAND LEHIGH CEMENT LIMITED | EDMONTON | $2,200.00 | Cash | ||
INLAND LEHIGH CEMENT LIMITED | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
INLAND LEHIGH CEMENT LIMITED | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $3,700.00 | ||||
J.E. (BUD) MILLER CONSULTING LTD | KITSCOTY | $500.00 | Cash | ||
JAMES A. BUTLIN PROFESSIONAL CORP | CALGARY | $275.00 | Cash | ||
JAMES A. BUTLIN PROFESSIONAL CORP | CALGARY | $500.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $775.00 | ||||
K P ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
K P M G | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
LOCAL #8 SHEETMETAL BENEVOLENT FUN | EDMONTON | $750.00 | Cash | ||
LUSCAR LTD | EDMONTON | $3,000.00 | Cash | ||
LUTHRA LAW OFFICE | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
MANSELL PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTING SE | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
MCDANIEL & ASSOCIATES CONSULTANTS LTD | CALGARY | $500.00 | Cash | ||
MCNALLY VALUATIONS INC | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
MCNALLY VALUATIONS INC | EDMONTON | $350.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $900.00 | ||||
NEXEN INC | CALGARY | $550.00 | Cash | ||
NEXEN INC | CALGARY | $2,200.00 | Cash | ||
NEXEN INC | CALGARY | $12,000.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $14,750.00 | ||||
NICHOLAS PERELES PROF CORP | CALGARY | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
NICHOLAS PERELES PROF CORP | CALGARY | $350.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $1,350.00 | ||||
NORTHLANDS PARK | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
PARKER FORD & MACKAY SPECIALTY OPT | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
PAUL ZIFF & CO NATURAL GAS CONSULT | CALGARY | $275.00 | Cash | ||
PAUL ZIFF & CO NATURAL GAS CONSULT | CALGARY | $250.00 | Cash | ||
PAUL ZIFF & CO NATURAL GAS CONSULT | CALGARY | $250.00 | Cash | ||
PAUL ZIFF & CO NATURAL GAS CONSULT | CALGARY | $500.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $1,275.00 | ||||
PCL CONSTRUCTION GROUP INC | EDMONTON | $5,000.00 | Cash | ||
PETERS & CO. LIMITED | CALGARY | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
PIPELLA AND COMPANY BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS | CALGARY | $550.00 | Cash | ||
PIPELLA AND COMPANY BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS | CALGARY | $350.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $900.00 | ||||
QUALICO DEVELOPMENTS WEST LTD | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA | EDMONTON | $1,100.00 | Cash | ||
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA | EDMONTON | $2,000.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $3,100.00 | ||||
SCHUMACHER & ASSOCIATES | WETASKIWIN | $825.00 | Cash | ||
SCOTIABANK | TORONTO - ONTARIO | $2,000.00 | Cash | ||
SECURITY LIFE AND INVESTMENT | CALGARY | $400.00 | Cash | ||
SHAW COMMUNICATIONS INC | CALGARY | $550.00 | Cash | ||
SHELLY'S ENTERPRISE LTD | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
SUNCOR ENERGY INC | CALGARY | $6,500.00 | Cash | ||
T. BOWEN & A. ROBERTS PROF CORP | CALGARY | $275.00 | Cash | ||
T. BOWEN & A. ROBERTS PROF CORP | CALGARY | $175.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $450.00 | ||||
TALISMAN ENERGY INC | CALGARY | $550.00 | Cash | ||
TALISMAN ENERGY INC | CALGARY | $5,000.00 | Cash | ||
TALISMAN ENERGY INC | CALGARY | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $6,550.00 | ||||
TAURUS INVESTMENTS LTD | EDMONTON | $825.00 | Cash | ||
TAURUS INVESTMENTS LTD | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $1,825.00 | ||||
TECHNA-WEST ENGINEERING LTD | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
TELUS | EDMONTON | $2,200.00 | Cash | ||
TELUS | EDMONTON | $2,200.00 | Cash | ||
TELUS | EDMONTON | $700.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $5,100.00 | ||||
