Labour Day Message

September 2, 2005

Eradicating poverty is a priority

This year’s Labour Day will be celebrated in the midst of the “Make poverty history” campaign.  Social and trade union activists from around the world are wearing the white band, symbol of the campaign and of their commitment to fighting poverty.

The Live-8 concerts held in several cities around the world on July 2 marked a major event in this campaign. One of the immediate results of this campaign was the announcement by the leaders of the G-8 to eliminate the debt of several African countries, among the poorest on the planet. It is certainly an important step, but not the final one. Together with the Public Services International (PSI), the global federation that brings together public sector unions from around the world, the PSAC believe that quality public services in Canada and abroad are a key component of this international campaign against poverty.

On September 10, the Global Call to Action Against Poverty will launch the second stage of this relentless campaign against poverty. The slogan, "Wake Up to Poverty”, illustrates the will to put poverty at the top of the international agenda.

Five years after the Millennium Summit, world leaders are meeting in New York, from September 14 to 16, to discuss progress on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the United Nations World Summit. The Global Call to Action wants to remind the leaders that their efforts to reach the goals set in 2000 (increases in aid to revitalize infrastructure and improve health and education services in developing countries) were totally insufficient.

PSAC activists can play a role in this campaign by pressing on Canadian politicians so that Canada commits itself to respect the objectives fixed by the Millennium Summit. Canada has to increase its share of foreign assistance.

Although this will be a formidable step, this is not enough. We must also act to eliminate poverty here in Canada. The federal and provincial governments must commit to increase the minimum wage. Making sure that all the workers earn decent wage so they can live with dignity is a concrete way to fight poverty. Furthermore, by helping the parents, we support the children.  Let us remembers that Canada has pledged to eliminate child poverty before the year 2000, and that since then, child poverty has increased. Concrete measures are needed, and the increase in the minimum wage is a major one.

Best wishes for Labour Day, and let us continue to fight for the protection of public services and against all forms of poverty.

Nycole Turmel
National President