Official news magazine of the B.C. Federation of Retired Union Members (BC FORUM) Vol. 19 No. 2 Autumn 2016 Working together for a better BC

he spirit of solidarity shone brightly as delegates partici- Tpated in a lively annual general meeting of the BC Federation of Re- tired Union Members (BC FORUM), held at the UFCW 1518 meeting hall in New Westminster. Retired workers, union leaders, and political leaders – including MLAs , Kathy Corrigan, Judy Darcy, Salina Robinson and Shane Simpson – debated resolu- tions, shared experiences, and heard featured speakers call for change. Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour and Chair of BC FORUM, captured the mood of the meeting with a call for people to stick together to bring about posi- tive change. “We have a (provincial) govern- ment that thinks the economy is run entirely by big business. “We need a government that shares our values,” said Lanzinger. “We need to think about the op- portunity we will have a year from now,” she said, adding that the next election will be a chance to start building the kind of province we really need for us, and for future generations. Lanzinger said that while the government was brag- Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour, and Chair of the BC Federation ging about the strength of the BC of Retired Union Members (BC FORUM). See “When we stick together...” page 7 THE ADVOCATE

Board of Directors Labour Council President Delegates and Regional In this Diane Wood, BCGEU Representatives Chair Campbell River, Irene Lanzinger, BCFED Courtenay & District edition Vice Presidents Suzanne Bennett The BC FORUM annual general meet- John Savage, UNIFOR Lynda Reid ing was energetic and spirited, with speeches that inspired, and heartfelt Bill Silvester, USW East Kootenay & District debate of the serious issues that affect Secretary Chris Johns the lives of ordinary people. We pro- Miriam Olney, UFCW Fraser Valley vide full coverage. Treasurer Pamela Willingshofer Also in this edition: Dan Bradford, BCGEU Kamloops & District • Your help is needed to improve the Directors Mogens Jorgensen Canada Pension Plan ...... 4 Donisa Bernardo, HEU Kitimat, Terrace & District • NDP pledges to increase minimum Millie Canessa, BCGEU Raymond Raj wage to $15 ...... 9 Fred Girling, USW • TPP is a bad deal for people ...... 12 Gord Larkin, CLC Nanaimo, Duncan & District • Pharmacare campaign: Barb Mikulec, BCTF Iris Taylor is success finally at hand? ...... 13 Marion Pollack, CUPW New Westminster & District John Radosevic, UNIFOR Ken Isomura Andy Ross, MoveUp Gerry Townsend Copyright 2016 Gord Savard, CUPE North Central Articles may be re-printed if they include: Maureen Shaw, FPSE “Reprinted with permission from Victor Johnson Russ St. Eloi, BCTC The Advocate, official newsmagazine of the Heather Sapergia Gordon Westrand, ILWU B.C. Federation of Retired Union Members, Ron Williams Sam Wiese, PSAC www.bcforum.ca.” North Okanagan Staff Theresa Couture, USW Doug Gibson Visit the BC FORUM website: Greg McGowan Port Alberni & District www.bcforum.ca Mike Lang The Advocate is published by the South Okanagan Boundary Join us on Facebook: B.C. Federation of Retired Union Mem- John Colbourne facebook.com/ bers. BC FORUM – supported by WE Terry Green Consulting and Benefits and affiliated BCRetiredUnion with the B.C. Federation of Labour – is Squamish Labour Committee dedicated to representing the interests Marie Worth MembersForum of members and their families, continu- ing into retirement the relationship they Sunshine Coast enjoyed with the union movement. Ray Haynes #200-5118 Joyce Street & District Printing of the Vancouver, BC V5R 4H1 Sandy Bauer Toll-free 1.800.896.5678 Agnes Jackman Advocate courtesy Tel. 604.688.4565 [email protected] Victoria of UFCW Local 1518 Editor: Soren Bech Michael Ferguson [email protected] 2102 Porter Rd, Roberts Creek, West Kootenay & District B.C., V0N 2W5 Mary Gay

