FTQ Lobbying Day in Quebec City
On Wednesday, April 27, 2022, LL2468 sent one member to Quebec City as part of a lobbying group organized by the FTQ. The main issues were the following:
- Create a public, universal pharmacare program for all Quebecers;
- Improve the public health care system and limit private health care;
- Increase the minimum wage to $18/hour;
- Ensure a fair and equitable transition to a green economy.
The goal of this effort was to communicate to the MNAs (Members of the National Assembly) of Quebec the importance of the issues and how they affect all Quebecers.
The question of the adoption of a provincial aerospace strategy was also raised: https://www.iamaw.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/6Feb2019_IAM_Aerospace_Strategy_2018.pdf
The key issues are working in collaboration with governments to increase R&D spending, develop training programs and ensure that Quebec and Canada continue to be a key players in the world’s aerospace sector.
I was part of a group of four union representatives from four unions/sectors: Aerospace/IAMAW, USW (United Steel Workers, who represent SEC in Trois-Rivieres and Drummondville), COPE (Canadian Office and Professional Employees union) and the SEIU (Service Employees International Union). We met with Claude Reid, MNA for Beauharnois, and Claire IsaBelle, MNA for Huntingdon.
The subjects were met with openness and questions. Within the aerospace sector, a universal pharmacare program could alleviate the need for employer-funded medical benefits, which could in turn result in an incentive to invest/remain in Quebec. This could also mean more leverage when negotiating a collective agreement, and potentially the hiring of more members.
I invite all members to visit the links above for more detailed information. Any members who wish to join the LL2468 PAC (Political Action Committee) or get involved in any other political actions may contact me at any time.
