translated from Alterative Socialiste, Québec The Québec government and various unions have engaged during the last week in accelerated negotiations to renew the contracts of public and para-public sector employees. The COVID-19 health crisis gives health sector unions increased leverage, which was hard to imagine only six months ago. Let’s use this strength to make […]
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“With lost jobs and lost wages due to COVID-19, many tenants are worried they can’t make the rent.” Such a statement, made by BC’s premier John Horgan just a week before April rent day, could have been an introduction to provide much reassurance and a solid plan for renters who are reeling under the economic […]
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Socialist Alternative interviewed Vesna Rosales, a small business owner in the west end of Toronto SA: Tell me something about yourself and your business. Vesna: I’ve had a nail and beauty salon business for the last 6 years. I manage it and do some reception work there. I also have an at home travel business […]
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization of Manitoba asked that Indigenous Services Canada and the Canadian federal government allow a Cuban healthcare brigade be deployed to serve in local First Nations’ communities during the COVID-19 outbreak. For those who are not familiar with the Cuban International Medical Brigades, they are integrated teams of health professionals who have […]
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has been urging countries, since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, to test, test, test. “You can’t fight a virus if you don’t know where it is,” said WHO director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyeus. “Find, isolate, test and treat every case, to break the chains of transmission. Every case we […]
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I was laid-off this St. Patrick’s day. I’m a bartender. March 17 was supposed to be the busiest night of the year, and was supposed to be a welcome boost to my, and many others’ incomes. Instead, Vancouver – wisely – decided to shut down all bars and restaurants to combat the spread of COVID-19. […]
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Protect the Health of all People in Canada Provide free mass testing immediately in public areas, not hospitals. Enact massive investment in the public health system. Bring all private clinics and care homes into the public system, with union rates of pay. Take emergency action to dramatically increase hospital beds and ensure the supply of […]
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As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact Canada, we see all levels of government taking increasingly desperate measures to avert the kind of catastrophe we are seeing unfold in Italy. On more than one occasion, officials have referred to past outbreaks, like SARS, to pat themselves on the back and talk about how much they’ve […]
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Teck Resources (2019 revenue of $11.9 billion, 2019 “adjusted profit” of $1.6 billion) is in the news this morning for a typically capitalist display of corona virus corporate responsibility British Columbia’s Elk Valley. Teck is upgrading facilities for its mining operations in the valley which, among other things, involves a work camp of up to […]
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What a difference a few weeks and a major disease outbreak makes! Not that long ago, if I remember correctly, there was no money for pretty much anything but tax cuts and supports for business. Now, suddenly, there seems to be cash aplenty, to be sure, mainly for the rich, but with a substantial amount […]
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