Chris's Posts

The Electrical Worker Online

Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper came to power promising to cut regulations and shrink big government. But a new bill backed by the Tories promises to substantially expand federal authority in at least one area: the internal workings of Canada's labour movement.

Bill C-377 would force labour unions to publically disclose all their financial transactions to the federal government — everything from office supply purchases to salaries — creating onerous reporting requirements for union leaders and staff.

Ms. Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain, NDP): Madam Speaker, over the last two Parliaments, I think this is my third or fourth time speaking to the Canada-Panama free trade agreement.

I have to say this is an agreement that has not improved with age, nor has the debate on this issue, frankly. I continue to be struck by the inability of both the Conservatives and the Liberals to differentiate between free trade and fair trade. We in the NDP are not against trade.

Ms. Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain, NDP): Mr. Speaker, I would remind the minister that there is no work stoppage right now, there is no lockout, there is no strike, yet the government is invoking closure on a mechanism that would put an end to a work stoppage that does not exist. It is completely absurd.

Ms. Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain, NDP): Mr Speaker, I rise today to speak to Bill C-377, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (requirements for labour organizations).

The bill before us seeks to require trade unions to publicly disclose their financial statements.

Mr Speaker, the reporting requirements contemplated by this bill are completely unnecessary.  But, of course, the government knows that. 

It is reported that the long dispute between Ottawa and US Steel over the company’s takeover of Stelco ended with a promise to keep two Ontario steel mills operating for at least several more years.

But unions representing steelworkers said the secret deal with the American manufacturer is a betrayal of Canadian employees.