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News Coverage Page In the News in 2013 ................................................................... 1-9 In the News in 2014 ................................................................... 10-25 In the News in 2015 ................................................................... 26-31 Op-Eds ........................................................................................ 32-39

INDEX

2015 AFL CONVENTION

AFL IN THE NEWS 2013-2015

2015 AFL Convention AFL In the News Page 1

Liberal party wants investigation over campaign contributions Edmonton Sun, 1 May 2013, 549 words, Matt Dykstra Ottawa tightens rules for foreign workers program Fort McMurray Today, 1 May 2013, 465 words, Vincent McDermott Daily Radio News – 4:45 p.m. The Canadian Press - Broadcast 1 May 2013, 249 words “The Alberta Federation of Labour says it will help fight attempts by the province to suspend the collection of dues by the union involved in the illegal jail guards strike.” CBC Radio News – 8:15 p.m. CBC Radio, 1 May 2013, 293 words “The Alberta Federation of Labour says it will help fight attempts by the province to suspend the collection of dues by the union involved in the illegal jail guards strike.” i660News – 8:45 p.m. i660 News, 1 May 2013, 441 words “The Alberta Federation of Labour says it will do what it can to help the union involved in the illegal strike by jail guards.” AFL ‘frustrated’ with province's tactics The Edmonton Sun, 2 May 2013, 262 words, Matt Dykstra Tories and a tale of two countries; Foreign workers program centres on who serves coffee The Hamilton Spectator, 2 May 2013, 713 words, Tim Harper Alberta labour to fight bid to suspend collection of union dues after strike The Canadian Press, 2 May 2013, 396 words Province targets union’s dues; Fallout from illegal strike Edmonton Journal, 2 May 2013, 615 words, Karen Kleiss and Brent Wittmeier Union must pay, says Redford; Labour leaders call move to recover costs punitive Calgary Herald, 2 May 2013, 943 words, Clara Ho Political expediency trumps First Nations issues Saskatoon Star Phoenix, 3 May 2013, 811 words, Doug Cuthand Provincial briefs Fort McMurray Today, 3 May 2013, 315 words AFL Quoted in regards to P3 Model for school construction. Let reason strike back Edmonton Journal, 3 May 2013, 583 words Op-Ed questioning AFL’s position on jail guards strike.

IN THE NEWS IN 2013

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Groups want new energy regulator head to resign before he starts National Post, 4 May 2013, 164 words Foreign workers pave way or local business' success Calgary Herald, 4 May 2013, 1894 words, Licia Corbella Province plays down concerns over ‘biased’ head of new energy regulator Calgary Herald, 4 May 2013, 490 words, Bob Weber Safety concerns at Edmonton Remand Centre prompts province-wide wildcat strikes eSource Canada Business News Network, 6 May 2013, 1204 words, Greg Burchell More calls for energy regulator to step down Fort McMurray Today, 6 May 2013, 515 words, Vincent McDermott Public relations campaigns target Albertans The Globe and Mail, 8 May 2013, 518 words, Dawn Walton Union video mocks Alberta’s low tax, royalty rates; ‘Tongue in cheek,’ but issue ‘serious’ Calgary Herald, 8 May 2013, 444 words, Karen Kleiss Curb foreign worker program, study urges; U of C prof says labour shortage is a fallacy Calgary Herald, 8 May 2013, 870 words, Jason Van Rassel Enbridge won’t back down on gateway; First nations threaten lengthy legal battle National Post, 9 May 2013, 877 words, Jeff Lewis And Claudia Cattaneo Political commercial pokes fun at royalty program Fort McMurray Today, 9 May 2013, 552 words, Vincent McDermott Always more to be done to improve workplace safety Lloydminster Meridian Booster, 10 May 2013, 447 words Royalty rates draw ire of labour federation; Energy minister insists they’re competitive Calgary Herald, 11 May 2013, 543 words, Chris Varcoe Tuesday’s letters: Alberta’s Royalty Rates Postmedia Breaking News, 13 May 2013, 1787 words Job safety justifies strike Edmonton Journal, 14 May 2013, 246 words, Allan C. Hansen Minister introduces bill to force teachers’ deal Postmedia Breaking News, 14 May 2013, 220 words Alberta’s new energy regulator draws activists’ ire as implementation looms; Arm’s-length body will be responsible for enforcing legislation... eSource Canada Business News Network, 17 May 2013, 946 words, By David Nesseth Alberta’s oil royalties lag behind U.S.: Union Calgary Sun, 21 May 2013, 318 words, Bill Kaufmann

