Issue 46 – 25, April 13, 2025
The Case for Enforcement of the Canada Health Act: A Call to Action for Union Retirees
As union retirees, our commitment to the well-being of ourselves and our families continues long after our workdays have ended. In this era of rapidly changing healthcare dynamics, we must remain vigilant and engaged in advocating for a publicly funded health care system that is accessible to all citizens, regardless of their financial means. One without the profit motives of private corporations and the potential pitfalls of privatization. With various federal parties responding to the challenges of the Canada Health Act in starkly different ways, it's essential that we understand their positions and push for a system that prioritizes public health over profit.
The introduction of private health services, the underfunding of public healthcare, and variances in enforcement across provinces have all contributed to disparities in access and quality of care.
Privatization of the healthcare system could lead to a two-tier system where only those with sufficient financial resources receive adequate care, leaving the most vulnerable populations, including our peers, at risk.
The challenge we face is compounded by the varying perspectives of federal parties regarding the enforcement and reform of the Canada Health Act. The NDP proposes increased funding and support comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening public healthcare, increasing funding to provinces, and ensuring enforcement mechanisms for the Canada Health Act. They understand the importance of addressing gaps in care, particularly for marginalized communities.
Both the liberal and Conservative governments allowed provinces to have mixed model approach—where private healthcare options coexist alongside public ones. While often undermining the core principles of universality and accessibility. This approach to the Canada Health Act enforcement and funding cuts has significant implications. Decisions made at the federal level can influence maintaining and strengthening public healthcare, and push for commitments that reject privatization and profit-driven models.
As union retirees, many of whom may have increased healthcare needs, we have a vested interest in ensuring the continuity and quality of the healthcare system. When healthcare is treated as a commodity, the risk of exclusion and inequity grows.
As union retirees, we have a mandate to uphold the values that protect our rights and well-being. It is our responsibility to mobilize and advocate for a healthcare system that is truly universal—a system free from profit motives and dedicated solely to serving the public good.
Union retirees must advocate for a public system that is entirely funded and managed by the government, ensuring that all Canadians receive the same level of care without financial burden.
The right to healthcare is a fundamental human right, one that requires our active participation to ensure it remains secure for future generations. As union retirees, let us stand united in demanding that all federal parties commit to preserving and augmenting a publicly funded healthcare system that meets the needs of all Canadians—without the interference of corporate profit motives. Together, let’s advocate and vote for a system that prioritizes people over profit.
Read more - Carney dodges opportunity to defend Medicare – Canadian Health Coalition
Don’t be fooled
Canadians and union retirees over the next two weeks will be preparing for the upcoming federal election, it’s essential to consider the broader implications of their votes. In many riding contests, voting strategically for the NDP isn’t merely about party loyalty but is a deliberate, constructive choice aimed at fostering a more equitable and progressive society.
Many ridings across Canada feature close contests between the NDP and Conservative candidates. In regions where Conservative support is strong, strategic voting becomes critical. By voting for the NDP, voters can consolidate their efforts to defeat Conservative candidates.
For union retirees and other voters seeking to magnify their impact, opting for the NDP in key battleground ridings is a strategic move that strengthens the potential for cooperative governance focused on the greater good.
The NDP can influence the next parliament, when progressives rally together for the NDP, they increase the likelihood that Parliament will echo their values, let us harness the power of strategic voting for the NDP to ensure that our voices are heard.
Every vote matters, and by uniting behind the NDP, we can send a clear message: we seek a forward-thinking future rooted in progressive ideals, robust public services, and equitable policies.
Read More - https://noraloreto.substack.
CURC 15th Constitutional Convention
The Fifteenth Convention of the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada will take place at the Pan Pacific Toronto, 900 York Mills Rd, Toronto, the convention will be held June 17th, to June 19, 2025.
The convention will chart the course forward for the union retiree movement. We are so excited to announce that Charlie Angus, Retired Timmins—James Bay NDP MP, Elbows Up! Resistance Tour will be a guest speaker, “union retirees getting their elbows up”, evening of celebration for the contributions of union retirees to everything Canadian.
The convention will also focus with expert panels on Health Care and Affordability. Previously we announced, Jim Stanford will be a key presenter, Economist and Director of the Centre for Future Work, based in Vancouver, Canada. Jim is one of Canada’s best-known economic commentators
Be a delegate, participate in building the union retirement movement forward.
For more information about the convention please email curc@clcctc.ca .
CLC invites – High Stakes Leaders Debate – April 17th
On April 17th, Canada’s party leaders will engage in a televised debate that could influence the course of this critical election. The debate is an important moment for our movement to ensure our voices are heard as leaders discuss the issues that impact workers’ and union retirees’ daily lives. This event brings together workers and union retirees from across Canada to engage in analysis of the parties’ commitments and meaningful discussion about the debate.
Please share this invitation with members.
Please register at: https://workerstogether.ca/