2 – The Advocate, Autumn 2016 FROM THE PRESIDENT Critical issues that must be addressed in the next election By Diane Wood ish Columbians are paid a living President, BC FORUM wage, not keep BC’s minimum e are about to have a very wage at the lowest level in the busy year – which is turn- country. Wing out to be the rule rath- • Adopt a clear plan, with definite er than the exception. targets, to help lift families and Over the many months, as you children out of poverty. know, we have been focused on de- • Recognize the right of every feating the Harper government and worker to choose to join a union reversing the harm done by its disas- and thereby have a real voice in trous policies. health and safety, wages and con- The issues at the provincial level ditions at her workplace. are no less urgent and the next BC We will be working with the election is now only months away. labour movement and our allies to As reported in the Board of Direc- hold the BC Liberals to account for tors’ report to our annual meeting, their mismanagement of public ser- BC FORUM will be campaigning for vices, and their failure to stand up a new government that will: for ordinary people. With the BC • Provide quality public services, Liberals’ single-minded focus on not further cuts in public health LNG, they have neglected the social, care, education, transit and other intellectual and physical infrastruc- key services. ture people need to succeed. • Build an economy that works for We will continue to highlight working people, giving ordin- provincial election issues on our ary families more opportunities website – bcforum.ca – and in our to get ahead through expanded news magazine The Advocate. Our skills training and value-added in- strategy is to ensure that our mem- dustries. Our priority must be to bers and the many others who read create wealth, opportunities and Diane Wood our communications are fully aware jobs in – not to • Bring in fair taxes that are based of the harm caused by Christy Clark’s export raw logs or natural gas at on ability to pay, and scrap flat- decisions, and the opportunity we rock bottom prices to create jobs rate taxes like the MSP which have to bring about real change just in foreign lands. only serve to deepen the tremen- a few months from now. • Promote public power and con- dous inequality that the BC Liber- We ask every BC FORUM mem- servation, not pile more billions als have created in BC. ber to join us in these initiatives. We of long-term contract obligations • Expand public home care services ask you to help us grow stronger by on BC Hydro to guarantee profits to allow seniors to stay in their signing up a friend, relative or co- for the private power producers homes, and residential care facili- worker. An application form is print- that are industrializing hundreds ties to take the pressure off acute ed in each edition of The Advocate, of pristine rivers and streams. care hospitals. and is also available on our website. Through conservation, invest- ment and innovation, we can • Introduce quality, affordable child British Columbians deserve a create good-paying jobs in every care services to enable young fam- better government, one that cares community in BC and ensure ilies – particularly women – to about the everyday needs of ordin- British Columbians have access fully participate in building our ary people. to clean and affordable electricity economy. We must help make it happen. for generations to come. • Take action to ensure that Brit- Together, we can. The Advocate, Autumn 2016 – 3 FIGHTING FOR PENSIONS Your help needed to improve the Canada Pension Plan BC government appears to be backing Websites for more info: away from signing engage.gov.bc.ca/canadapensionplan/ agreement to enhance engage.gov.bc.ca/canadapensionplan/for-employees/ the CPP engage.gov.bc.ca/canadapensionplan/for-employers/ By Diane Wood Email address for your response: President, BC FORUM [email protected] have recently emailed every BC FORUM member for whom we Ihave an email address, asking BC has now slowed down the ac- enhancements very soon and may them to please take action and to ask tual signing of the detailed agree- then shut down the website, so the their friends to do likewise. ment. The government signed the sooner you can respond the better. If you’re not yet a member, or agreement in principle, but are now Individual emails are just as ef- if you didn’t receive the email for holding a “public engagement.” fective as long submissions. some other reason, then I urge you This will give organizations that Please respond soon. And please to join us in taking action on this oppose the CPP enhancement a share this email with your friends, important issue. stage for their self-serving propa- family, members, colleagues and co- The BC Government appears to ganda (CFIB, Fraser Institute, Can- workers. be backing away from its support for adian Taxpayers Federation, etc). A simple email is all that is re- the federal-provincial agreement to The labour movement and ordin- quired to counteract the comments make modest improvements to the ary workers who will benefit from and attacks by those above organiza- Canada Pension Plan (CPP). this increase in pension at retire- tions. This would destroy the entire ment must also become engaged CLC pledges continued deal. The CPP enhancement may and let the BC Government know not help us all but it will sure help that they support this retirement se- push for improvements curity enhancement. our younger colleagues, our kids, he Canadian Labour Congress has grandkids, nieces and nephews. The BC Government websites list- Twelcomed an agreement-in-prin- It requires your attention very ed above have material that is basic- ciple by finance ministers but will soon. ally supportive of the CPP enhance- continue to push improvements to Note that 80 percent of the cost of ment. These websites and email the Canada Pension Plan. the increased benefit is paid for by addresses are very hard to find on Signed by all provinces except investment income. This will save the government’s website. Manitoba and Quebec, the proposed money in the long run because it However, anyone can take a quick phased-in expansion of the CPP will decrease the need for the Guar- look and write an email to support will provide a maximum one-third anteed Income Supplement which is the enhancement. The more citizens increase in annual benefits to Can- paid from current operating funds. who write in, the greater the impact. adians when they retire. The provincial governments, with My fear is that the BC Govern- CLC president Hassan Yussuff said the exception of Manitoba and Que- ment may be yielding to pressure the changes are a “success” because bec, have agreed to enhance Canada from these organizations to back they expand the pension plan, but Pension Plan benefits. away from the agreement, which the increase isn’t enough. BC’s participation is essential to would then terminate the whole “We will continue to push,” said make sure the agreement meets the deal. Yussuff, calling for improvements population requirements for amend- The government will hear from that would allow Canadians workers ing the CPP. those organizations opposed to the to “live a decent life” at retirement. 4 – The Advocate, Autumn 2016 DAVE’S CORNER

