Issue 66 – 25, August 31st, 2025
Labour Day
Labour Day is a special day that celebrates workers. After many years of fighting for fair treatment, workers have won important rights like the 8-hour workday, weekends off, health care, and safety laws. These are things we sometimes take for granted, but they were not given to us easily. Workers fought for them, and because of their courage, we have better working conditions today.
Labour Day also reminds us of the importance of standing together. When workers unite, they can make real changes. Our history shows that when we work as a team, we win better wages, fair hours, and safer workplaces. We honor the workers who fought before us, and we remember that our strength comes from solidarity—standing shoulder to shoulder.
Today, we continue to support the Labour movement. We stand with nurses, teachers, factory workers, and all those who work hard to build our communities. We know that fair treatment and respect at work matter. We are fighting so workers can have a good life.
Right now, we are also fighting for important things like:- Better health and safety in workplaces, so workers are protected from injuries and dangers.
- Fair pay and benefits so workers can support their families and live with dignity.- Addressing the cost of living, so workers can afford things like housing, transportation, and healthy food.
- Respect and proper staffing in healthcare and schools, so everyone gets the care and education they deserve.
- Equal opportunities for all workers from diverse backgrounds, so everyone has a fair chance.
- Protection of workers’ rights to organize, bargain, and strike without fear or unfair treatment from government intervention.
- And we are working to fight against unfair laws and policies that try to weaken workers’ rights and make it harder for us to unite and fight for what we deserve.
Labour Day is a time to celebrate our victories and to remember that when we work together, we can make a better future for everyone. We are proud of the progress we’ve made, and union retirees will keep fighting to improve the lives of workers and their families.
Talk to your friends and family about workers’ rights. Support unions and workers who are fighting for fair treatment. Vote for leaders who stand up for the workers and for fair wages. Join community events or marches this Labour Day and show your support for workers everywhere.
Let’s celebrate Labour Day by honoring the hard work of all workers and continuing to stand up for fairness, respect, and justice. Because together, we can make a difference.
Events - Labour Day 2025 - Workers Together
Pharmacare
The previous Canadian government with the urging of the NDP introduced a new Pharmacare program to help people afford essential medicines like birth control and diabetes treatments. This program aimed to cover these medications for everyone, making healthcare fairer and more accessible.
- Birth Control and Contraceptives: Many Canadians, especially women, can now get free or cheaper birth control pills and devices.
- Diabetes Medications: People with diabetes can access insulin and other medicines without high costs.
- Expanded Access: Some provinces also began covering blood glucose test strips and hormone therapies for menopause.Only four provinces, British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon—have agreements that give people access to free or cheaper medicines. Many other provinces, including Ontario and Quebec, are waiting for the federal government to sign deals that would let them expand Pharmacare. But the government is hesitant and has even suggested it might stop supporting national plans altogether.
Right now, the Canadian government is threatening to undo a promise to provide free or affordable medicines for everyone. The Pharmacare program was created to help all Canadians get the medicines they need without paying high prices. But recently, leaders like Health Minister Marjorie Michel have indicated they might not continue funding the program for all provinces and territories.
We need to put pressure on Carney and other leaders to keep their promise and expand pharmacare nationwide. This means urging the government to:
- Continue funding and supporting the existing pharmacare programs.
- Negotiate with all provinces and territories so every Canadian can get affordable medicines.
- Stop backtracking on promises made during elections.
This coverage is a huge step forward because it helps many people stay healthy without worrying about expensive medicines. It also reduces the burden on hospitals and clinics by helping people manage their health at home.
This coverage was created to make healthcare fair for everyone. It’s about respecting the dignity of all Canadians — no one should have to choose between their health and paying bills. Saving this program ensures that vulnerable people, seniors, and low-income families continue to get the medicines they need.
The new Pharmacare coverage for birth control and diabetes medicines was a big win for Canadian health. We must act to protect it because everyone deserves access to affordable medicines. We need to push Carney and our leaders to keep and expand this important program for all Canadians.
Take Action - Carney and Michel’s inboxes flooded with messages supporting pharmacare – Canadian Health Coalition
8 September – International Literacy Day
Since 1967, the annual celebrations of International Literacy Day (ILD) have taken place on 8 September around the world to remind policymakers, practitioners, and the public of the critical importance of literacy for creating more literate, just, peaceful, and sustainable society.
Read more - International Literacy Day | UNESCO