British Columbia Federation of Labour

The leaders of British Columbia’s largest unions and the senior leadership of the Province’s First Nations signed an historic agreement today.

The “Protocol on Cooperation and Communication” was signed by the First Nations Leadership Council (BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, Union of BC Indian Chiefs) and the B.C. Federation of Labour at the Federation’s 52^nd Annual Convention in Vancouver.

“This summer, the Federal government issued a formal apology to Canada’s First Nations over abuses in the Residential School system,” says Federation President Jim Sinclair.  “The labour movement believes it’s crucial to move from apology to action.  This agreement lays the groundwork for dialogue and action on a range of issues and initiatives that will improve the well-being of First Nations in British Columbia.”

The Protocol acknowledges mutual objectives including:

·         Raising awareness of the Title, Rights and Interests of First Nations;

·         Raising awareness of workers’ rights;

·         Achieving social justice for First Nations in BC through joint initiatives to advance reconciliation and close social and economic gaps; and

·         Collaboration on public policy issues of mutual concern. 

“The labour movement has a history of working for broader social goals,” Sinclair added.  “This agreement continues that tradition by bringing together working people and our First Nations, so that we can work together to build a province we can all be proud of.”    

For more information: Evan Stewart, Director of Communications (604) 220-3095.