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The PSAC Human Rights Program
May 2, 2013
Asian Heritage Month
May is Asian Heritage Month. It is an opportunity to recognize, reflect on and celebrate the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada.
March 21, 2013
March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
On March 21, 1960, white police fired more than seven hundred shots at demonstrators peacefully protesting South Africa's pass book system in the Johannesburg suburb of Sharpeville.
March 18, 2013
Federal government to appeal Federal Court decision on family status accommodation
The Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) has once again decided to launch an appeal to try to defeat a decision that means employers must try to find a workable solution to accommodate workers with childcare obligations.
February 13, 2013
PSAC Federal Court victory on family status accommodation: what this means for you
This ruling means that the employer has the obligation to find workable solutions - to the point of undue hardship - on a case-by-case basis so that workers like Fiona Johnstone can balance work and family.
January 31, 2013
African Heritage Month/Black History Month
Black History Month recognizes the contributions and achievements of Black people in Canada.
November 22, 2012
Duty to accommodate: it's a right
Persons with disabilities face many kinds of barriers on a daily basis. These can be physical, attitudinal or systemic.
November 16, 2012
Trans Day of Remembrance
November 20 marks Trans Day of Remembrance. On this day, we remember our transgender and tansexual brothers and sisters who have suffered, and continue to suffer, from violence, hatred and discrimination in our communities and in our workplaces.
August 14, 2012
The National Human Rights Committee
The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) provides advice to the National Board of Directors (the body that runs the union between Triennial Conventions) on various equity issues. After an extensive review, the NBoD reconstituted the National Equal Opportunities Committee (EOC) as the NHRC with the following resolution adopted in June 2011.
May 16, 2012
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia. The PSAC stands in solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities in opposition to homophobia and transphobia.
April 5, 2012
PSAC supports trans rights bill – again
The Public Service Alliance of Canada is once again supporting a bill that would ensure human rights protections for transgender and transsexual Canadians.
March 20, 2012
March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Every year on March 21st, the world commemorates the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpville massacre, which saw dozens of peaceful demonstrators shot by police in apartheid South Africa for protesting racially discriminatory laws.
February 2, 2012
Black History Month 2012: PSAC recognizes contributions of black workers
Every year, there are Black History Month festivities and events all across the country that honour the legacy of black people or people of African descent in Canada, past and present.
December 8, 2011
Statement on International Human Rights Day
Amnesty International Canada is promoting a Write for Rights campaign, where Canadians can advocate for imprisoned human rights defenders all over the world.
December 3, 2011
International Day for Persons with Disabilities
The PSAC is calling on all levels of government to address the growing mental health crisis in Canada.
December 2, 2011
PSAC statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women
The Harper Conservatives are marking December 6 this year by destroying the federal long-gun registry and its more than seven million records.
December 1, 2011
PSAC Statement on World AIDS Day
The first case of AIDS was diagnosed 30 years ago. Since then, more than 27 million people around the world have died from HIV/AIDS related illnesses.
November 18, 2011
Trans Day of Remembrance Statement
November 20 marks the Trans Day of Remembrance. Transgender and transsexual people are often victims of discrimination, harassment and violence in the workplace, in their communities and at school. This day gives us a chance to mourn losses and fight for change. »
March 21, 2011
PSAC Statement on International Day for the Elimination of Racism
Today, the Public Service Alliance of Canada commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Racism.
December 10, 2010
PSAC statement on International Human Rights Day
Today is International Human Rights Day and the Public Service Alliance of Canada condemns the Harper government for continuing to undermine and attack human rights, both at home and internationally.
December 3, 2010
Mental Health affects us all International Day for Persons with Disabilities: December 3rd
It is only recently that mental health issues, in our communities and our workplaces are being closely examined.
June 8, 2010
Bill C-389: Justice for transsexual and transgender Canadians
Transsexual and transgender people are workers, citizens and beloved members of our families. They deserve nothing more than respect, equality and protection from discrimination and violence. [PDF]
May 17, 2010
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
PSAC joins with LGBT activists in Canada and around the world, to call for an end to violence and discrimination against queer and trans people on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia »
March 26, 2010
Stand up for LGBT rights today
Since taking power in 2006, the Harper government has attempted to undermine the LGBT community's hard-fought struggle for equality and human rights. Send a letter to Prime Minister Harper. »
February 1, 2010
African Heritage/Black History Month
Black History Month is celebrated in Canada to recognize the contributions of Black people and people of African heritage to the growth and development of this country and their importance to its history. »
December 9, 2009
PSAC Statement on Human Rights Day
Struggle against discrimination faces uphill battle. The UN has announced that this year's celebration will focus on non-discrimination. »
December 3, 2009
December 3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities
“Empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world” »
November 30, 2009
December 1st is World AIDS Day
We know that the people and communities most affected by HIV/AIDS are those with limited access to fundamental social and economic rights. »
November 20, 2009
Trans Day of Remembrance: Mourning the Dead and Fighting for Change
Today marks the Trans Day of Remembrance, a day to honour and remember transgender and transsexual people who have been murdered as a result of transphobic violence.
