Unifor launches people's trade town hall tour
HAMILTON, ON, April 19, 2018 /CNW/ - On Friday April 20, Unifor launches its cross country town hall tour to explore a progressive trade agenda.
"Canada's approach to trade has been flawed and now is the time to do things differently," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "There is an opening to talk about the failures of free trade and an opportunity to imagine a new approach ? a different kind of trade agenda, one that is for people not profits, and that is truly progressive."
Unifor is launching a cross country dialogue to ignite a conversation with the public about trade. The union is asking participants to imagine what a people's trade agenda would look like in Canada and how it could inform the federal government's approach towards trade and economic development. Instead of simply responding to each trade deal separately - by laying out its conditions and principles - Unifor hopes its town halls will document the ideas, and experiences of residents to develop a summary report and recommendations to federal politicians. The Friday launch event is co-sponsored by the Council of Canadians and will feature prominent author and Council of Canadians' honorary chairperson Maude Barlow.
"It is time for all of us to take back trade from the corporate interests that use trade agreements to fight labour rights and environmental protections," said Barlow. "Our jobs, environment, and economy are all shaped by NAFTA and its cookie cutter agreements. Let's shape trade and not let it shape us."
Unifor is inviting all residents and the media to attend the launch of its People's Trade campaign in Hamilton. Pre-registration is encouraged, please visit unifor.org/peoplestrade
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WHAT: |
Unifor co-hosts a public town hall on trade with the Council of Canadians |
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WHEN: |
Friday, April 20 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. |
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WHERE: |
Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, 116 King Street West, Hamilton. |
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WHO: |
Council of Canadians' honorary chairperson Maude Barlow, Angelo DiCaro, Unifor Trade Researcher, invited guests and members of the public. |
"Trade matters to all workers and it matters in every community," said Jerry Dias, National President, noting that about two-thirds of Unifor members work in trade-related industries across Canada. "Now is the time to act and build a constructive political dialogue on trade that works for the people and not just corporations."
SOURCE Unifor
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