Issue 58 – 25, July 6, 2025
Oppose Cuts to Public Services
The Congress of Union Retirees is speaking out against plans to cut federal government spending. During the recent election, the Liberal party promised to save $13 billion by 2028-29. But many experts believe these cuts would hurt public services and lead to job losses.
The Liberals said they could find $13 billion in savings mainly through "productivity" improvements. They suggested ways like using technology, reducing reliance on outside contractors, and making government work more efficient. This sum is a big part of their campaign platform.
Looking at federal data, it’s clear that the government’s expenses are already flat, meaning they are not planning to spend more on services. The current budget is about $131 billion a year, and it’s not expected to grow much.
If the government wants to save $13 billion by 2028-29, it will need to cut about 10% of its operating expenses. To reach the $13 billion savings, the government would have to drastically cut personnel costs, meaning jobs and services. Experts estimate that such cuts could result in job losses and reduced public services, like some of the harshest cuts in Canadian history.
The Liberals’ plan to cut spending by such a large amount is very challenging and could be harmful. The Congress of Union Retirees believes that these cuts would weaken public services and hurt Canadians who rely on government programs. We hope the government will find better ways to balance the budget without damaging public services.
Read more - Liberals will need to rethink their promised budget cuts - CCPA
Many Sign on east-west Electrical Grid
Building an east-west electrical grid is a smart, strategic project that will benefit all Canadians. It will help us use cleaner energy, create jobs, respect Indigenous rights, and make our country more secure and prosperous.Canada is a big country with many provinces and territories. To keep the lights on and make sure everyone has enough electricity,
Canada needs a strong and connected electricity system. One of the best ways to do this is by building an east-west electrical grid. Here's why this project is very important and why the government should support it:
More Electricity for the Future
Canada’s need for electricity is growing fast. By 2050, we might need two or three times more electricity because more industries, cars, and homes will use electric power. Building a better east-west grid will help carry this extra electricity smoothly across the country.
Cheaper and Cleaner Power
An east-west grid can connect different regions that have lots of renewable energy, like wind and solar power. When these clean energy sources are connected with other parts of Canada, the cost of electricity can go down. This means lower bills for families and businesses, and less pollution that harms the air we breathe.
Creating Jobs and Helping the Economy
Building the new grid will create many jobs — over 300,000 by the year 2050! These jobs will be in construction, engineering, and many other fields. Plus, investing in renewable energy and infrastructure can help Canadian workers and companies, especially those making materials like steel and aluminum.
Supporting Indigenous Communities
Building the east-west grid can include Indigenous communities as partners, giving them control over their energy resources and supporting their sovereignty. This helps repair long-standing relationships and promotes fairness.
Protecting the Environment
Using more renewable energy reduces air pollution and helps fight climate change. A better grid makes it easier to use clean energy everywhere in Canada, helping us all breathe cleaner air and protect our planet.
Building an east-west electrical grid is a smart, long-term investment for Canada. It will help us have cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable electricity, create jobs, support Indigenous communities, and protect our environment. The government should prioritize this project and put the necessary resources into making it a reality. Together, we can build a stronger, greener, and more connected Canada.
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Being bold and running on the left
It is important to be bold and run on the left because it can lead to positive change and inspire others. Zohran Mamdani’s recent primary victory in New York City shows how being brave and standing up for progressive ideas can make a difference.
In the primary election, Mamdani, a young politician from Queens, ran a bold campaign. He promoted ideas like higher taxes on the wealthy, rent freezes, free buses, and helping neighborhoods with grocery stores owned by the city. These ideas are on the left side of politics, which means they focus on helping regular people and making the city fairer. Mamdani was not afraid to speak up for these beliefs, even when some business leaders said his ideas were “anti-business.” Instead, Mamdani believed in a city where everyone can afford to live and succeed.
Being bold also means running for office with confidence. Mamdani’s campaign was full of energy, social media ads, and support from well-known leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders. His bravery and clear message inspired many young voters and volunteers to help him. This shows that when you are bold and stand for what you believe in, others will listen and want to support you.
Running on the left can also challenge the status quo. Mamdani defeated a well-known candidate, Andrew Cuomo, who had a lot of money and name recognition. This proves that progressive ideas can win even against powerful opponents. Mamdani’s victory encourages more people to speak up for change and push for policies that help everyone, not just the rich.
It is also important to be bold because it can bring new ideas to government. Mamdani wants to make New York City a fairer place by addressing inequality, affordable housing, and social justice. If he is brave enough to push for these goals, he can make a real difference in people’s lives.
Being bold and running on the left is important because it can lead to meaningful change. Mamdani’s success shows that standing up for progressive ideas, inspiring others, and challenging the powerful can help create a better city and a better future for all.
Read more - Zohran Mamdani's policies: Where NYC mayoral candidate stands on issues