National Acadian Day is a celebration that began on the first National Convention of the Acadians in Memramcook on August 15, 1881. The Government of Canada enacted a law in 2003 to proclaim the day celebrated by the Acadians as a national holiday. This day reflects the identity of a people who overcame trials and persecutions with determination and courage. It underscores the cultural vitality and enduring heritage of the Acadian people.
Nowadays, National Acadian Day is expressed in a festive, popular, and artistic way. It is a day to commemorate Acadian history and culture. At 5:55 p.m., thousands of Acadians across Atlantic Canada, Louisiana, the Magdalen Islands and France venture out during a boisterous and colourful parade that is called a Tintamarre, which is heard everywhere. The Tintamarre is a loud, proud, and exciting event that expresses the pride, vitality, and joie de vivre of Acadia.
For those who would like to experience Acadian culture, you can visit the Historical Acadian Village of Nova Scotia in Lower West Pubnico, Nova Scotia. There is also the Village historique acadien in Caraquet, and the Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche, New-Brunswick, to name just a few.
UNE’s Francophone Committee wishes you a great National Acadian Day!
Indigenous peoples have unique cultures and ways of relating to people and their environment. Indigenous peoples’ thoughts on health and well-being are generally seen as greater and more holistic. With a strong determined community, the keeping of the land and the natural environment are always in mind.
Article 24 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognizes the right of Indigenous peoples to their traditional medicines, to maintain their health practices and to access social and health services without discrimination.
Indigenous women are the backbone of Indigenous communities and play a vital role in the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge concerning the environment, traditional medicines, food systems, preservation of language and cultural heritage. Not to mention in some cultures, the clan and nation are past down from the woman.
There are an estimated 476 million Indigenous peoples in the world. They make up less than 5 per cent of the world’s population, but account for 15 per cent of the poorest people. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures.
Indigenous peoples have wanted recognition of our identities, our way of life and our right to traditional lands, territories, and natural resources. Yet, throughout history, our rights have been violated. Indigenous peoples today are among the most disadvantaged groups of people in the world. International communities now recognize that special circumstances are required to protect our rights and maintain our distinct cultures.
In Resolution 49/214 of 23 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was to be observed on August 9 every year. The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations to promote and protect the human rights of Indigenous People.
In 2014, the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, a UN Action Plan on the rights of Indigenous peoples was developed by several agencies to support Indigenous issues. The aim was to ensure a coordinated approach to achieving the ends of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and included an improved support to member states and Indigenous peoples.
The International Day of Indigenous Peoples, observed on August 9, is a celebration that honours the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous communities worldwide. This day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples and promote their rights and well-being.
Lenora Maracle National Equity Representative for Indigenous Members Union of National Employees
O’Siyo ᎣᏏᏲ “o-si-yo,” (Cherokee: I see you) Hello and Bonjour Union Sibling,
I am ecstatic to share the following news, Bernadeth Betchi will be joining the Union of National Employees in the role of Coordinator, Office of the National President, effective August 13, 2024.
Bernadeth is a human, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a partner, and a human rights activist.
She is a Black woman, an immigrant, a francophone, and an artist.
She has a Bachelor of Communication, a Masters of Women and Gender Studies and is currently completing her third year PHD in Philosophy Feminist and Gender Studies at the University of Ottawa. She is the recipient of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Bursary for her research on Maternal Mental Health, with a focus on Black mothers in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
She has worked at the Prime Minister of Canada’s Office, at the Canadian Human Rights Commission and as a Professor of Communications, English, Human Rights, Social Justice and Sociology at Algonquin and St-Lawrence College.
She is also one of the twelve representative plaintiffs for the Black Class Action Suit. She appeared in the Senate of Canada as an expert for the study on anti-Black discrimination and racism at the Canadian Human Rights Commission and has been an active advocate for the rights of humans as a whole.
In 2024, Bernadeth was the first Black woman to run for president for the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE).
She has had the opportunity to deliver key notes at the Permanent forum for People of African Descent, at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
Bernadeth is one of the co-founders of the Ottawa-Gatineau Black Breastfeeding Week, sat on the Board of Directors for Immigrant Women’s Services Ottawa and Maison d’Amitié Ottawa. Her work inspired the creation of The Village Project, a community-based group that assists parents in finding resources and addressing their specific family needs.
She believes in the power of ubuntu “humanity.” “I am because we are.” Ubuntu embodies the ideas of community, shared humanity, and mutual caring for all. It is a philosophy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all people, the importance of relationships, and the responsibility of individuals to their community.
