PSAC DISCUSSION PAPER: Human Rights and Services

There is broad consensus, across many constituencies, groups, regions and organizations that human rights and freedoms are a fundamental aspect to Canadian society.

This consensus has shaped Canada’s international commitments and has also shaped domestic policies and programs which are meant to ensure fundamental rights and freedoms.

Internationally, Canada’s commitment is articulated through the adoption of international instruments such as United Nations declarations or International Labour Organization’s conventions, as examples. International programs, government assistance and aid through government agencies such as CIDA, are tools flowing from Canada’s foreign policy. Debates related to international trade agreements certainly point to a disconnect between how the current government views its international role, and the growing consensus that human rights and services will be sacrificed at the expense of corporate interests.

Domestically, this country’s commitment to human rights and freedoms has given rise to a variety of programs, services and policies, meant to either overcome disadvantage or promote these rights. The Canada Pension Plan, official languages policy, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, income replacement programs, the Multiculturalism Act and policy, human rights laws and agencies and accessibility standards are tools to meet these broad objectives. These services have been historically provided by public sector workers, have been geographically accessible and have been non-profit in nature.

It matters for the following reasons:

? PSAC members develop/provide/monitor most of these human rights and services.

? PSAC members are also benefactors of these human rights and services.

? The PSAC works with others in holding government and employers accountable for these rights and services.

The PSAC attempts to ensure the quality of these human rights by making use of our bargaining and representation role in different fora. At the bargaining table, we attempt to increase training, resources and fight lay-offs or job losses for public sector workers. We negotiate measures to overcome systemic discrimination so that the public sector is adequately representative of the population it is meant to service.

We also regularly turn to the legislators, the Courts and Tribunals when legislation is being drafted or revised and when rights have been violated.

As users of these services, we join many who benefit from tools and services that promote human rights. These range from employment insurance benefits, including maternity benefits and medical benefits, education and communication campaigns that recognize and mark fundamental human rights, refugee re-settlement programs, gender neutral salary systems in the federally regulated sectors, a recognition of our cultural tradition and heritage in our national parks and museums, mechanisms to deal with rights violations, protection against hate crimes, accessibility standards in the transportation sector, standards governing the broadcasting and communications industry, a justice system and a tax collection system which funds these public services.

As allies in the social justice movement, we play an important role in building and supporting strategies, actions and campaigns that seek to enhance or protect human rights. Our work in the social justice movement ensures an ever expanding network of skilled activists, who work on a multitude of political and community levels to push a broad human rights agenda forward.

The drive towards the privatisation of public services and the neo-liberal agenda has lead to attempts to make public services fit the "for profit" model. This is leading to the "gutting" of critical services at a time when they are sorely needed. It has also lead to an incomplete programs and services meant to promote and protect rights. A "for profit" objective will effectively limit the possibility of creating programs and services meant to respond to emerging human rights issues.

Trade liberalization and international agreements on trades and services will erode these further, given the likelihood that international corporations will view our public services and programs as trade barriers.

Systemic discrimination in public services has remained unchecked. In particular, racially visible persons and persons with disabilities are still under-represented in the Federal Public sector, while women and Aboriginal Persons are in occupational clusters.

Domestic accountability for Canada’s international role is weak. Canada’s participation at International UN sponsored human rights conferences must include public consultations to set Canada’s position, appropriate delegate representation from civil society (including unions) and a formal domestic process to enact and monitor Canada’s commitment.

The one "new" social program badly needed remains a national child care program. While governments have voiced agreement on the need, there has been little to no government action.

We need increased workplace education programs and public awareness programs to promote human rights.

Governments must take responsibility for strategies and resources to eradicate violence against women, including a strategy to provide appropriate support services and accessible bias-free legal protection to assist victims of violence against women.

Public institutions that play a role in human rights education and protection, such as Human Rights Commissions, must receive adequate funding.

We must ensure that same sex rights are incorporated and protected in all legislation that speaks to family status rights.

The federal government must develop a national strategy:

• to eliminate barriers and lack of accessibility that hinder the full participation and representation of persons with disabilities.

• to support Aboriginal self-government and programs to counter poverty and its effects in this community.

• to combat racism. This strategy must include an action plan and must provide strong accountability mechanisms.

Increased federal role in setting minimum standards in health care and education, and in providing adequate funding to support the delivery of these programs.

Members of the PSAC have adopted important human rights related policy papers and action plans to promote issues related to members with disabilities and Aboriginal workers. In addition our PSAC anti-racism and sexual orientation policies provide clear direction for our work in these areas.

Many PSAC are actively engaged in human rights representation and education work. Many also are actively working to ensure that the requirements of the Employment Equity Act are implemented in their workplaces.

Through collective bargaining, we attempt to remove barriers in the terms and conditions of work of our members. In addition, we attempt to negotiate measures to overcome historic inequities.

Various PSAC committees and conferences provide important venues to pursue our human rights work. These range from the PSAC Equal Opportunities Committee, regional equity committees, equity seats on PSAC Regional Councils and the Unity, Access and Women’s conferences.

As allies in the social justice movement, we are active in coalitions that seek to promote fundamental human rights. We were active in the discussions around the federal Employment Equity Act, as well as the Canadian Human Rights Act. Our pay equity leadership and skills have been present in campaigns seeking to improve women’s economic rights and in organizing around the World Women’s March. We continue to be part of the work undertaken by the Canadian Labour Congress to challenge racism.

To use our representation, negotiation and community roles to further the human rights agenda.

To mobilize members around equity and human rights issues.

To ensure that public sector services which promote and protect human rights are adequately funded and resourced.

To work with our coalition and social justice partners at the local, regional and national level in the pursuit of human rights and freedoms.

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