Statement from NS Federation of Labour on new Federal Cabinet

Today, the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour welcomes the announcement that Nova Scotia will have two Members of Parliament serving as ministers in the new federal cabinet. Nova Scotia is one of only three provinces with at least two ministers at the cabinet table, the others being Quebec and Ontario. This representation for a dedicated Minister is essential for our province, country and the working people we represent.

However, we are deeply disappointed that this new cabinet has no dedicated Minister of Labour at a time when the labour portfolio is so important, especially with ongoing trade tariff issues and other challenges facing workers, who need a minister whose sole focus is on jobs, job security, and the protection of the public sector. A dedicated Labour Minister is critical to ensure that workers’ rights are protected and that the voices of working people are heard loud and clear. Now more than ever, we need to be laser-focused on creating a future where good union jobs bring economic stability to our provinces and country. These jobs are the backbone of our communities and are crucial to increasing Canada’s GDP and enhancing the economic and financial stability of families.

We call on the federal government to recognize the urgent need for strong, focused leadership on labour issues and to put workers at the centre of economic policy. We will write to the Prime Minister expressing our deep concern.