BOTTOMS UP! CHEERS! Water has unexpected benefits By David Porteous stroke or heart attack! and Have you or have any of your We all need water to flush the • one glass of water before going friends or relatives ever said….. toxins from our systems but I didn’t to bed may help avoid strokes or “I don’t want to drink anything know there is a correct time to drink heart attacks. before going to bed because I will water. If the only downfall drinking be- have to get up during the night!!” I recently read an article in a med- fore going to bed is, “having to get Gravity holds water in the low- ical journal which described how up during the night” it’s obviously er part of your body when you are drinking water at the proper times a small price to pay. Remember, ask standing. can maximize the effectiveness and your doctor about ways to improve When you lie down and the lower benefits to the body. your personal health. It may help body is level with the kidneys, the The examples given were: you live longer! kidneys will then want to remove • two glasses of water after David J.A. Porteous is an Elder Plan- water. waking up in the morning ning Counselor (EPC) and President Well, you may want to reconsider helps activate internal organs, of Working Enterprises Consulting & and have that drink before bedtime. • one glass of water 30 minutes be- Benefits Services Ltd. I was told by a Cardiac Doctor if fore a meal helps digestion, He is a charter member of the Can- you drink one glass of water before • one glass of water before taking a adian Initiative for Elder Planning going to bed it could help avoid a bath helps lower blood pressure, Studies. Health Care and Dental Plans Exclusively for BC FORUM members and their families • Retiree health, or health with dental, • Estate planning. exclusively for BC FORUM members. • Registered Education Savings Plans for • Coverage for BC FORUM members still grandchildren (RESP). working who need benefits. • Guaranteed issue life insurance. • Individual health and dental plans that • Pet medical insurance. cover pre-existing conditions for retiring • Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSA). BC FORUM members and their families. • Staff are members of USW or UFCW. Union products and services are just a phone call away: Metro Vancouver: 604 941-7430, Ext. 102 or 104 • Interior: 250 861-5200, Ext. 102 or 104 Toll free: 1 855 894-8111 [email protected] • www.weconsultants.ca

The Advocate, Autumn 2016 – 5 BC FORUM AGM “We can do a whole lot better”

n a spiritied address to BC FORUM delegates, Judy Darcy, the BC INDP spokesperson on health care, characterized the BC Liberals as contemptuous and arrogant. For example, when she noted that a cabinet minister had failed to an- swer a question in the Legislature, he responded, “It’s question period, not answer period.” Among the highlights of Darcy’s speech: • We have the only medical services tax in the entire country. It’s an unfair tax. An NDP government will change that. • There are seniors who every day are forced to make unacceptable choices about whether they can afford to pay for prescriptions. • BC has the longest wait times in the country for hip and knee re- placements, with people waiting in pain for up to two and a half years. • Fifty percent of seniors on anti- psychotic medications in resi- dential care homes don’t have a Judy Darcy, the BC NDP’s spokesperson on health care, told BC FORUM delegates an diagnosis of psychosis. Instead of NDP government will make a real difference in the lives of British Columbians by improv- adequate staffing to help seniors ing services to people, tackling unfair taxes and supporting the creation of good jobs. live in dignity, they are being re- strained with chemicals. • In three out of five health regions, the availability of home support services has declined. Senior Citizens’ “There aren’t very many promises they made to British Columbians that they have actually kept,” said Repair Service Darcy. We provide low-cost minor house repairs, renovations and maintenance for “We can do a whole lot better if seniors 55 years and over and for people with disabilities. we achieve government,” said Darcy. Services include plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, gas fitting, painting, She said the NDP will offer bold, yard work and general handyman services. All services are guaranteed for inspirational policies that will make 30 days and offered by retired or semi-retired experienced tradespeople. a real difference in the lives of Brit- Sponsored by the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 170. ish Columbians. Office hours are 9 AM to 12 Noon, Monday to Friday. Darcy called on delegates to “en- Serves Metro Vancouver. Phone: 604 529-1100 sure that everyone gets mobilized for 2017. It’s not very far away.”

6 – The Advocate, Autumn 2016 BC FORUM AGM Focus shifts to BC election

iane Wood, President of BC FORUM, presented a detailed Dreport on the campaigns and actions that BC FORUM has initiat- ed or participated in during the past 12 months. “This report reflects a lot of ac- tivity for BC FORUM. We’re proud of what we’ve done, and we know there’s more that needs to be done…. We may be retired, but we still fight for what’s right,” she said. In the months ahead, leading up to the May 2017 provincial election, BC FORUM will be working with the labour movement and allies to “hold the BC Liberals to account for their mismanagement of public ser- vices, and their failure to stand up for ordinary people.” Wood urged all BC FORUM mem- bers to work together to “bring about real change, just a few months from now,” as well as helping to fur- ther strengthen the organization by signing up new members. She noted Grandmothers to Grandmothers, which works with the Stephen Lewis Foundation to that you don’t have to be retired to combat the devastation of AIDS in Africa, was one of many progressive groups that at- join. Full report: bcforum.ca tended the AGM to share information with delegates.