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Wanna fix the RCMP? Then bring in a union Calgary Herald, 25 May 2013, 923 words, Licia Corbella ‘Next frontier’ of P3s on its way; Model planned for schools, premier says Calgary Herald, 1 June 2013, 730 words, James Wood Premier ‘optimistic’ Alberta oil will flow east; TransCanada hopes to start work in 2016 Calgary Herald, 8 June 2013, 835 words, Darcy Henton City students protest education cuts; Event on legislature steps called 'best class in democracy ever' Edmonton Journal, 12 June 2013, 686 words, Cailynn Klingbeil CBC News – 4:45 p.m. CBC TV, 14 June 2013, 417 words Broadcast on Northern Gateway Pipeline iNews 660 iNews 660, 14 June 2013, 320 words “Alberta's health minister wants an answer as soon as possible on whether the government is on the hook for 3.2-million dollars in bonus payments to health executives.” CBC News – 6:15 p.m. CBC TV, 14 June 2013, 165 words, (English) “The Alberta Federation of Labour is pleased with the Supreme Court of Canada ruling today that mandatory, random alcohol testing is unreasonable.” Court rejects random alcohol tests; Workplace policy affects staff privacy Calgary Herald, 15 June 2013, 955 words Gateway decision comes down to a choice; New markets for oil vs. national angst if approved National Post, 18 June 2013, 784 words, Claudia Cattaneo Northern Gateway Needed, Says CAPP The Daily Oil Bulletin, 19 June 2013, 1250 words, Elsie Ross Doing nothing not an option oil producers tell panel: Economic consequences of not proceeding with pipeline project are simply... Vancouver Sun, 19 June 2013, 996 words, Dene Moore Final arguments for pipeline Lloydminster Meridian Booster, 21 June 2013, 252 words Residency an option for foreign workers \ Temporary foreign worker changes still unfair: AFL Fort McMurray Today, 21 June 2013, 575 words, Vincent McDermott Canadian Energy Strategy workshop will hear from about 50 groups in Edmonton Postmedia Breaking News, 24 June 2013, 443 words, Sarah O'Donnell

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Extend EI coverage for all Southern Alberta flood victims: AFL Fairview Post, 03:31 PM, 25 June 2013, 341 words Laws offer little protection to displaced workers; Some lose homes, source of income Calgary Herald, 29 June 2013, 767 words, Matt McClure Supreme Court Of Canada Hears Appeal In United Food & Commercial Workers Local 401 Et Al V. Information And Privacy Commissioner (Alberta) Mondaq Business Briefing, 4 July 2013, 488 words, Tamara Hunter CBC News – 6:15 p.m. CBC TV, 4 July 2013, 470 words “The Alberta Federation of Labour wants Ottawa to ease the Employment Insurance rules for people who've lost their jobs because of the massive flooding.” Ottawa asked to modify EI rules for victims Calgary Herald, 5 July 2013, 130 words CTV News – 5:45 p.m. CTV TV, 16 July 2013, 625 words “The Canadian Taxpayers Federation wants the Alberta government to reconvene the legislature and update its 2013 fiscal blueprint.” AFL calls for increased inspections in workplaces with TFWs Fort McMurray Today, 19 July 2013, 598 words, Vincent McDermott The skinny on employment law for employees Edson Leader, 29 July 2013, 455 words, Ian McInnes Ripping off vulnerable foreign workers Edmonton Journal, 29 July 2013, 702 words Wednesday’s letters: ‘Signature’ projects cost plenty Postmedia Breaking News, 30 July 2013, 1254 words Positive response to AFL President’s Column the previous day. Vilifying businesses Edmonton Journal, 31 July 2013, 215 words, Richard Truscott “Stop the presses. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business agrees with Gil McGowan and the Alberta Federation of Labour - at least on a few points.” TransCanada to go ahead with Alberta-N.B. pipeline Fort McMurray Today, 2 August 2013, 730 words, Vincent McDermott Pipeline to East Coast seems typically Canadian Calgary Herald, 6 August 2013, 916 words, Graham Thomson New government restrictions on temporary foreign workers Fort McMurray Today, 9 August 2013, 489 words, Vincent McDermott Feds announce changes to foreign worker program eSource Canada Business News Network, 12 August 2013, 640 words, Jason Contant

