Issue 97 – 26, April 12, 2026
New Heat Bylaw is Important
Recently, the city of New Westminster (BC) made a big step to help people stay safe during hot weather. They passed a new bylaw called a "maximum heat bylaw." This law makes sure that people living in rental homes don’t get too hot inside, especially during heatwaves when temperatures can become dangerous.
Leaders in New Westminster are proud of this step because it shows they care about the safety of their residents. They want to make sure everyone, no matter their age or health, can stay cool and safe during hot days. This new law is a big win for climate justice and tenant rights, and it sets an example for other cities to follow.
This is very important for many reasons, especially for older adults and seniors who live in apartments. For years, many tenants, especially older people, had to suffer in hot apartments because their landlords wouldn’t let them install air conditioning units. Some landlords even banned the use of window air conditioners in the past. During a heatwave in 2021, many people in New Westminster died because their homes were too hot. In fact, 33 people died during that heat dome, in New Westminster, and over 600 in the province, which was the worst heat event in B.C. history.
The new law requires landlords to have at least one room in each rental unit that stays at or below 26°C (about 78°F) during the night from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. This means that no matter how hot it gets outside, the inside of a room in the apartment will stay cool enough to prevent heat-related illnesses or deaths. The law doesn’t force landlords to install air conditioners, but it encourages them to find solutions that keep tenants safe.
This move is very important for people who are more vulnerable, like seniors and people with health problems. During heatwaves, older adults are at higher risk of heat stroke and other health issues. Many seniors live in older buildings that don’t have air conditioning, making them even more at risk.
In the future, other cities across Canada might adopt similar rules. Everyone deserves to live in a safe and comfortable home. Thanks to the hard work of organized groups like ACORN and the city council, New Westminster is leading the way to protect its residents from extreme heat.
Read more - New Westminster Requires a Cool Room in Rental Units to Save Lives | The Tyee
Why Canada Needs a New Worker-Centered Economic Strategy
As a retiree who has worked hard and fought for fair wages and good jobs, it’s important to understand what’s happening to Canada’s economy and why a new plan focused on workers is so crucial. Right now, Canada faces big challenges.
Canada needs a new plan, one that puts workers first. By creating more good jobs, protecting public services, and building a resilient economy, we can make sure everyone, now and in the future, can enjoy a fair and decent life.
The recent United States tariffs are making things harder for Canadian industries like steel, auto manufacturing, aluminum, and wood products. Many factories have had to slow down or shut down, leaving thousands of skilled workers unemployed. This affects families and entire communities.
Canada’s economy is becoming too dependent on exporting natural resources, like minerals and wood, instead of making products here at home. This reliance makes Canada vulnerable when trade disputes happen. The recent tariffs show us that without strong industries, Canada’s economic independence is fragile.
The White House has warned that more tariffs are coming in 2026, targeting things like aircraft, machinery, and critical minerals. This could lead to even more economic trouble for Canadian workers and their families unless Canada’s government acts quickly and smartly.
To protect our industries and jobs, Canada needs a modern industrial strategy, an organized plan to support and grow our manufacturing sectors. This plan should connect trade rules, government spending, investment incentives, and environmental goals to keep our industries strong.
Canada should invest in sectors like steel, aluminum, autos, aerospace, clean energy, and forestry. Long-term policies are needed to encourage innovation and expansion, not just short-term help. Canada has a lot of resources, but we should add value to them, by refining and processing, so we create more jobs here instead of just exporting raw materials.
The government can buy goods and services from Canadian companies to help local businesses grow. This keeps money circulating in our communities and supports workers.
As a union retiree, you know the importance of good jobs and social programs. A worker-centered economic strategy means more stable, well-paid jobs today and better security for your retirement. When Canada invests in industries that make things here, it creates more employment opportunities and strengthens the economy for everyone.
It’s also about protecting public services like healthcare and social programs. These are vital for union retirees, ensuring you get the care and support you need now and in the future.
Our world is unpredictable, trade wars, pandemics, climate change, they can all cause disruptions. A strong, worker-focused plan helps Canada bounce back from these challenges by supporting local industries, developing new technologies, and training workers for the jobs of tomorrow.
Supporting workers and communities’ means fair wages, safe jobs, and the right to join unions. When workers have a voice, society becomes fairer for all, including union retirees and seniors.
Staying informed and sharing your experience can help politicians understand the importance of a fair, worker-centered economy, your voice and support are important in shaping this future.
Read more - Joint USW Unifor Statement-en.pdf
Celebrate International Wellness Day – April 15th
Every year on April 15th, the UN celebrates International Wellness Day. This day encourages people everywhere to learn about and share ways to stay healthy that are easy, affordable, and include everyone.
Read more - International Wellness Day | United Nations