FROM PAGE 1 When we stick together, we can win economy, it clawed back bus passes and environmental groups are work- rich and the poor. More people in for people with disabilities and gave ing together through Green Jobs BC unions means more equality.” a tax break to the richest 2 percent to make it clear that it’s possible to Political pressure for change is of British Columbians. have good jobs and a clean environ- also needed. ment. “The political landscape can Many people, including older change, and we have the power to The work to implement good workers, are working full time and make it happen. You are making a environmental policies and create still living in poverty. That’s why difference.” good family supporting jobs “is so the labour movement is fighting for Changing the world isn’t easy, critical for future generations,” said a $15 an hour minimum wage, she she said, but it can be achieved by Lanzinger. said. working together in solidarity. As for poverty and inequality, she “We need to look after each other. “We face two enormous prob- noted that unions have a key role to We need to look after our most vul- lems: climate change, and poverty play. “The higher the union density, nerable citizens,” said Lanzinger and and inequality,” she said. the more people who are in unions, the way to get there is for ordinary To tackle climate change, labour the smaller the gap is between the people to stick together. The Advocate, Autumn 2016 – 7 BC FORUM AGM Key issues debated at AGM

here were frequent reminders during the debate of resolu- Ttions that the issues being discussed were not theoretical ab- stractions – they have a direct and personal impact on the well-being of retired workers, families and our communities. The five resolutions that were adopted established or expanded BC FORUM policies on residential care, postal services, benefits for people with disabilities, childcare and the sale of blood for profit. Residential care According to a 2015 report by the BC Seniors Advocate, the vast ma- jority of publicly-funded residential care facilites – 232 of 292 – fail to meet the government’s minimum guidelines for staffing. Private residential care facilities BC FORUM Vice President John Savage served as chair of the Resolutions Committee say they are reducing staff because and presented five resolutions for debate. The full text of the resolutions adopted by chronic government underfunding delegates is available online at bcforum.ca. threatens their profits. This proposal includes postal The resolution adopted by dele- Childcare banking services in underserved gates says seniors deserve quality “I don’t want to let my kids down, communities, converting the postal care in a safe and stable environ- but one day I won’t be able to do it fleet to run on renewable energy, ment where they are treated with any more,” said one delegate, echo- electric charge stations at post of- dignity and respect. ing the concerns of many seniors fices, and expanded door-to-door who are looking after grandchildren Delegates resolved to work with mail delivery. BC FORUM allies to: while their children work due to a lack of affordable childcare. • Ensure that minimum staffing Disability benefits guidelines for seniors in residen- BC FORUM was instructed to Delegates demanded that the tial care are followed, seize any opportunity to endorse provincial government reinstate the and support initiatives to achieve • Protest staff layoffs and oppose transit subsidy for persons with dis- acceptable, accessible, affordable, privatization of residential care abilities, and implement an annual and public not-for-profit childcare facilities, and cost of living increase in disability for Canadian children. • Work for an expanded public assistance payments. health care system, including The resolution noted that disabil- Sale of blood for profit additional public residential care ity benefits, frozen since 2007, were Citing both safety and ethical facilities. recently increased to $982 a month concerns, delegates called on the BC (compared to $1,580 in Alberta), far government to ban all paid-blood Postal services short of the poverty line. The BC donations in BC. They also urged Delegates endorsed the Canadian Liberals clawed back most of the $77 the federal government to legislate Union of Postal Workers’ “Deliv- increase by eliminating transit sub- a national ban on the purchase of ering Community Power” initiative. sidies. blood donations by corporations. 8 – The Advocate, Autumn 2016 BC ELECTION

doesn’t care.” Horgan says “We welcome the announcement from the BC NDP. gets BC NDP it – he understands that when you give low-wage workers a fair wage, will raise you are also supporting families, communities and the local econ- minimum omy. “This is exactly the kind of plan wage to $15 we have been asking Christy Clark C NDP Leader John Horgan to implement for close to two years says an NDP government now,” said Lanzinger. “But despite Bwould get to a $15 per hour strong public support, she has ig- minimum wage in its first term. nored the problem of growing He made the announcement in poverty and inequality in BC.” Kamloops in front of a gathering of In a recent poll, 76 percent of Brit- 450 committed campaigners eager ish Columbians said they supported to defeat the BC Liberals. a $15 an hour minimum wage, and “It’s not good enough that people 83 percent said that a person work- are working full time or more just to ing full-time should not be living keep their heads above water. below the poverty line. “It’s not good enough that this There are over 100,000 people generation will actually be worse off earning minimum wage ($10.45 an than their parents when it comes to hour) in BC, and nearly half-a-mil- affordability and opportunity,” Hor- lion earning less than $15 an hour. gan said. BC NDP Leader John Horgan “Today, low-wage workers are “Christy Clark was elected on her one step closer to being lifted out promise to put BC families first, but of poverty. That is something to ap- in fact people have never been her BC Fed plaud,” said Lanzinger. priority. She is focused on the needs welcomes of her wealthy and well-connected An important supporters at the expense of the rest NDP pledge of us,” Horgan said. step, says “Christy Clark has chosen to keep British Columbia is one BC FORUM BC’s minimum wage one of the low- step closer to ending est in Canada. poverty wages ncreasing the minimum wage will “Minimum wage is no longer Iimprove the lives of thousands of something earned just by teenagers he BC Federation of Labour is ap- families, says BC FORUM. in their first jobs. Students, parents, Tplauding John Horgan and the “It is false to suggest, as the BC seniors, new Canadians in every part BC NDP for committing to bring the Liberals do, that the minimum wage of the economy are paid minimum minimum wage up to $15 an hour. only affects young people who are wage,” Horgan said. “British Columbians are strug- starting out,” says Diane Wood, “The premier, who takes $50,000 gling to make ends meet with the President. a year in a private top-up to her ever increasing cost of living and “With inadequate pensions, nearly $200,000 public salary, thinks skyrocketing user fees,” said Irene many seniors are working minimum $10.45 an hour is enough for people Lanzinger, president of the BC Fed- wage jobs to try to make ends meet. to get by on. I disagree. eration of Labour. “Many more seniors still have “I will give British Columbians a “Christy Clark is well-aware that adult children living at home be- raise. The minimum wage needs to people working full-time in this cause they also are struggling in low- be $15 an hour, and New Democrats province and earning the minimum wage jobs. John Horgan’s plan will are going to get it there,” Horgan wage are living thousands of dollars help these families get ahead,” she said. below the poverty line, but she just said. The Advocate, Autumn 2016 – 9 BC ELECTION

