Union Bug Blog

• Jan 27, 2017 - Big Decisions Ahead
  

  It’s only a matter of time before marijuana sales will be legalized in our country, and that means the Pallister government has some important decisions to make.

• Jan 25, 2017 - Keep Your Promise, Mr. Premier
  

  St. Boniface families in need of non-emergency healthcare options were recently dealt a huge blow. The Pallister government publicly stated they were closing the quick care clinic on St. Mary’s Road. There was no community consultation and the news came out of left field. It’s a major setback for access to medical care in the area and also for French language services.

• Dec 20, 2016 - The Season that Brings out the Best in Us
  

  The holiday season has always been my favourite time of the year because it truly brings out the best in people – whether it’s volunteering to help those less fortunate than ourselves or donating food or clothes to a charity to help make the season a bit happier for those in need.

• Nov 25, 2016 - Ending Domestic Violence – We are All Part of the Solution
  

  November is Domestic Violence Awareness month in Manitoba – and I, for one, will keep the conversation going about how we can help victims of domestic violence and work towards ending this abuse. We can do it, if we are all part of the solution.

• Nov 18, 2016 - MGEU's Throne Speech List
  

  On Monday, November 21st, the Manitoba Government will lay out their blueprint for the province as the Lieutenant Governor reads the Speech from The Throne. The Throne Speech will outline what the government’s main priorities are for the upcoming legislative session.

• Nov 15, 2016 - Government Hires Firm with Privatization Track Record
  

  Every chance they get, the provincial government reminds Manitobans how serious they are about balancing the budget. It was a huge pillar in their campaign and continues to be one of their most reiterated pledges. Recently, the government announced that KPMG LLP has been awarded a contract to look into how our tax dollars are being spent in the health care system.

• Nov 07, 2016 - MLL and MPI Safe from Privatization for Now
  

  Last week I had an opportunity to sit down with Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister. As many MGEU members will know or will have seen in the media, I’d been trying to get the Premier to have a meeting since he was elected back in April.

• Oct 28, 2016 - Bill 7 is a Step Backwards for Working Manitobans
  

  This week I spoke to a Legislative Committee about Bill 7, the Labour Relations Act, which will upset the current balance we enjoy in this province when workers wish to certify to join a union. Unfortunately, Bill 7 upsets this balance and gives more power to the employer and makes it harder for workers to join a union by taking away the ability to automatically certify.

• Oct 26, 2016 - Convention 2016: Listening to Members, Supporting Manitobans
  

  Thank you to all delegates who helped to make MGEU Convention 2016 such a success. We’ve already begun implementing the resolutions and recommendations we heard from the membership last week-end, and I know we’re going to be a stronger union because of the discussions and debate.

• Oct 20, 2016 - Talking to Government About Your Province and Priorities
  

  I had occasion to speak with to Manitoba Finance Minister Cameron Friesen three times over the past two weeks. This is good news, on the whole, as MGEU has been requesting meetings with government frequently since the election but have only had a small handful to date.