PRESS RELEASE: AFL’s McGowan Responds to Senate Vote on Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act

Bill to Protect Transitional Workers Ready to Become Law

EDMONTON – Alberta Federation of Labor (AFL) president Gil McGowan celebrated Senate’s passing Bill C-50: The Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act this week. The bill introduces governance rules for the federal government’s work to help create new energy jobs.

“Yesterday, Alberta workers scored another important victory in the Senate: the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act it has passed and is ready to become law,” McGowan said. “As our country faces a changing energy economy, this bill ensures that federal government tax credits go to jobs that pay union-equivalent wages and meet union standards.”

By setting rules on tax credits, Bill C-50 helps prevent new jobs from being exploited or the living standards of Alberta workers being lowered. The bill also provides seats at the table for workers on the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council. McGowan said these seats ensured workers would be included in advising cabinet on funding and regulatory decisions.

“We are very proud of the role the AFL and our affiliates played in this victory. From our groundbreaking report on energy jobs to communicating with cabinet and many members of Parliament, the labor movement has worked incredibly hard to get Ottawa’s attention and convince them that these standards are absolutely necessary,” said McGowan.

“The next steps have to come from the provincial government. Alberta needs an industrial strategy to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the new energy economy and to prevent our province and our workers from being left behind,” concluded McGowan.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
John Ashton
Director of Communications, AFL
Email: [email protected]