about it “about three weeks ago.” to trust this premier who has already Christy “There’s an affordability crisis in failed to meet her own goals. It does Metro Vancouver that is spreading little but pay lip service to the im- Clark puts across the province. British Colum- portant recommendations made by bians need a government that puts her personally appointed climate ex- fundraising them before their political party’s perts. It is a cop-out,” said Heyman. fundraising efforts, not after,” said “With this plan, released on a Fri- chief first Eby. day in the middle of summer on one of the hottest days of one of the hot- “British Columbians need test years on record, Christy Clark a government that puts Christy Clark has abandoned British Columbia’s them before political position as a climate leader,” said backtracks Heyman. fundraising, not after” on climate Heyman noted that he and New ew Democrats are demanding Democrat Leader John Horgan met Nanswers from Premier Christy with members of the Climate Leader- Clark about why her chief B.C. Lib- change ship Team. They were impressed eral Party fundraiser had details aking meaningful action on cli- with their thoughtful and balanced about the new tax on foreign real es- Tmate change to protect British approach to both the economic and tate buyers weeks before other Brit- Columbia’s environment and the environmental issues involved in a ish Columbians. economy from its effects doesn’t climate change plan, and said New Democrats will release a real plan to “Premier Clark put the interests matter to Christy Clark, says New address climate change before the of one of her biggest donors and the Democrat environment spokes- provincial election. head of her fundraising efforts for person George Heyman. the B.C. Liberal Party ahead of the “She has announced a plan that interests of all British Columbians will do less, more slowly than Brit- struggling to afford real estate, and ish Columbia’s formerly world-lead- More massive ahead of other real estate businesses ing strategy,” said Heyman, “Christy in the province. It’s appalling,” said Clark went to the Paris climate Hydro hikes David Eby, New Democrat spokes- change negotiations with a person- person for housing. al videographer but as soon as the predicted Eby has written to Premier Clark photo opportunity passed, so did amilies will face massive hydro demanding answers about how and her interest.” Frate hikes after the Christy Clark why Bob Rennie had insider infor- “The premier set up a very prom- government secretly added more mation about the new tax weeks ising Climate Leadership Team, than $1 billion to BC Hydro’s debt before British Columbians were told staffed with serious people who last year. about it on July 25. made serious recommendations on “Just after the last election, Pre- “British Columbians struggling to how she could get back on track, mier Christy Clark surprised fam- buy or rent a home deserve answers. then ignored all of their most im- ilies across B.C. with a staggering 28 Other real estate professionals deal- portant recommendations. This is per cent hydro rate hike,” said New ing with this sudden change deserve not climate leadership. This is stall- Democrat Leader John Horgan. answers. ing on taking real action against cli- “By missing their debt reduction “When did Mr. Rennie know mate change.” plan by more than $1 billion, BC about the new tax exactly? Who Heyman pointed out that the gov- Hydro and the Christy Clark govern- told him? And why? Was it in rela- ernment has missed two emissions ment could saddle ratepayers with tion to his role as a major fundraiser reduction targets already, and emis- another $500 hike each right after for the B.C. Liberal party, or his role sions have actually risen since Clark the next election.” as a major real estate developer, or became premier. Christy Clark’s up- According to BC Hydro’s latest both?” dated plan announced removes all annual report, the crown corpora- British Columbians learned about targets for the next 34 years. tion was $1.1 billion off target for a the new foreign national buyer tax “The updated plan replaces tar- major debt, primarily due to a huge on July 25, but according to the gets with vague positive-sounding overestimation of domestic revenue Globe and Mail, Bob Rennie learned language. It asks British Columbians for power. 10 – The Advocate, Autumn 2016 CANADA POST BC FORUM stands in solidarity with postal workers

