News releases

Tom Mulcair and the NDP are the best choice for working people

October 15, 2015
This federal election campaign is not just one of the longest in Canadian history, it’s also one of the most important. After 10 years of lost jobs, cuts to vital public services, and the gutting of environmental regulations, it's time for change in Ottawa. That's why I am voting for Tom Mulcair... more

Golden Tree Farmworkers’ Monument a Lasting Legacy

October 3, 2015
Vancouver – After more than seven years in the making, the Golden Tree Farmworkers’ monument was unveiled today in its permanent home in the Friendship Garden, behind the Clearbrook Library in Abbotsford.

Minimum wage workers can thank Premier Clark for continued poverty wages

September 15, 2015
Vancouver – With the 20 cent increase to the minimum wage taking effect today, the BC Federation of Labour is reminding the BC Liberal government that they are leaving hundreds of thousands of working people in poverty. “A person working full time in BC earning the minimum wage is... more

Low minimum wage impedes BC’s economy

September 15, 2015
It’s September 15, and today BC’s lowest paid workers get a raise. That’s right, today is the day that the minimum wage increases by a whopping 20 cents – from $10.25/hr to $10.45/hr. But before we celebrate this raise, let’s put it in context. There are more than 110,000 working people in BC... more

Labour Day 2015 - Greeting from Irene Lanzinger

September 4, 2015
Labour Day has a long and significant history in our country. And as people get ready to enjoy a day off with family or friends, it’s import we don’t lose sight of why we celebrate this day each year. More than just a holiday, Labour Day is a reminder of the struggles and victories of working... more

Burn’s Lake Decision Leaves Families without Justice

August 4, 2015
VANCOUVER – As the second Coroner’s Inquest into deadly sawmill explosions concludes, the BC Federation of Labour is reaffirming its call for a full and independent public inquiry into the Lakeland and Babine sawmill explosions. BC Federation of Labour President Irene Lanzinger... more

Canada’s Top Labour Leaders Call on Premiers to Show the Unity and Leadership Harper Has Failed to Deliver

July 14, 2015
ST. JOHN’S, NL– At the kickoff of the Council of the Federation meeting, Canada’s labour leaders called on the provincial and territorial premiers to come together with unprecedented unity to set a new agenda for Canada.

BCFED congratulates Art Kube on his appointment to the Order of Canada

July 1, 2015
VANCOUVER - The following is a statement from BC Federation of Labour president Irene Lanzinger on the appointment of Art Kube to the Order of Canada: “On behalf of the BC Federation of Labour, it is a great pleasure to congratulate Art Kube on his appointment as a Member of the... more

BCFED calls on Museum of History to preserve 1919 Winnipeg General Strike exhibit

June 22, 2015
VANCOUVER – The BC Federation of Labour is calling on the Canadian Museum of History to reconsider its decision to eliminate the longstanding exhibit devoted to the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike. In a letter to the Museum’s Board of Trustees, BCFED Secretary-Treasurer Aaron Ekman... more

Statement on National Aboriginal Day, June 21

June 19, 2015
VANCOUVER - The following is a statement from Irene Lanzinger, President of the BC Federation of Labour to mark June 21, National Aboriginal Day. “June 21 is Canada’s National Aboriginal Day - a day to celebrate the beautiful, diverse and rich history and culture of Canada’s First... more