PSAC joins with the Canadian Labour Congress in its efforts to educate both employers and union members about trans issues, put trans issues on our list of priorities at the bargaining table and make sure that PSAC and other unions support workers who are transitioning on the job.
- Read the CLC's statement on in honour of the Trans Day of Remembrance.
- Read the CLC and the CAW's Workers in Transition guide.
- Find out more about how PSAC is fighting for Trans Human Rights.
November 9, 2009
The H1N1 Flu Virus and Your Rights at Work
As the number of reported cases of Influenza Type A (H1N1) rises in Canada and worldwide, PSAC members are increasingly concerned for their health and safety at work. »
June 25, 2009
PSAC Pride 2009 Statement
Celebrating 40 years of freedom! »
April 17, 2009
PSAC urges Alberta to reverse its decision on gender surgery
Public access to medically necessary health care is a human right. »
March 20, 2009
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Every year, the PSAC marks March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, as an important day. »
February 4, 2009
Black History Month: the fight against discrimination continues
It is a time for PSAC members to highlight and acknowledge the immense benefits that the labour movement and Canada in general have achieved through the contributions of Black people and people of African heritage. »
December 3, 2008
Promoting dignity and justice for people with disabilities
PSAC Statement on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. »
November 27, 2008
War on Drugs will not stop HIV/AIDS
PSAC urges federal government to invest in prevention and support harm reduction. »
November 12, 2008
UN accuses Colombia forces of killing civilians
Colombia's security forces are engaged in “widespread and systematic” killings of civilians that could constitute a crime against humanity. »
October 29, 2008
PSAC's Big Bargaining Video Challenge
Could you be the next Michael Moore or Steven Spielberg? Here's your chance to show your filmmaking talents at the PSAC's Big Bargaining Video Challenge. »
October 15, 2008
Letter to Dr. Álvaro Uribe Vélez, President of Colombia
The PSAC strongly protests the attacks against the more than 10,000 workers in the sugar industry in Colombia who are currently on strike. »
Sept 18 , 2008
2008 PSAC National Aboriginal
Peoples' Conference
“MAAWANGITEENG”: Where the Journey Begins.» NAIM»
July 22, 2008
Canadian union leaders join Colombia solidarity tour
The visit will allow the leaders to examine first-hand the problems that afflict the South American country, especially given the current government's human rights record and the concerns about the recent free trade agreement with Canada. Check this page for updates from Colombia. »
June 21, 2008
PSAC Statement on National Aboriginal Peoples' Day
National Aboriginal Peoples' Day is an opportunity for PSAC to express solidarity with Aboriginal Peoples and support the call for a better life for all Aboriginal Peoples. »
July 10, 2008
PSAC - Social Justice Fund
Union leaders representing a million workers will visit Colombia to assess human rights. »
May 12, 2008
PSAC – Social Justice Fund
Progressive Filipino legislators discuss human rights with Canadian unions. »
May 12, 2008
Colombian activist urges Canadians to reject Canada-Colombia free trade deal
According to Marilyn Machado, the treatment of black communities in Colombia constitutes one of the worst humanitarian crises facing Africans in the Diaspora. »
February 21, 2008
Notes for a Statement to the Standing Committee on Official Languages »
February 8, 2008
Employment equity report to Parliament exposes serious gaps in government hiring
The picture of employment of historically marginalized Canadians in the federal public service is not as rosy as the government would like to have us believe. »
February 1, 2008
Black History Month: Remembering Cal Best
As the PSAC celebrates Black History Month, it recognizes and honours the contributions of its Black members and members of African heritage. »
December 10, 2007
Quality public services essential to protecting, promoting human rights
This December 10, International Human Rights Day, the PSAC would like to reaffirm our commitment to defending quality public services and human rights. »
December 3 , 2007
International Day for Persons with Disabilities
"Decent work for persons with disabilities" – this year's theme for the annual observance on December 3 of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities – underscores the enormous challenges persons with disabilities face in securing gainful, paid employment. »
December 1st, 2007
World Aids Day
The PSAC joins the Canadian Labour Congress in calling for leadership by the federal government in the fight against HIV/AIDS. »
February 21, 2007
Black History Month
Black History Month is celebrated in Canada to recognize the contributions and achievements of Black peoples to the growth and development of this country and their importance to Canada's history. Details.