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Saturday’s letters: Faster but safer on Whitemud Drive Postmedia News, 16 August 2013, 1355 words Another positive response to AFL President’s column on TFWP Province still doing nothing to protect our farm workers Calgary Herald, 19 August 2013, 374 words, Darlene Dunlop Tories urged to fulfil vow on farm worker protection Calgary Herald, 21 August 2013, 514 words, Erika Stark With unemployment rate rising, job vacancies fall in Canada: surveys The Canadian Press, 01:58 PM, 22 August 2013, 466 words Laws changing for foreign workers The Edmonton Sun, 24 August 2013, 438 words Temporary foreign workers ‘used as pawns’; Many employers are permitted to bring them in at minimum wage Edmonton Journal, 29 August 2013, 659 words, Matt Mcclure A Canadian standard of living; Unions helped to create the standard of living that Albertans have grown accustomed to, and are still working... Calgary Herald, 30 August 2013, 698 words, Gil McGowan Why join a union Calgary Herald, 30 August 2013, 1132 words AFL takes aim at farming industry The Edmonton Sun, 2 September 2013, 530 words, Carrie Kelly Workplace deaths on pace for record high Calgary Herald, 10 September 2013, 855 words, Chris Varcoe and James Wood Should OSHA Fine Workers for Unsafe Actions? EHS Today, 11 September 2013, 514 words, Josh Cable Concerns raised over work-related deaths Calgary Herald, 11 September 2013, 603 words, James Wood Safe and sound; New rules make everyone responsible for avoiding workplace injuries Calgary Herald, 12 September 2013, 517 words Public service unions concerned about pension plans Calgary Herald, 16 September 2013, 769 words, Chris Zdeb Alberta government presses for cuts in public-sector pensions Postmedia Breaking News, 16 September 2013, 985 words, Jodie Sinnema Alberta tackles pension costs; Early retirement, cost-of-living increases targeted as province faces $7.4-billion in unfunded liabilities The Globe and Mail, 17 September 2013, 870 words, Kelly Cryderman, Bill Currie

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Pensions pose a problem Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune, 17 September 2013, 240 words CBC RADIO – 4:35 a.m. CBC Radio News, 17 September 2013, 212 words “Alberta's public-sector unions say proposed government changes to their pension plans threaten the futures of thousands of workers and retirees.” Alberta’s great divide on pensions Postmedia Breaking News, 17 September 2013, 813 words, Graham Thomson Facing a harsh pension reality National Post, 18 September 2013, 745 words Pensions threatened; Proposed reforms a ‘draconian assault,’ unions say Calgary Herald, 18 September 2013, 744 words, Reid Southwick Pension apprehension \ Pending announcement causing concerns Edmonton Sun, 18 September 2013, 468 words, Matt Dykstra Pension concerns continue \ Changes proposed to curb unfunded liabilities Edmonton Sun, 20 September 2013, 556 words, Matt Dykstra B.C. NDP can take another swing at Kinder Morgan issue, but not easily; Not only did pipeline policy cost them the spring election, it... The Globe and Mail, 23 September 2013, 778 words, Justine Hunter Ill-favoured HST better than income tax The Edmonton Sun, 29 September 2013, 638 words, Colman Byfield Alberta’s new minimum wage slaves Canadian Business, 30 September 2013, 126 words, Matthew McClearn Lone worker policy hit - Labour federation cites injuries for foreign employees Lloydminster Meridian Booster, 2 October 2013, 381 words, Katie Schneider Think-tank says Alberta needs sales tax Calgary Sun, 2 October 2013, 394 words, Bill Kaufmann AFL makes final argument in favour of Enbridge Line 9 Pipeline St. Albert Gazette, 3 October 2013, 334 words Calgary-based Danatec launches company in the U.S Calgary Herald, 3 October 2013, 627 words, Mario Toneguzzi NEB Hearing Final Arguments in Enbridge Line 9B Re-reversal The Daily Oil Bulletin, 8 October 2013, 1610 words, Elsie Ross Alberta Federation of Labour fears temporary workers shutting out Canadians The Canadian Press, 10 October 2013, 398 words