TERASEN PIPELINES INC | CALGARY | $1,225.00 | Cash | ||
THE COHOS EVAMY | CALGARY | $275.00 | Cash | ||
THE COHOS EVAMY | CALGARY | $275.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $550.00 | ||||
THE TORONTO DOMINION BANK | EDMONTON | $2,200.00 | Cash | ||
THURBER ENGINEERING LTD | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
TRARION RESOURCES LTD | STONY PLAIN | $500.00 | Cash | ||
VINTERRA PROPERTIES INC | EDMONTON | $1,100.00 | Cash | ||
VINTERRA PROPERTIES INC | EDMONTON | $50.00 | Cash | ||
VINTERRA PROPERTIES INC | EDMONTON | $750.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $1,900.00 | ||||
WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY LTD | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
WILL CALL OILFIELD SERVICES LTD | SPRUCE GROVE | $550.00 | Cash | ||
WILLIAM E. SEVICK PROFESSIONAL CORP | EDMONTON | $550.00 | Cash | ||
WILLIAM E. SEVICK PROFESSIONAL CORP | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $1,050.00 | ||||
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM TRADE UNIONS | |||||
ALBERT & NWT REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS AND ALLIED WORKERS | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
ALBERT & NWT REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS AND ALLIED WORKERS | EDMONTON | $275.00 | Cash | ||
ALBERT & NWT REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS AND ALLIED WORKERS | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $2,275.00 | ||||
AUPE LOCAL 50 | EDMONTON | $2,000.00 | Cash | ||
AUPE LOCAL 9 | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
AUPE LOCAL 9 | EDMONTON | $200.00 | Cash | ||
AUPE LOCAL 9 | EDMONTON | $10,500.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $11,200.00 | ||||
INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF BOILERMAKERS IRON SHIP BUILERS | EDMONTON | $15,000.00 | Cash | ||
INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMST | CALGARY | $500.00 | Cash | ||
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING EN | EDMONTON | $3,000.00 | Cash | ||
INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING EN | EDMONTON | $750.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $3,750.00 |
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM CORPORATIONS | |||||
629075 ALBERTA LTD | EDMONTON | $400.00 | Cash | ||
ALBERTA BUILDING TRADES COUNCIL INC. | EDMONTON | $4,000.00 | Cash | ||
ALL WRIGHT INFOTECH | EDMONTON | $600.00 | Valued | ||
LYLE S R KANEE PROF CORP | EDMONTON | $420.00 | Cash | ||
P GILL CNC INDUSTRIES LTD | EDMONTON | $500.00 | Cash | ||
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM TRADE UNIONS | |||||
AREA COUNCIL C E P | EDMONTON | $4,000.00 | Cash | ||
C E P NATIONAL | EDMONTON | $1,000.00 | Cash | ||
C E P NATIONAL | EDMONTON | $5,000.00 | Cash | ||
C E P NATIONAL | EDMONTON | $4,000.00 | Cash | ||
Subtotal: | $10,000.00 |
Union Dues: Anti-strike bill 'political posturing'And this is from the Dominion Blog
BY BRIAN FLINN, TRANSCONTINENTAL MEDIA
The Nova Scotia Business JournalHealth workers, the NDP and the Liberals are lined up against the government's highest-profile bill as the Nova Scotia legislature ends a seven-month summer break. Premier Rodney MacDonald said he's pushing ahead with the doomed anti-strike legislation because Nova Scotians deserve to hear it debated and find out how their MLAs vote. But he's not putting his minority government's survival on the line.
"There won't be any confidence votes this fall," MacDonald told reporters.
The government has been working on a bill to replace health strikes with arbitration since a brief IWK walkout earlier this year. Health- and community-care workers don't want to lose collective bargaining rights, and plan to rally outside Province House today while Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis reads the speech from the throne.
