CUPE Saskatchewan Praises Throne Speech Priorities

[Oct 26, 2006 07:30 PM]

 

 

 

For Immediate Release:
October 26, 2006

 

REGINA: Saskatchewan's largest union is praising the provincial government's four cornerstone-approach for this session of the legislature, revealed in Thursday's Speech from the Throne.

"Lorne Calvert's government has placed importance on families, and on giving our province a sustainable future," said Tom Graham, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees - Saskatchewan. "There was talk of real building blocks like the KidsFirst program, and the promise to make investments in health care the highest they have ever been. That's a signal to CUPE and to all the working men and women of this province that the government understands what is important to them."

CUPE officials were also pleased to hear that the provincial government plans to be diligent in their communication with the federal government over equalization payments and the cancelled national child care program.

Referring to Saskatchewan as a 'have' province, Graham calls investment in our people and our programs an investment in an even brighter future.

"Community-based organizations, public infrastructure renewal, environmental protection, workplace safety and building strong communities are all on our list of key issues, and we were pleased that those same issues were included in the Throne Speech," he said.

"Now, we are really looking forward to seeing actual progress made according to those priorities. The Report on Vulnerable Workers should be met with action, and all these priorities should be reflected in the next budget."

CUPE represents over 26,000 public sector workers in Saskatchewan who work at health care facilities, municipalities, school boards, universities, libraries and community-based organizations.

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For more information contact:
Tom Graham 229-8171

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