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Labour group blasts feds over temporary foreign worker program Fort McMurray Today, 11 October 2013, 523 words, Vincent McDermott Foreign worker influx feared in Alberta oilsands Victoria Times Colonist, 11 October 2013, 122 words Labour groups call out Kenney’s claims 24 hours Vancouver, 18 October 2013, 241 words, Jeremy Nuttall Compromises on both sides led to ‘excellent deal’ on European trade, Stephen Harper says Calgary Herald, 18 October 2013, 2047 words, Jason Fekete Stop foreign-worker program, union says Edmonton Journal, 26 October 2013, 279 words, Marty Klinkenberg Foreign worker admissions spike in 2013 The Globe and Mail, 29 October 2013, 541 words, Joe Friesen Protesters take part in a rally outside the Conservative convention in Calgary Edmonton Journal, Calgary Herald, 31 October 2013, 75 words, Todd Korol Tories tackle hot-button issues, labour unions on last day of summit Calgary Herald, 2 November 2013, 719 words, James Wood Top fundraiser backs Harper in Senate saga; Delegates also tackle thorny issues of abortion, euthanasia Victoria Times Colonist, 3 November 2013, 893 words November 5 deal could threaten Canada’s energy security Platts Commodity News, 5 November 2013, 362 words Deal could push pipelines to the coast; Critics say B.C.-Alberta agreement doesn’t change opposition tied to oil spill risks Vancouver Sun, 6 November 2013, 1602 words, Gordon Hoekstra, Peter O'Neil and Brian Morton Priming the pump; Premiers’ deal adds momentum to pipeline proposals Calgary Herald, 7 November 2013, 825 words Clarify bitumen tolls Vancouver Sun, 8 November 2013, 288 words Pension plan for managers under fire; Opposition slams hike in contribution Calgary Herald, 9 November 2013, 824 words, Chris Varcoe The Hub: Saint John end point of ‘Energy East’ readies for crude revolution Postmedia Breaking News, 9 November 2013, 1301 words Cap on immigration applications unfair to worker labour head Vancouver Sun, 13 November 2013, 422 words, Tobi Cohen Supreme Court strikes down Alberta's privacy law in union picket-line case The Canadian Press, 04:35 PM, 15 November 2013, 810 words, John Cotter

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B.C. wants a bigger piece of the pie; Enbridge estimates Northern Gateway will generate $351 billion in economic benefits for Canada. With B.C. bearing the majority of the spill risk, the province wants to reap a... Vancouver Sun, 16 November 2013, 724 words, Gordon Hoekstra The Honourable Jason Kenney delivers the keynote speech at the Skilled Migration National Conference ForeignAffairs.co.nz, 21 November 2013, 9003 words Unions rally as Alberta government poised to ram through two new labour bills Edmonton Journal, 27 November 2013, 252 words, Keith Gerein Demand is elsewhere; Refiners giving up on refineries National Post, 28 November 2013, 932 words, Jeff Lewis Anti-worker Bill designed to stifle dissent Banff Crag and Canyon, 29 November 2013, 464 words Strike crackdown is overkill: labour leader Edmonton Journal, 30 November 2013, 364 words, Keith Gerein New ‘Orwellian’ legislation would make it illegal to call for public sector strikes in Alberta Edmonton Journal, 5 December 2013, 694 words, Jen Gerson Unions ask premier for task force; ‘Generation of poisoned labour relations’ feared Calgary Herald, 5 December 2013, 648 words, Mariam Ibrahim Surely we can do better for our flood heroes Edmonton Journal, 5 December 2013, 881 words, Gil McGowan Alison Redford has poisoned labour relations in Alberta, union group says after Tories pass controversial bills Canadian Press, 6 December 2013, 766 words Alberta government accused of playing thought police with labour bills Edmonton Journal, 6 December 2013, 622 words, Lauren Strapagiel Public sector unions vow legal action over labour bills Calgary Herald, 6 December 2013, 625 words, Mariam Ibrahim and Cailynn Klingbeil Shame on Redford; new union laws violate basic rights Calgary Herald, 7 December 2013, 699 words AUPE can’t trust jobs minister, leader says; Provincial union, Lukaszuk have history of disagreement Edmonton Journal, 9 December 2013, 423 words, Alexandra Zabjek Slamming the door on delivery Edmonton Journal, 12 December 2013, 593 words

