OTTAWA - This Labour Day, the Green Party of Canada pays tribute to all workers and honours those who have died or been injured in the workplace. The pandemic brought new hazards to workplace environments. The Canadian Institute for Health Information reported that since the start of this health crisis, nearly a thousand healthcare workers have been infected with COVID-19 and 43 have died.
“We’re especially grateful to all those who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to provide care and uninterrupted services to the people of Canada,” said Green Party Leader Annamie Paul. “Many workers were able to work from home during this last 18 months, but for thousands of essential workers this was not an option, and every day on the job brought the risk of a potentially life-threatening infection.
“More needs to be done to protect and support essential workers, many of whom are women and from racialized communities. The pandemic has laid bare the deep inequalities that continue to exist in our society. Workers must be paid a living wage. It is unacceptable that in a country as rich as Canada, people working two or three jobs still cannot afford decent accommodation, or must choose between food and medications.
“Workers also need paid sick leave so they don’t have to go to work sick for fear of losing wages.”
According to Statistics Canada, Canada's inflation rate increased at the fastest pace in decades and the cost of living has skyrocketed during the pandemic.
“The cost of living is rising fast and our social safety net needs a serious overhaul,” said Ms. Paul. “The Green Party has long advocated for a Guaranteed Livable Income and Universal Pharmacare. These are essential programs that will help to raise the quality of living for all Canadians. The Green party will continue to strive for policies that better protect workers and working conditions as we transition to a clean energy future and build a more equitable and just society.”
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For more information or to arrange an interview:
Rosie Emery
GPC Press Secretary
613-562-4916x206