Speeches Archive

Speech to the OFL-CLC Pension Summit

(Check Against Delivery) Sisters and brothers, I want to thank you, this panel and other speakers for discussing what is not only one of the most important issues facing us today – but one that will be critical for decades to come – the futur… Read More

Opening remarks to the OFL-CLC Pension Summit

(Check Against Delivery) Good morning sisters and brothers, delegates, panelists, and guests. And thank you panelists for taking time out of your busy schedules to be with us here today. Welcome to this historical summit. A summit bringin… Read More

Speech to the Federal Liberal Party Policy Conference - Panel on "Safeguarding Retirement Beyond 2017"

(Check Against Delivery) The challenge facing all parties in Parliament is how to solve Canada’s enormous retirement security crisis. Former Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge telling Canadians to simply save far more money is laughable, when … Read More

Speech to the ILWU Convention

Sisters and Brothers, It is my honour to be with you today, and to bring greetings from President Ken Georgetti, Executive Vice-President Marie Clarke Walker and Secretary-Treasurer Hassan Yussuff; and all of the 3.2 million workers who are members o… Read More

Speech to the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) Annual General Meeting

(Check Against Delivery) Sisters and brothers, mes chers amis, confrères, consoeurs – I am very pleased to bring a message of solidarity to the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association from the 3.2 million workers represented by the Canadian … Read More

Speech at the Presentation of the Orden de Mayo to Pat Riley ILA Local 273

Greetings Ladies and Gentlemen, Sisters and Brothers, Confrères et Consoeurs, and Comrades. It is a joy and a privilege to represent the Canadian Labour Congress in this wonderful celebration. I bring greetings on behalf of our President, Ken George… Read More

Speech to the Windsor and District Labour Council on Pension Reform

(Check Against Delivery) Sisters and brothers – many thanks for inviting me to speak to you on what is not only one of the most important issues facing us today – but one that will be critical to working people for decades to come – the future … Read More

Speech to the Tripartite Roundtable on Social Dialogue, Ratification of ILO Conventions and Follow-up to the ILO's Global Jobs Pact

(Check Against Delivery) Thank you Scott for your words of welcome. And thank you to my fellow presenters on this topic. Let me start by saying that talking about what some are saying is an “economic recovery” reminds me greatly of the old Wendy’s … Read More

Speech to the PSAC News Conference on Federal Budget

(Check Against Delivery) The Canadian Labour Congress is deeply concerned this week’s budget may cut public services or public sector workers’ pensions. Let’s be clear – Canada’s labour movement will fight unfair cuts. Cutting needed public ser… Read More

Speech to the Swearing in of the USW International Executive Board

Sisters and brothers – I am very pleased to bring a message of solidarity to the Steelworkers from the 3.2 million workers represented by the Canadian Labour Congress. It is truly a pleasure to be here on this important day to congratulate all of the new… Read More