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Bullied by strikes (Letter to the editor) Edmonton Journal, 12 December 2013, 53 words, Ann Leberre “The Alberta Federation of Labour has launched a campaign calling Premier Alison Redford a bully. Is it not bullying when front-line government workers go on strike and take away people's much-needed services, until they get what they demand?” Bill 46 becomes law Edmonton Journal, 12 December 2013, 292 words, Mariam Ibrahim WCB under fire for big bonuses to executives; Senior staff paid 30 to 35% more after targets met Calgary Herald, 14 December 2013, 818 words, James Wood How to play hardball against labour bills; ‘Virtual strike’ would soon fill the coffers of opposition parties Edmonton Journal, 16 December 2013, 807 words, Lloyd Maybaum Alberta labour and Premier Redford losing their cozy relationship; If 2013 is any indication, 2014 could be another year of fraught... The Globe and Mail 17 December 2013, 731 words, Kelly Cryderman Three very different reasons people oppose Northern Gateway; The decision on Northern Gateway has brought to the forefront those who oppose pipelines on protectionist grounds, or at least purport to do so The Globe and Mail, 20 December 2013, 1274 words, Andrew Leach Northern Gateway pledges ongoing work to address concerns following JRP approval The Daily Oil Bulletin, 20 December 2013, 1675 words, Elsie Ross Notable quotes on Northern Gateway report Calgary Herald, 20 December 2013, 462 words Redford enters 2014 with questions on true political leanings Postmedia Breaking News, 23 December 2013, 1053 words, Dean Bennett Wildrose moves to the centre; Opposition’s Danielle Smith is still regrouping after her painful 2012 election loss National Post, 31 December 2013, 1078 words, Jen Gerson Challenge your '13 business memory – The Calgary Herald annual news quiz Calgary Herald, 31 December 2013, 1458 words

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Foreign workers scrutinized; Surprise checks at workplaces may curb abuse Calgary Herald, 2 January 2014, 714 words, Amanda Stephenson Province of Alberta Cracking Down on Workplace Safety St. Albert Gazette, 3 January 2014, 625 words Ottawa drops ‘rigid’ foreign worker rule; Government backs away from proposal to ban employers from using program if they have been... The Globe and Mail, 3 January 2014, 604 words, Bill Curry U of C draws fire over secret grant; School ordered not to announce provincial funds Calgary Herald, 7 January 2014, 921 words, Darcy Henton Premier says university ties ‘entirely appropriate’ Calgary Herald, 8 January 2014, 503 words, Darcy Henton Provincial public sector unions challenging labour legislation Calgary Herald, 9 January 2014, 434 words, John Cotter Union calls Bill 46 ‘trump card’; Labour board hears AUPE complaints over bargaining Edmonton Journal, 9 January 2014, 642 words, Mariam Ibrahim Temporary farm workers ripe for exploitation Calgary Herald, 11 January 2014, 556 words, David Swann Global Television News Global TV, 14 January 2014, 168 words “Alberta union leaders say proposed changes to public-sector pension plans will result in benefits being slashed by 25 per cent starting in 2016.” CBC Radio 3:40 p.m. CBC Radio, 14 January 2014, 218 words “Alberta union leaders say proposed changes to public-sector pension plans will gut benefits by 25 per cent when they kick in starting in 2016.” Alberta unions say proposed changes to pensions will gut benefits The Canadian Press, 14 January 2014, 639 words, Dean Bennett 770 News Radio – 5:00 p.m. 770 News Radio, 15 January 2014, 668 words, (English) “The head of the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation says all of Canada should be working to develop Alberta's oilsands.” Labour forecast improves; Worker shortage problem softens, but still a concern Calgary Herald, 16 January 2014, 730 words, Amanda Stephenson

