Statement from Larry Rousseau: Meaningful investments and a seat at the table for workers essential for decarbonization

Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress, released this statement ahead of COP27:

“Canada’s unions are gearing up to be a strong voice for working people and their families at the global climate summit, COP27, from November 6th – November 19th, 2022.

“Governments are making efforts to decarbonize their economies as the climate crisis wreaks havoc on communities around the globe. In Canada, our government has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. A concrete plan for workers in high-carbon industries is crucial if we are going to achieve net-zero.

“We are encouraged by the government’s commitments to work with unions on training for good-paying, sustainable jobs, the Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, and ensuring tax credits have strings attached related to job quality in the Fall Economic Statement. However, the extent of the total the government is willing to invest, and how exactly workers and unions will be engaged remains unclear.

“A Just Transition is about sustainable work that lets us meet our climate targets. It requires meaningful investments in unionized, low-carbon jobs to protect workers’ quality of life, employment, and communities as we decarbonize our economy. There must be pathways into these new jobs for women, Indigenous and racialized workers, and other equity-seeking groups. We hope to hear more details about the government’s plan for engaging workers and investing in unionized, sustainable jobs, and that the commitments Canada makes on the global stage will create the opportunities workers need.

“COP27 is an opportunity for Canada to commit to ensuring that workers benefit from the changes we must make to meet our climate targets. We will be there to make sure workers’ voices are at the table during COP27, and to ensure politicians understand that workers must be involved in decision-making about our futures.”

A delegation of labour representatives from across Canada will attend COP27.

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