Unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territories [OTTAWA], 9 November 2023:
Climate organizations are calling for Parliamentarians on the Natural Resources Committee to end the filibustering tactics and work constructively to improve and pass the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act (Bill C-50) – following a similar appeal by prominent labour leaders last week.
“Every day, more and more evidence points to the fact that the global transformation towards a clean economy is happening at a faster rate than expected,” said Caroline Brouillette, Executive Director of Climate Action Network Canada. “Building a clean economy can create good, stable jobs and thriving communities. The question is whether we ensure that Canada is well positioned in this transition and that it is fair. Workers need legislation to protect their rights – which should not be used as a political football.”
Climate organizations have engaged alongside labour unions in the federal process on Sustainable Jobs legislation for years, advocating for legislation that establishes the necessary structures for the federal government to centre workers in the shift to a zero-emissions economy.
Canadian workers deserve to have their voices heard on the changing nature of work and on the impacts of the climate crisis on their futures. The current text of Bill C-50 is incomplete and must be improved to ensure it delivers the programs and tools Canadians need to be safe and secure in their jobs and on the path to a brighter future.
“If passed, C-50 should provide a framework for government, employers, communities and workers to inform policy and investment decisions that result in economic growth and high-quality jobs for Canadians in a new energy future,” said Chris Severson-Baker, Executive Director of the Pembina Institute. “Committee members must now hear witnesses and study the Bill in order to make essential improvements and expedite its passage. We urge MPs to stop the unnecessary delays.”
“Instead of wasting precious time, the Parliamentary Committee should listen to workers and energy transition experts. Strengthening the Sustainable Jobs Act and passing it swiftly could help workers affected by the shift away from high-carbon industries and find jobs in Canada’s net-zero economy. The sooner Parliament improves and passes this bill, the sooner the real work begins,” said Aliénor Rougeot, Climate and Energy Program Manager at Environmental Defence.
“Committee review is an important stage of the development of legislation in a democratic government. It provides Parliamentarians an opportunity to study the text of the Bill in detail and, importantly, hear from experts and those affected by the legislation,” said Matt Hulse, lawyer at Ecojustice. “It is a place to amend this Bill to ensure it works for Canadians and the climate, which should be the goal of all parties.”
More resources:
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Environmental Defence: Media backgrounder on Sustainable Jobs legislation
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Pembina and Canadian Labour Congress: A Sustainable Jobs Blueprint
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Canada’s farthest-reaching network of organizations working on climate and energy issues, Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat (CAN-Rac) Canada is a coalition of 150 organizations operating from coast to coast to coast. Our membership brings environmental groups together with trade unions, First Nations, social justice, development, health and youth organizations, faith groups and local, grassroots initiatives.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Vicky Coo, Communications Manager
comms@climateactionnetwork.ca