IN THE NEWS IN 2014

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Pension tweaks not needed Edmonton Journal, 17 January 2014, 650 words, Matt Dykstra Ewart: Chinese envoy has solution for oilpatch labour woes Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, 18 January 2014, 912 words, Stephen Ewart Pensions tweaks not necessary: unions Lloydminster Meridian Booster, 20 January 2014, 575 words Prudent pensions; Reform of public-sector plans is in everyone's best interest Calgary Herald, 21 January 2014, 496 words Tories seek ‘fresh start’ to contract talks with provincial union Calgary Herald, 31 January 2014, 621 words, Darcy Henton Redford claims surprise over $45,000 travel bill Calgary Herald, 6 February 2014, 898 words, James Wood Global TV News – 5:00 p.m. GLOBAL TV, 6 February 2014, 477 words “Canada's chief electoral officer says he's concerned about the massive overhaul of the Elections Act proposed by the Conservative government.” CTV TV News – NATIONAL 10:00 p.m. CTV TV, 6 February 2014, 490 words “The federal government is investigating an allegation that several dozen Canadians working in Alberta's oilpatch were laid off this week and replaced with foreign workers.” CBC TV News – 10:15 p.m. CBC TV, 6 February 2014, 376 words, (English) “The AFL says the workers were paid by Pacer Promec Joint Venture. Pacer Construction says it is no longer involved with the Kearl project.” Global TV News – 10 p.m. Global TV, 6 February 2014, 449 words “There are new allegations of Canadians being replaced by cheaper foreign workers in Alberta. The Alberta Federation of Labour says 65 ironworkers were dismissed at the Kearl oilsands project Tuesday.” CBC TV News – 10:15 p.m. CBC TV, 7 February 2014, 479 words “A spokesperson for Employment Minister Jason Kenney calls the allegations very troubling. The Alberta Federation of Labour says 65 ironworkers were laid off at an oilsands project on Tuesday and immediately replaced with Temporary Foreign Workers.” CBC Radio news CBC Radio, 7 February 2014, 165 words “The federal government is investigating an allegation that several dozen Canadians working in Alberta's oilpatch were laid off this week and replaced with foreign workers.” Sixty-five employees replaced with TFWs: Alberta Federation of Labour Fort McMurray Today, 7 February 2014, 513 words, Vincent McDermott

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Feds probe hiring of foreign workers; Canadian oil workers say they were replaced Calgary Herald, 7 February 2014, 443 words Ottawa to probe hiring at Kearl; Croats replaced Canadians, AFL alleges Edmonton Journal, 7 February 2014, 471 words, Dave Cooper Iron workers will be rehired as Ottawa promises review; The union representing about 65 laid off iron workers alleges they were replaced by... The Globe and Mail (Breaking News), 7 February 2014, 931 words, Carrie Tait, Josh Wingrove, Joe Friesen Replaced workers rehired - Oilsands company does quick switch back after bringing in foreign workers The Edmonton Sun, 8 February 2014, 489 words, Matt Dykstra CBC TV News – 10:15 p.m. CBC TV news, 7 February 2014, 434 words “The federal government says dozens of ironworkers laid off in Alberta’s oilpatch have jobs again.” Global TV News 10:00 p.m. GLOBAL TV, 8 February 2014, 477 words “TFWs will be moved to another project, and the fired Canadians will get their jobs back.” CTV TV News – NATIONAL 10:00 p.m. CTV TV, 8 February 2014, 490 words “After the controversial firing of 65 ironworkers prompted public outrage, the company announced they would get their jobs back.” Ottawa probes oilpatch layoffs Calgary Herald, 8 February 2014, 366 words CBC Radio News – 9:15 a.m. CBC Radio, 8 February 2014, 255 words “The federal government says dozens of workers laid off in the oilpatch have jobs again, although the Alberta Federation of Labour says that's not the case.” Company Promises to Hire Canadians After Being Caught Using TFWs to Replace Domestic Iron Workers NoticiasFinancieras, 8 February 2014, 623 words, NoticiasFinancieras Ironworkers will be rehired, firm says Edmonton Journal, 8 February 2014, 489 words, Dave Cooper CBC TV News – 10:15 p.m. CBC TV News, 8 February 2014, 450 words “The company that laid off 65 Canadian ironworkers from their jobs at the Kearl oilsands project earlier this week and replaced them with temporary foreign workers has reversed course.” Long-term picture on jobs not so rosy; Jump in jobs eases economy fears, Feb. 8 The Toronto Star, 11 February 2014, 329 words