n protracted negotiations with to ensure that Rural and Suburban ported postal banking, especially the Canadian Union of Postal Mail Carriers achieve pay and bene- in areas that are underserved, and IWorkers (CUPW), Canada Post fit equity with letter carriers.” maintaining at least the current has handed its employees the same BC FORUM also strongly sup- number of retail outlets. menu it has offered its customers – a steady diet of takeaways. Packed with appointees of the former Harper government, Canada Post cut home delivery and dramat- ically increased the price charged to customers for less service. In talks with its own employees it steadfastly refused to recognize the need for pay equity for rural postal workers, most of whom are women, and proposed significant cuts in pension coverage. In July, shortly after the govern- ment pressured Canada Post to re- scind lockout notice, BC FORUM made its position clear in a letter to Deepak Chopra, President and Chief Executive Officer of Canada Post. “BC FORUM is so disappointed that Canada Post is attempting to change current and future Canada Post workers to a Defined Contribu- tion pension plan. We are urging you in the strongest possible of terms, to take immediate steps to ensure that all CUPW members are in a Defined Benefit pension plan and to im- mediately drop any demand to place current or future Canada Post em- ployees in a Defined Contribution pension plan,” wrote Diane Wood, President. In addition, she said, “BC FORUM is a strong advocate of pay equity as we believe this is fair and just. In addition, BC FORUM recognizes that paying women workers less, means that these women will have less money and a less secure retire- ment. “BC FORUM is therefore asking you in the strongest possible terms The Advocate, Autumn 2016 – 11 A BAD DEAL FOR PEOPLE More rights for corporations at the expense of everyone else By Hassan Yussuff, President, siderable stress… 250 million litres childcare, without subjecting them- Canadian Labour Congress of milk and subsequent production selves to an ISDS claim. he Trans-Pacific Partnership jobs are at risk annually. Canada already has the second Agreement (TPP) negotiated highest per capita drug costs in the Tunder the previous adminis- Labour Mobility world. The TPP will further con- tration is a deeply flawed agreement. The TPP makes unprecedented strain efforts to reform prescription Our view is the costs of the TPP out- changes to Canada’s policy for the drug purchasing and provision in weigh the limited benefits that might use of temporary workers. Canada. arise from the deal. Under the TPP there is no limit to A key study from Tufts University the number of temporary workers Environment predicts workers in all 12 TPP coun- from TPP nations that can get tem- The TPP also contains broad pro- tries would lose out because the TPP porary work permits, and no ability hibitions on economic or environ- would increase income inequality. to set economic needs tests for spe- mental performance requirements This flawed agreement is about cific sectors. such as requiring technology trans- protecting multinational corpora- There are currently no mecha- fer or local sourcing to foster green tions’ rights. nisms to enforce fair wages and la- industry. It does nothing to help workers or bour rights for temporary migrant Such restrictions will serve as a the environment. workers in Canada. “chill” on governments contem- This change to labour mobil- plating steps required to make the Automotive sector ity policy will immediately impact transition toward a low-carbon and The automotive sector is centrally workers in the Building Trades. climate-resilient economy. important to Canada’s research and It is time to come back to more development, high value-added pro- Dispute Settlement reasonable forms of investor protec- duction and manufacturing exports. We have many concerns with the tion. In 2014, approximately 40,000 model of Investor State Dispute Set- These protections which should Canadians worked in motor vehicle tlement (ISDS). be subsidiary to national judicial manufacturing. And another 70,000 By now, the problems with this processes, privilege state-to-state set- in parts manufacturing. model of dispute settlement are tlements, and emphasize investors’ A five-year phase-out of tariffs on well-known: the unaccountable and responsibilities just as much as the Canadian imports of Japanese vehi- ad hoc nature of the arbitral panels; protection of their assets. cles will quickly eliminate the incen- their expansive definition of what tive to manufacture in Canada. constitutes an investment; the fact Conclusion Unifor has estimated the TPP they do not operate in subsidiarity We have called on the federal gov- could lead to the loss of 20,000 jobs to national court systems, but above ernment to conduct its own impact in the auto sector alone. them; and the apparent lack of def- analysis of the TPP and to make this erence to the prerogatives of govern- analysis public. The dairy sector ments, or even to national jurispru- Given the high economic and The Canadian dairy sector pro- dence on any given issue. political stakes, Canadians deserve vides high-quality, locally-produced no less than a full and substantive food while supporting small family Public Services discussion on the potential conse- farms and rural communities. The TPP chapter on public servic- quences of this draft agreement. Under the TPP agreement, foreign es locks in the current level of priva- EDITOR’S NOTE: Edited from a pres- dairy producers will be able to access tization with so-called ‘ratchet’ and entation by the Canadian Labour Con- an additional 3.25% of Canada’s ‘standstill’ clauses. gress to the House of Commons Stand- 2016 dairy milk production. This makes it more difficult for ing Committee on International Trade. This comes at a time when the governments to introduce new pub- The full text is available online at can- dairy industry is already under con- lic services, such as pharmacare or adianlabour.ca 12 – The Advocate, Autumn 2016 FIGHTING FOR PHARMACARE National Pharmacare is long overdue C FORUM and allies in the labour movement and seniors Bgroups are hopeful that the decades-long push for a national Pharmacare program may finally be nearing a successful conclusion. “The devil is in the details as to what form it will take, but I truly believe it’s going to happen,” says Diane Wood, President of BC FORUM. Wood, Lorraine Logan, President of the Council of Senior Citizens Or- ganizations of BC (COSCO), and BC FORUM board member Barb Mikulec recently met with Don Davies, NDP MP and Co-Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Diane Wood, President of BC FORUM, Lorraine Logan, President of COSCO, and Barb Health to emphasize the immediate Mikulec, BC FORUM board member, presented the compelling case for a national need for action on Pharmacare. Pharmacare program during a recent meeting with Don Davies, Co-Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health. BC FORUM has been monitoring the committee’s deliberations, as well as other political developments. Quick facts about the need “Support for Pharmacare is grow- ing significantly,” said Wood. for national Pharmacare “Nine in ten Canadians sup- he case for Pharmacare is currently being studied by the House of Com- port a national program. More and Tmons Standing Committee on health. Pharmacare is also a key compon- more provinces are coming on ent of negotiations towards a new federal-provincial Health Accord. The board, as are health care profession- evidence in favour of a national Pharmacare program is overwhelming: als. The Canadian Medical Associa- • Canada is the only country in the world that has excluded prescription tion called for national Pharmacare drugs from its public health care system. Universal public drug coverage at its AGM last year. Nurses have is the rule among OECD nations. fought for it for years and years. The • Canada has the second lowest percentage of the people covered by a pub- labour movement is solidly in sup- lic drug insurance plan in all OECD countries, after the US. port. Large corporations and the BC Chamber of Commerce now say yes. • We have the second highest expenditure per capita on pharmaceuticals. And the last federal Liberal conven- • Prescription drug costs are growing faster in Canada than any other de- tion did likewise,” said Wood. veloped nation, including the US. “With so many influential groups • If Canada paid the same official price for prescriptions as the OECD medi- and decision-makers catching up an, Canadians would save about 25 percent on patented drugs. with public opinion on this urgent Prescription drugs are an essential part of quality public health care – and issue, I’m optimistic that Pharma- patients who can’t afford to fill prescriptions frequently end up making care will finally happen.” hospital visits that could have been avoided. The Advocate, Autumn 2016 – 13 NEWS IN BRIEF

