Federal Election October 14th - OPSEU to Help Stop Harper

September 24, 2008

OPSEU is actively mobilizing the vote across the province to help prevent a majority Conservative government.  The union’s Executive Board has agreed on a strategy to get out the vote – especially in tight local races where Conservatives can stopped.  “We encourage all members to spread the word and to help get out the vote to forestall a Conservative majority”, said OPSEU President Smokey Thomas.  “Harper’s agenda is the same as Mike Harris’s was in Ontario.  He intends to deepen his cuts to public services and equity programs and hack away at public healthcare”, Thomas warned.  “Instead, what working families need is a progressive federal government committed to assisting the Ontario economy

OPSEU’s Executive Board has strongly embraced a federal election plan with these key components:

• Mobilize members to vote and volunteer to help prevent a federal Conservative majority

• Help re-elect MPs with a progressive track record and new labour-friendly candidates – including selected New Democrats and Liberals

• Encourage support for OPSEU members running in the election.

• Help defeat key Harper Cabinet members including Jim Flaherty (? Durham ). Tony Clement (Parry Sound Muskoka) and John Baird (Ottawa Orleans)

A Crucial Federal Election

The October 14th federal election is a crucial turning point for Canada.  Stephen Harper has turned his back on the needs of working Canadians.  His Finance Minister has questioned the value of investing in Ontario.  His election campaign has the backing of Canadian corporations and oil companies to whom Harper has given $50 billion in tax cuts.  Meanwhile, 5 million Canadians have no family doctor, food inspection is lacking and there’s no action on climate change.

But we have the power to change Canada!  The Conservatives need 28 more seats for a majority.  Twenty or more tight races are unfolding now in every corner of the province.  OPSEU has over 1000 votes in every riding.  Acting together, our membership can be the margin of victory for many progressive candidates.

In the days ahead, member activists in every OPSEU Region will be touch with Local Executive Committees and Area Councils about getting out the vote.

Election Resources

NUPGE, our national union, has produced helpful election-related information which can be viewed here http://www.nupge.ca/issues/election2008.htm.  You’ll find links to political party web sites; election information on healthcare, the environment, labour law public safety, social services and more.

The Harper Record

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives has a new publication downloadable free from their website.  Click here ( www.policyalternatives.ca ) for a comprehensive review of Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s economic mismanagement and his attacks on public infrastructure, equity, health, education, the environment and poor Canadians.  Then tell your friends! 

Know Your Rights - Unions, Public Sector Workers and Election Law

Everyone who has reached the age of 18 and is a citizen can vote.  OPSEU encourages everyone eligible to do so!  Talk it up with co-workers, family and neighbours. 

Just don’t do any partisan politics at work.  The Public Service Act prohibits employees from engaging in political activity at work.  However, provincial crown employees are free to be politically active after or before work.  A small “restricted category” of employees (virtually all are senior management) have some restrictions.

That means OPSEU members can:

•  do volunteer work for candidates – deliver flyers, phone voters to seek support

• attend all-candidate debates

• donate money to political parties (with a generous tax rebate)

• take a sign for your home

• join a political party

OPSEU itself, as with all unions, is barred from donating money to federal candidates.  The union can, of course, engage in partisan political activity – helping members make informed election choices and encouraging support for labour-friendly candidates and political parties.