"We're pleased the opposition will defeat this bill," said Joan Jessome, president of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union. "But it can come back again and again. We need to make our point strong and clear enough to put this to rest."
The premier said he does plan to revive the bill later. "I'm a patient person," he said.
Both the Liberals and the NDP plan to defeat the bill at the first opportunity, when it goes to a second reading vote. MacDonald said the Liberals are "stuck in the past," while the NDP is standing up for special interests.
"They receive a lot of funding from the unions. They generally tend to be the biggest contributor to the NDP and most of their candidates," he said. "It's unfortunate; you don't put that ahead of health and safety."
NDP Leader Darrell Dexter said MacDonald is trying to distract attention from bigger problems in health care, such as emergency-room closings and the shortage of nursing-home beds. He said it's unfortunate the government is wasting some of the few days it allows the legislature to sit, on a doomed bill. "This bill is purely a product of political posturing," Dexter said.
Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil said he doesn't hear Nova Scotians pleading for anti-strike legislation. He said his party wants to co-operate with health workers, not take away their rights. "Where's the crisis?" McNeil asked. "I have yet to understand why the premier and the government are hanging their hats on this issue."
The House has to sit for only two days to avoid the label of the laziest legislature in Canada for a fourth year in a row. Prince Edward Island's House sat just 24 days this year, one more than Nova Scotia. – The Daily News
EXTRA: Strike threats useful warning system
By Brian Flinn, Transcontinental MediaTaking the right to strike away from health workers would damage an important safety mechanism and jeopardize the care of Nova Scotians, according to a new study by the Centre for Policy Alternatives.
Saint Mary's University professors Judy and Larry Haiven wrote that health workers know when the system is being pushed beyond tolerable limits and can signal it by threatening to strike. They said it's similar to the "red cord" used to stop assembly lines when something goes wrong in a factory.
"Health-care workers must have a way of indicating that the conditions under which they work do not overstress them or the quality of health-care delivery," the Haivens wrote. "Thus, in the health-care system, the red cord can be said to be the power of health-care workers to threaten to, and if necessary, withhold their labour."
Labour Minister Mark Parent has argued a modern health-care system cannot tolerate work stoppages. The report says "management by stress" now predominates in health care, and an outlet is more important than ever. "If politicians and health-care administrators insist on running a system so close to the bone, then the ability of workers to strike, to pull the red cord, as it were, is an essential system mechanism to ensure patient safety in the long run." – The Daily News
November 23, 2007
NS Government Faces Heat Over Anti-Strike Bill
In one of the more polite demonstrations I've attended, a union coalition lead by the Nova Scotia General Employees Union staged a sidewalk rally of about 500 in front of the province's legislature on Thursday. While members of the crowd, which included a strong contingent of nurses and healthcare workers, heckled Premier Rodney Macdonald's minority government (top pic), the military guard-laden arrival of Nova Scotia's Lt.-Gov Mayann Francis, due to read her first speech from the throne, on the other side of the building was met with no interruption (bottom pic). After Macdonald's assertion that the unions were being "disrespectful" for holding a demonstration during the ceremonial speech from the throne, the union leadership responded by urging demonstrators to remain quiet outside of the legislature while Francis made her speech.
The rally was called in response to a bill due to be introduced by the minority tories banning the right to strike for the 32,000 healthcare workers in Nova Scotia. Macdonald had promised to introduce the bill in May following a one-day strike at a children's hospital in Halifax. The bill seems to be on the verge of being junked as a result of the union campaign, as both the Liberals and NDP have pledged to vote against it, were it to be introduced by the minority government. As a result, Macdonald has admitted he is unwilling to see his government fall as a result of the proposed anti-strike legislation.
Regardless of this apparent defeat, the throne speech outlined the Tory government's plans to establish more publicly funded, private health facilities in the province.