The Barrie and District Labour Council is comprised of fifteen Labour Unions from Barrie and surrounding areas. We share common goals with Just Recovery Simcoe.
As we, the municipalities and the city of Barrie, move further into recovery it is important for our politicians to focus on key elements in their recovery plans.
Strengthen Public Health
The pandemic made it clear that we need a more resilient and comprehensive public health care system. Governments must make investments that will keep all of us safe, make life affordable, and ensure everyone has access to the health care they need.
Replace lost jobs with better ones
Millions of jobs were lost because of the pandemic. The economic shutdown had a disproportionate impact on women, racialized workers and Indigenous Peoples who face systemic barriers. Governments must make investments that guarantee a living wage for all workers, invest in green infrastructure, including public transit, clean and renewable energy, and energy efficient retrofits of buildings and homes. Support workers and industries that have been hardest hit. Finally, establish a “Buy Canadian” procurement policy.
Disaster-proof Canada’s social safety net
The pandemic exposed deep disparities and vulnerabilities in our social safety net. We can’t go back to business as usual. Governments must make investments that strengthen employment insurance, invest in a universal child care system, make housing more affordable and invest in skills training and post-secondary education so Canadians can get the skills and knowledge they need to find and keep good jobs.
As a country, province, and municipalities we have one chance to get recovery right.
This piece was written by Michele MacDonald,
President, Barrie and District Labour Council
Just Recovery Simcoe is an alliance of 40+ groups from across Simcoe County and beyond. Their core belief is that a healthy community is one that is equitable, environmentally friendly, and one that seeks to provide healthy places to live and work for all. JustRecoverySimcoe.ca
Help create a just and sustainable future.
If you’d like to be a part of this initiative, or have comments or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Recent Comments