solidarity and commitment to ad- Kitimat, Terrace & District Labour BC FORUM dressing poverty for some of BC’s Council. most vulnerable citizens.” Ray is also Chairperson, Unifor Board elects The groups call on the provincial Local 2301 Retired Workers Chap- government to: ter, Kitimat, and a former President new treasurer • Bring back the $45 per year bus of the Kitimat, Terrace & District an Bradford, who represents pass for people with disabilities; Labour Council. Dthe BC Government and Ser- • Eliminate the new $52/month Ray joined with other BC FORUM vice Employees Union on the BC bus pass fee; activists at the Fight for $15 Nation- FORUM Board of Directors, has been al Day of Action Rally in Vancouver • Allow everyone receiving Person acclaimed to the executive position where the accompanying photo was With Disability benefits to keep of Treasurer. taken. the $77 a month increase; • Bring back the Special Transpor- tation Subsidy, and introduce a Young Canadians rural transportation subsidy for need more those living outside the areas where the Bus Pass Program and opportunities Special Transportation Subsidy he Canadian Labour Congress is operate; and Tasking the federal government • Raise income and disability assist- and employers to invest more in job ance significantly by October 1, training and employment opportun- 2016 to reflect the cost of living, ities to help young Canadians break and then index to inflation. away from the ongoing cycle of pre- carious work and unemployment. New regional “Young workers are dealing with rep appointed exceptionally high rates of un- employment or underemployment, aymond Raj was recently appoint- and have been for many years. Red as a BC FORUM Regional “They are also carrying unbeliev- Representative and Delegate to the ably high levels of student debt; the average student graduates owing over $25,000. “We are not setting young people Dan Bradford up for success,” said CLC president Gord Westrand, who decided to Hassan Yussuff. step down as treasurer, will remain “This perfectly demonstrates the active on the volunteer Board repre- importance of a national jobs strat- senting the International Longshore egy, a $15 minimum wage and the and Warehouse Union. expansion of the CPP. “Young workers will benefit from A call to action these measures,” Yussuff said. Diving without a parachute, re- on poverty leased in August by the CLC, breaks ver 160 groups throughout down some of the challenges and Othe province – including BC opportunities facing young workers FORUM – have signed an open let- in Canada. ter calling on the provincial govern- The report also celebrates millen- ment to Raise the Rates and Leave our nials as one of the most civic-mind- Bus Pass Alone. ed and activist generations in his- The BC Poverty Reduction Coali- tory, and shows that union density tion calls it “an incredible show of Raymond Raj among young workers is on the rise. 14 – The Advocate, Autumn 2016 TOGETHER WE’RE STRONG Strengthening BC FORUM has Renew your membership never been more – and sign up a friend important lease have a look at the mailing label on this edition of The Advocate to Please encourage your check whether your membership is now due for renewal. If your mem- Pbership is about to expire, you can renew by mailing the coupon below friends to join our team to BC FORUM, #200 - 5118 Joyce St., Vancouver, B.C. V5R 4H1. hrough our unions, before we re- You can also renew your membership on-line at www.bcforum.ca. Ttired, we’ve all seen the benefits We also ask for your help in reaching out to people who are nearing re- of collective action. Our voices are tirement or have already retired. Like all membership-based organizations, strongest when we stand together in we are all stronger when as many people as possible work together. solidarity. Remember that BC FORUM actively welcomes workers who are 50 and That’s where BC FORUM comes older, so don’t be shy about encouraging your friends and family members in. We are the only provincial organ- to join us, even if they are still in the workforce. ization that represents union mem- bers who have retired or are near- Solidarity makes us strong. ing retirement. We are an integral part of the labour movement, with formal representation in leadership BC FORUM has always provided free $2,500 bodies, and maintain strong links Accidental Death and Dismemberment insur- with provincial and national sen- ance coverage to members. iors’ groups. We are proud to now extend this coverage Together, we can make a differ- Great to members’ spouses at the low cost of $5 per ence for ourselves and our families. year. All you have to do is check the appropri- Please encourage friends, colleagues deal! ate box when you apply or renew your mem- and family members to join us using bership. BC FORUM’s AD&D coverage is valid the form below, or on-line at www. until you reach age 86, the maximum age we bcforum.ca. were able to negotiate. Please check your expiry dateí on the mailing label. BCGEU, HSA, MoveUp, CEU, CUPE 386, UFCW, Heat and # Frost, UNIFOR 2301 and LiUNA 1611 pay first year dues for qualified members. B.C. Federation of Retired Union Members • #200 - 5118 Joyce St., Vancouver, V5R 4H1 604 688-4565 • 1 800 896-5678 • Fax: 604 430-5917 • [email protected] • www.bcforum.ca Membership: q Application q Renewal q New address