Bernadeth understands that her mission on this earth is to leave a better blueprint for the generations to come. Hoping that her actions and activism bring lasting and significant change forever to come. She wants to make sure that all of her encounters leave the person better than the way she found them. Her guiding principles are love, empathy, and compassion.
She is doing this work standing on the shoulders of her ancestors.
Please join me, Union Sibling, in giving a warm welcome to Bernadeth Betchi to the Union of National Employee’s team and family.
Welcome to the UNE Team, Bernadeth!
Alisha Kang (nee Campbell) National President Union of National Employees
Emancipation Day in Canada is observed on August 1st each year, commemorating the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. This day marks the anniversary of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, which came into effect on August 1, 1834, officially freeing enslaved people in British colonies, including Canada.
While slavery existed in Canada during the colonial period, the country became a refuge for enslaved individuals fleeing from the United States via the Underground Railroad. This network of secret routes and safe houses provided critical support for those seeking freedom.
Emancipation Day not only serves as a remembrance of the struggles faced by enslaved people but also as a celebration of Black history and culture in Canada. It is an opportunity for education and reflection on the ongoing impacts of systemic racism and the work still needed to achieve true equality.
In recent years, various events and activities have been organized to raise awareness about this important day, including community gatherings, educational programs, cultural performances, and discussions about racial justice. In December 2021, Emancipation Day was officially recognized by the Canadian government as a National Day of Observance, further highlighting its significance in Canadian history and culture.
Overall, Emancipation Day is a vital occasion that encourages Canadians to honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and to actively participate in the ongoing journey toward justice and equality. Further to this, from a union perspective, Emancipation Day represents not only a commemoration of the abolition of slavery but also a broader commitment to social justice, equity, and workers’ rights. Key points include:
Unions have historically advocated for the rights and dignity of all workers and recognizing Emancipation Day aligns with the mission by acknowledging the struggles of enslaved people and their fight for freedom.
The fight for labour rights is closely intertwined with the struggle for racial justice and union leaders and activists should understand that economic inequities often stem from systemic racism. As such, Emancipation Day serves as a reminder that the fight against discrimination in the workplace and society continues.
Present day unions and activists have taken on the roles of advocates for diversity and inclusivity in all workplaces and as such Emancipation Day highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of Black workers and ensuring that their voices are heard within labour movements. Unions can use this day to reaffirm their commitment to promoting diversity and addressing barriers faced by racialized workers.
Emancipation Day 2024 will be observed with various events and activities aimed at celebrating Black history, culture, and the legacy of those who fought against slavery. To stay updated on specific events and activities planned for Emancipation Day 2024, check your local community calendars, social media platforms, or websites of organizations dedicated to Black history and cultural awareness as the date approaches.
Emancipation Day serves as a vital occasion for unions and activists to reflect on their role in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. By honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom and advocating for the rights of all workers. They can also leverage Emancipation Day as a platform to advocate for policy changes that address systemic racism and economic inequities. This includes supporting legislation aimed at improving labour conditions for racialized workers and combating discrimination in the workplace.
Hayley Millington National Executive Vice-President Union of National Employees
To my brave members fighting the fire, we are thinking of you and praying for your return.
Our hearts are broken for all members that were evacuated to British Columbia, Edmonton, and any other locations.
One of the 5 big crises facing the labour movement and workers is climate change. We acknowledge and understand that we must be a partner in dealing with Climate change and we have committed to doing our best to address the impacts to you and all workers.
We are in frequent communication with your employer that is following their emergency evacuation procedures, “Guidelines for the treatment of Employees in Emergency Workplace Disruption” for staff. Please reach out to your local, regional, and National team to advise us of any challenges regarding your employment while displaced so that we may raise them with the employer as soon as possible.
Alisha Kang (nee Campbell) National President Union of National Employees
The announcement of Minister Anand on National Public Service Week was a slap in the face to many members given the number of groups that were excluded from the 25 years of service and out such as peace officers, park wardens and other emergency service workers that have given so much for the protection of Canadians. We will continue to work to demonstrate why these members should be included.
Alisha Kang (nee Campbell) National President Union of National Employees
International Trans Day of Visibility is on March 31, 2024. It is an annual celebration of trans and non-binary people.
Rachel Crandell, a transgender activist from Michigan, created the day in 2009 to counterbalance the only day for trans people being Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). It is important to celebrate the living as well as mourning the murdered.
International Trans Day of Visibility, and every day, is a time to celebrate trans and non-binary joy and their lives. Their human rights continue to be under attack with rising hate and anti-trans policies. They also face increased violence, especially racialized trans and non-binary people. We must celebrate their contributions to the community as well as fight discrimination against them.
