September 6, 2012
Message from National President on Quebec election
The Quebec election was about a number of important issues for Quebeckers. It was not a referendum on sovereignty; it was a decision on who was best positioned to govern Quebec. As a union, we always seek to engage our membership on important political issues because the political direction governments at all levels take has a direct impact on the public services our members provide.
The PSAC's National Capital Region evaluated all parties based on their support for workers rights, union issues and public services and determined that the Parti Québécois and Québec Solidaire candidates in the Outaouais were best positioned to represent the interests of workers who live in Quebec.
Notwithstanding how this conclusion has been interpreted, it is not an endorsement of the Parti Québécois' position to separate Quebec from the rest of Canada.
Let me be clear to all PSAC members: while we as a union have a long standing position in support of the right of Quebec residents to self determination in terms of their political status, the vast majority of our members who live and work in Quebec understand that they provide valuable federal services to residents of Quebec, and that the provision of those services is fundamentally at odds with Quebec separation.
PSAC has always supported policies that protect and enhance public services and workers rights and the politicians and political parties that promote these policies. However, we do not tell our members how to vote. This is their right, and we will continue to encourage our members to exercise that right in upcoming elections.
In solidarity,
Robyn Benson, National President
Date Modified : 2012/09/07
