The Canadian Press has reported on several significant stories across Canada, focusing on labor disputes, environmental claims, forestry reforms, and government policy changes.
Air Canada's North American Operations Restart
Air Canada flights rescheduled within North America are set to increase this morning as the airline resumes operations following a three-day strike by flight attendants. The airline started initial flight operations on Tuesday afternoon after a complete halt began early Saturday morning, focusing first on outbound international flights.
Air Canada has warned that it may take seven to ten days to return to full regular service due to aircraft and crew being out of position. Consequently, some flights may continue to face cancellations until the schedule stabilizes. The company is offering customers with cancelled flights the option of receiving a full refund or credit for future travel if they cannot be rebooked on a competitor’s flight.
Labour Code Challenges: Union Leader's Perspective
The Canadian Labour Congress President, Bea Bruske, has declared Section 107 of Canada’s Labour Code effectively "dead" after Air Canada flight attendants defied a back-to-work order issued by Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu. The flight attendants went on strike on August 16 following failed contract negotiations, leading to an invocation of Section 107, which allows the minister to enforce arbitration to ensure industrial peace.
Flight attendants continued their strike actions until a deal was reached early Tuesday, a move that Bruske praised as effective. She stated that this sets a precedent suggesting that defiance can lead to successful bargaining outcomes.
Canada Post and Union Resuming Negotiations
In another labor-related update, Canada Post is returning to the bargaining table with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers today. Previous attempts to restart talks were delayed due to a lack of federal government mediators. The union has expressed concerns that labour unrest within Air Canada is detracting attention from their ongoing dispute, which has lasted over a year and a half.
A recent proposal that included wage hikes of around 13 percent over four years and additional part-time positions was rejected by unionized postal workers.
Enbridge and Cenovus Face Greenwashing Allegations
Investors for Paris Compliance, a shareholder advocacy group, has filed a complaint with Alberta’s securities regulator against Cenovus Inc. and Enbridge Inc., accusing them of misleading investors regarding their environmental disclosures. The complaint alleges that both companies have made "inaccurate and incomplete disclosure" about their net-zero commitments under the Alberta Securities Act.
The advocacy group argues that the use of net-zero terminology has misled the public and reasonable investors into believing that Cenovus and Enbridge’s business models align with the transition to net-zero energy, despite posing threats to their existing operations and fossil fuel expansion plans.
Quebec’s Forestry Bill Under Review
The Quebec government has promised to revise its forestry reform bill, which has led to protests and blockades. Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafrenière announced that amendments should be made to the bill to consider First Nations’ rights after a six-hour meeting with Indigenous leaders and forest industry representatives. Lafrenière is set to meet with the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador and Premier François Legault’s office to discuss potential adjustments to the legislation.
Alberta Government Shifts Expense Disclosure Policy
The Alberta government, led by Premier Danielle Smith, has reverted its expense disclosure policy following backlash from various political factions accusing the administration of avoiding accountability. Initially, new rules were enacted in early August that eliminated the requirement for the Premier, her ministers, and senior staff to publicly disclose expenses over $100.
Following criticism, the cabinet has ordered that the previous policy be reinstated but with modifications to ensure both transparency and security when it comes to public postings of expenses.
This summary highlights key ongoing issues in Canada involving labor negotiations, environmental accountability, and governmental procedures, reflecting public sentiment and regulatory challenges.