StatsCan reports that “One in 300 people in Canada aged 15 and older are transgender or non-binary.” While you may not personally know a trans or non-binary person, they are your coworkers, family, friends, and community members. They have also been active in the Labour movement.
Danielle Palmer UNE National Equity Representative for 2SLGBTQ+ People
Last fall, negotiations between the House of Commons and UNE Local 70390 members in the Operational and Postal Services bargaining unit, reached an impasse. PSAC is going to arbitration before the Federal Public Service Labour Relations and Employment Board (FPSLREB).
The arbitration hearings will be taking place virtually on April 2 and 3. The hearings will be public.
This dispute resolution step, part of the long and sometimes arduous negotiation process, is unfolding because of the unwillingness of the employer to accept some fundamental bargaining demands.
“As Canadians, we should be ashamed to see the very halls of democracy treat their workers in this manner,” declared UNE National President Alisha Campbell. “When not even the House of Commons, the lower house of the Parliament of Canada, will play fair with its workers leading to arbitration, what hope do Canadian workers have at gaining better working conditions? Our dedicated members deserve their fundamental bargaining demands to be heard. If it’s a fight they want, it’s a fight they will get!”
Our members have brought forward the following demands at the bargaining table:
The implementation of a bilingual bonus
Increases of shift premiums similar to the ones various PSAC members receive
The possibility for seasonal House of Commons workers to apply for full-time positions
On top of these bargaining demands, the employer refuses to implement critical issues that PSAC successfully negotiated with Treasury Board last spring, such as:
Economic increase comparable to other bargaining units in the parliamentary precinct
Compensation for Phoenix damages that occurred in 2021
Compensation for the late implementation of the collective agreement
Expanded rights for family-related leave
Additional wage increases that reflect the ones received by other PSAC members who perform similar, sometimes identical tasks as the ones performed by our members
An additional personal day
If you have any questions about the hearing and the current dispute with the House of Commons, please contact your Local executive.
On International Francophonie Day, UNE’s Francophone Committee is calling on UNE members to take a few moments to underscore their pride in belonging to the Francophonie.
International Francophonie Day is the perfect moment to celebrate the solidarity uniting French-speaking workers everywhere.
Despite the recent modernization of the Official Languages Act by the Federal Government—the purpose of which is to increase French usage in government institutions—many indicators are pointing to a decrease in the use of French in the workplace.
This is why, now more than ever, the right to work in French must be placed at the top of the list of concerns for the labour movement.
Unions representing French-speaking workers must put in place all the tools that enhance and promote French, so that it is given all the importance it deserves in every workplace.
UNE’s Francophone Committee wishes you a great International Francophonie Day.
March 8th is recognized as the International Women’s Day. It is a day to celebrate and rejoice in women and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. We take this time to raise awareness of progress made towards equality and the challenges that we still face.
We can trace the origins of the International Women’s Day to the early 20th century where we saw reflecting in labour movements across North America and Europe a call for women’s equal participation in society. While the first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, the United Nation went one step further and recognized 1975 as the International Women’s year. Today, we see March 19th as a day of unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy, and action for women in many countries across the world.
The United Nation’s Motto for this year’s International Women’s Day is: Invest in Women – Accelerate progress. Investing in women is a human rights issue. Investing in women benefits us all.
Women are facing key challenges, still to this day. More and more women have been forced to live in poverty, especially since the pandemic. The evidence is clear, this crisis is gendered. Women’s participation in the workforce fell to its lowest point in thirty years. An estimated 342 million women and girls will be living in poverty by 2030. Women are losing their right to choose in some states in the U.S. How often do we see cutbacks by the government on public spending that negatively impact women and their essential services? Too often. We need to support women the best way we can. We need to allow for more space, safer space, for women to have a voice and allies to amplify that voice.
To celebrate this day and the diverse women who have persisted, showed immeasurable strength and leadership, you can wear a OFL 2024 Diversity Grows Our Strength lapel pin or t-shirt to display your solidarity and sisterhood.
Unions, community organizations, activists and the public are invited to take part in the annual March 8 Project by ordering merchandise and any surplus made from the sales will be donated to organizations that help women. In the past, such donations were made to organizations such as the Ontario Equal pay Coalition, the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), Hub Club youth camps, the Strawberry Ceremony honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Rise up! feminist digital archive, various women’s shelters and Indigenous women’s organizations.
Mireille Jaillet UNE National Equity Representative for Women
