Results for Workers – Federal Election Letter to Steelworkers from Ken Neumann

To members of the Steelworkers,

The pandemic has been tough on all of us. Uncertain times continue with many parts of the country now in a fourth wave.

Calling a federal election is a self-serving move by the Liberal government. An election right now is unnecessary, especially as many communities are threatened or evacuated by wildfires.

While we may not want this election, we still need to participate. It’s a chance for Steelworkers to have our say. Elections matter and your vote matters, too! It is with this in mind that the union has created a number of materials geared to give you the information you need. 

Find out more at usw.ca/election2021.

While the Steelworkers union has done our part to keep workers safe on the job during COVID-19, Jagmeet Singh and the New Democratic Party also have been delivering results, for all workers.

The Liberals like to take credit for the government supports provided to people through the pandemic. In reality, it was pressure by Jagmeet Singh and the NDP who worked to get help to millions of Canadians who needed it, and who made sure it was done quickly:

1. The NDP got the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB; now the CRB) doubled from $1,000 to $2,000 a month.
2. The NDP got the wage subsidy for businesses enhanced from 10% to 75% so more people could keep their jobs during the pandemic.
3. The NDP won 10 paid sick days for workers through the Canada Sickness Recovery Benefit – a first in Canada.
4. The NDP pushed for direct help for seniors and students.

And what about the Conservatives? Erin O’Toole just keeps making mistakes as leader. And we know Conservatives cut public services – even when we need them most.

While Liberals and Conservatives look out for corporations and their well-connected friends, imagine what we could do if we elect more New Democrats to Parliament? Canadians will benefit from an even stronger NDP in Ottawa.

Jagmeet is a compassionate leader who is sincere in his efforts about helping people. He’s not like the other leaders. He doesn’t have a hidden agenda.

In this election, Jagmeet and the NDP are running on their record of getting results for people.

The NDP is the party that stands for better jobs – jobs with decent wages and protections, a higher federal minimum wage, paid sick leave and income support for those who need it most – including seniors and people with disabilities.

The NDP has a buy-local plan that supports jobs here at home – ensuring governments source Canadian-made building materials in public infrastructure and manufacturing.

Jagmeet Singh and the NDP are focusing on affordability and a better start for young people and families – student debt relief, lower cell phone bills and housing affordability.

Jagmeet and the NDP will take real action on racial and Indigenous justice and address inequalities that have worsened during the pandemic.

Canadians are heartbroken by the mounting discoveries of unmarked graves at the sites of former residential “schools.” While the Liberal government continues to avoid its responsibilities to Indigenous children, Jagmeet and the NDP are committed to addressing the systemic racism Indigenous people face.

Jagmeet has a plan to tackle the unequal impact of the pandemic by bringing in a wealth tax and a pandemic profits tax, to make the ultra-wealthy pay their share.

These are bold but practical ways we can pay for programs that will create a fairer Canada.  

Steelworkers know that elections matter. That’s why we vote. Please support your local NDP candidate.

To find your electoral district and NDP candidate, visit: www.elections.ca.

Let’s work together to help elect more New Democrats to deliver results for working people.

Yours truly,

Ken Neumann
USW National Director

P.S., Go to elections.ca to find out if you are registered to vote, where you vote and early voting options.

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