Labour Day a day for reflection and action

For many across our country, Labour Day represents a symbolic end to summer.

For us involved in the movement, however, Labour Day is much more than just a day off. Labour Day is a day for us to reflect on, honour and celebrate the work that labour and union activists who came before us did and how they fought to win rights that we often take for granted today — the eight-hour workday, overtime pay, sick leave and parental leave, and the list goes on.

Monday is a day we are also reminded that the work is far from over, and a day we renew our commitment to doing what our predecessors did by continuing to push for changes that will benefit all British Columbians, particularly the working people and families. This Labour Day, we are bringing attention to the Canadian Labour Congress’s campaign to bring pharmacare to all Canadians.

Canadian pharmaceutical and insurance industry lobbyists have launched an all-out attack on a singlepayer, public and universal pharmacare plan. They know it will axe corporate profits and spread savings and benefits to everyone. They are trying to downscale government ambitions.

Sadly, 3.5 million Canadians can’t afford to fill their prescriptions. Many are splitting their pills or skipping days to stretch their medications. Nobody should be forced to choose between paying for groceries and paying for the medication they need.

Show your support this Labour Day by signing the petition at aplanforeveryone.ca. David Black President, MoveUP