Name: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| LAST FIRST INITIAL Address: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| STREET ADDRESS CITY POSTAL CODE Phone: |__|__|__| |__|__|__|__|__|__|__| E-mail: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Union: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Date of birth:* |__|__| |__|__| |__|__|__|__| DAY MONTH YEAR Spouse’s name: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Spouse’s birth date:* |__|__| |__|__| |__|__|__|__| DAY MONTH YEAR q $20 - 1 year q $49 - 3 years (free $2,500 AD&D for member) q $25 - 1 year q $64 - 3 years (adds $2,500 AD&D for spouse) Payment: q Cheque q Visa q MC Expiry: |__|__| / |__|__| SIGNATURE Card number: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Date of application: |__|__| |__|__| |__|__|__|__| DAY MONTH YEAR * Required for AD&D group insurance coverage to age 86. The Advocate, Autumn 2016 – 15 THE LAST WORD MSP fees must be eliminated Replacing regressive centage of gross wages and salaries, with lower rates for smaller busi- Medical Services Plan nesses. premiums with fair The rate would depend on how taxes would mean the tax is structured but should be savings for most set to raise about $1.1 billion in 2017, or 40 percent of total MSP he majority of British Colum- revenues. This is the approximate bians would come out ahead share currently contributed by those Tunder a plan to scrap MSP and employers who cover MSP for their replace the $2.5 billion in public employees. revenues it currently brings in with “Businesses already pay a signifi- fair taxes scaled to income. cant portion of MSP.” says Ivanova. Iglika Ivanova, a Senior Econo- “Our plan would share costs more mist with Canadian Centre for fairly, resulting in net savings for the Policy Alternatives, crunched the ‘good’ employers who now cover numbers on two options for getting MSP for their staff and forcing those rid of the unpopular head tax. who are currently free riding to pay One calls for small increases to their share.” existing provincial income tax rates, “MSP is an unfair and unneces- along with new brackets at the sary tax,” says Ivanova. “A two- top end of the income ladder. The parent family with $40,000 income second option combines small in- currently pays $1,800 per year – the come tax increases with a new busi- same as a family making $400,000. ness tax, roughly in proportion to The amount is inconsequential for the share of MSP currently paid by well-off families but takes a signifi- individuals and employers. cant bite out of the family budget Most households would see net for those with modest resources.” savings under both scenarios, but “BC is the only province left in Ivanova recommends moving ahead Canada to charge a head tax like with the combined personal and MSP,” says Ivanova. “It’s time to business tax option. eliminate MSP and replace it with Under this plan: fair taxes.” Iglika Ivanova • A family of four with household income of $60,000 would save New address? New e-mail address? $1,725 each year. Please send your new address and e-mail address to BC Forum. • A family of four with income of You can mail in the form on page 15, or you can reach us by telephone or e-mail: 1.800.896.5678 (toll free), 604.688.4565, [email protected] $90,000 would save $1,450. • An individual with income of $80,000 would save $263. • Families currently receiving MSP premium assistance would see modest savings or be unaffected by the change (since they already pay reduced MSP or no MSP). • Only the top 6% of families would 41946512 pay more in net taxes. Please check the expiry date on your label. Is your membership due for renewal? All businesses would pay a per- 16 – The Advocate, Autumn 2016