December 10, 2006
PSAC Statement on International Human Rights Day.
November 2006
CLC Racial Discrimination Holding Back Young Workers
July 26, 2006
RE: Bill 107 - Amendments to the Ontario Human Rights Code
Read the letter sent to the Premier and the Attorney General of Ontario as well as to the Justice Policy Committee to express our concerns about the proposed amendments to the Ontario Human Rights Code ("Code") under Bill 107. Read the details.
June 12, 2006
Summer of Pride
The PSAC, along with our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender sisters and brothers invite you to celebrate the various "Pride" events happening in cities and communities across Canada in June or August. Read the details.
April 5, 2006
Integrating immigrant workers
A long road ahead
The harmonious integration of immigrants in workplaces will only be achieved when proactive measures are adopted at both the political and corporate levels, according to PSAC National President Nycole Turmel. Read the details.
March 30 , 2006
Support Equal Marriage
In July 2005, the PSAC stood proud along side the majority of Canadians when Parliament proclaimed that same-sex couples are equal in value and equal in law. This meant that after years of debate and unanimous rulings by courts in 8 provinces and the Yukon , equal marriage became the law of the land.
This right is now being threatened. Prime Minister Harper insists there will be a vote on rolling back equality.
The PSAC will continue to support the campaign Canadians for Equal Marriage (CEM) and encourages members to visit the CEM website and get involved in the actions to make a difference in the upcoming vote in Parliament.
Go to www.equal-marriage.ca
December 9, 2005
Human Rights Day - December 10
This year's International Human Rights Day coincides with the 20th anniversary of Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees equality for all Canadians. Read our statement.
October 3, 2005
Unity Conference
Septembre 26 , 2005
Unity Conference
PSAC President, Nycole Turmel, asks the delegates to the national Unity Conference in Halifax to keep up their great work. Details
Septembre 23 , 2005
The PSAC National Access Conference
Read the Final Conference Report
June 6 , 2005
“We all have the right to the truth” – Maher Arar
We all have a right to know the truth about what happened to Maher Arar. The PSAC supports Maher Arar's efforts to know the role Canadian officials played in his detention in the United States, his deportation to Syria and subsequent imprisonment and torture. Read more.
April 5, 2005
2005 National Unity Conference
"Building the Future: Taking our place in the Union and the world" September 23rd – 25th, 2005 Halifax. Click here for conference details.
March 21, 2005
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
In the current context of globalization and the war against terrorism, people of colour and Aboriginal peoples suffer a two-pronged attack that subjects them to economic, political and social marginalization. Read more
The PSAC Human Rights Program has general accountability for promoting and defending the Human Rights of PSAC members according to the policy mandate of the Alliance and within the context of the Canadian Human Rights Act and comparable legislation.
It is based on a mobilizing approach, rather than an advocacy approach. This means that the Union provides support to members from equity groups to discuss, identify and strategize around how to best address issues of particular concerns to them. Committees exist on a national and regional basis. The Human Rights Program is integrated with the Employment Equity Program and the Women's Program.
PSAC Pride Statement 2004: Celebrating… and Continuing to Fight for Pride
We have good reasons to be proud of the ongoing struggle for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered equality within our union and within Canadian society. Read the PSAC statement.
National Aboriginal, Inuit and Métis Network
Are you Aboriginal, Inuit or Métis? Are you a member of the PSAC? Are you interested in participating in the National Aboriginal, Inuit and Métis Network being created within our Union? Click here
The Access Conference 2005. Click here for information
- Canadian Human Rights Commissions' consultation document “Looking Ahead: Consultation Document (September 2004)”
- Fourth National Access Conference - 2002
- Solidarity in our journey, unity for the furture - 2002 conference report
- Equal Opportunities Committee
- PSAC Regional Human Rights Committee
- CLC Human Rights Working Group Committees
- Stop Racism
- Human Rights Policies & Publications
- Equity Days
- December 1, World AIDS Day
- December 3rd - United Nations International Day for Disabled Persons
- December 10th - Human Rights Day
- February - Black/African Heritage Month
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Partnership Agreement between CAP & PSAC
- Report on "Towards a Representative, Competent and Non-Partisan Public Service in Canada" Forum
- Clemency for Leonard Peltier
- The adjudicability of human rights grievances for employees covered by the PSSRA
- Guidelines for the presentation of complaints to the Canadian Human Rights Commission
- Other Human Rights Links
Date Modified : 2013/05/02