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Foreign worker program defended; Two unions say it works fine if used properly Edmonton Journal, 11 February 2014, 474 words, Dave Cooper Canadians replaced with foreign workers still not rehired: AFL Fort McMurray Today, 12 February 2014, 497 words, Vincent McDermott Workplace deaths near record in 2013 Edmonton Journal, 12 February 2014, 583 words, Darcy Henton AFL proposes “Sunshine List” of TFW employers Fort McMurray Today, 14 February 2014, 397 words, Vincent McDermott Pensions risky business - Auditor general calls on province for security Edmonton Sun, 14 February 2014, 315 words, Matt Dykstra Pension leadership cited by AG; Ten ministers in charge since 2000, report notes Calgary Herald, 14 February 2014, 726 words, Darcy Henton P3 model ‘a mess’ for education; Labour group doubts facilities will be built on time, if at all Edmonton Journal, 20 February 2014, 321 words, Darcy Henton Ministry staff raised red flags about clinic; Copeman might be breaking law, memo warns Edmonton Journal, 20 February 2014, 602 words, Mariam Ibrahim Labour rips new schools plan Calgary Herald, 20 February 2014, 930 words, Darcy Henton CBC TV News – 11:15 p.m. CBC TV {Local}, 21 February 2014, 605 words “The Alberta government is dismissing claims by the Alberta Federation of Labour that it has all but abandoned the P-3 school building process.” The frontman for a new bloodletting; MLA’s comments may be sign Alberta PCs ready to eat their own National Post, 22 February 2014, 1261 words, Jen Gerson Mulcair slams Keystone, TFW program during visit Fort McMurray Today, 24 February 2014, 599 words, Aimée Harper New Alberta civil servants will have to work until age 60 to get full pension, won't be able to quit at 55 anymore The Canadian Press, 25 February 2014, 640 words, Dean Bennett Pension reform scaled back; Public sector plans to take smaller hit Edmonton Journal, 25 February 2014, 875 words, Darcy Henton Pension perspective; Public sector benefits have to strike the right balance Calgary Herald, 27 February 2014, 540 words AFL skeptical of labour code review The Edmonton Sun, 2 March 2014, 504 words, Catherine Griwkowsky

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Alison Redford Awarded ‘Political Oscar’ for Promise-Breaking Performance Edmonton Sun, 2 March 2014, 376 words Redford wins Oscar for ‘political acting skill’ Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune, 3 March 2014, 175 words Crowd rallies over pension plan Edmonton Journal, 3 March 2014, 433 words, Otiena Ellwand Jobs code review raises suspicion; Minister seeks to modernize legislation Calgary Herald, 4 March 2014, 716 words, Amanda Stephenson CBE trustees got union cash for campaigns; Disclosures reveal massive increase in 2013 donations Calgary Herald, 10 March 2014, 618 words, Trevor Howell Province workers rally for pensions Vermilion Standard, 12 March 2014, 538 words, Kevin Maimann & Brynan Myers ‘Retire Redford’ rallies set for Thursday around Alberta Edmonton Journal, 19 March 2014, 258 words CBC TV News – 11:15 p.m. CBC TV {Local}, 19 March 2014, 350 words “Alberta labour organizations are holding a series of rallies over the lunch hour Thursday to call for Premier Alison Redford's resignation and protest reforms to public sector pensions.” Letter to the editor: Redford Retirement Rallies in Alberta Fort McMurray Today, 20 March 2014, 180 words Alison Redford: A life and career Edmonton Journal, 20 March 2014, 779 words, Marty Klinkenberg Rallies taking place Calgary Herald, 20 March 2014, 150 words, Gil McGowan Theatre scene loses one of its lights; Technical guru brought skill, joy to the job Edmonton Journal, 22 March 2014, 896 words, Liz Nicholls Frontline public employees rally against pension cuts Edson Leader, 24 March 2014, 284 words Suncor’s Random Drug Testing Illegal, Says Panel The Daily Oil Bulletin, 27 March 2014, 1286 words Study debunks labour shortage in Canada; U of Lethbridge report backs up earlier research Calgary Herald, 29 March 2014, 848 words, Dan Healing Alberta v. United Food and Commercial Workers; the work American Lawyer, 1 April 2014, 373 words

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Greener Pastures; Farming OH&S Canada, 1 April 2014, 3462 words, Carmelle Wolfson 400 interveners approved for Trans Mountain review Victoria Times Colonist, 3 April 2014, 445 words Pension plan limits to go ahead; Unions say changes unfair to civil servants Calgary Herald, 11 April 2014, 648 words, Darcy Henton Province mulls more jobs for kids up to 14 Edmonton Journal, 16 April 2014, 433 words, Mariam Ibrahim Focus on waste burying crucial issues: Mason Edmonton Journal, 16 April 2014, 518 words, Mariam Ibrahim Bills outline pension changes Calgary Herald, 17 April 2014, 388 words, Dean Bennett Province won’t back foreign worker ban; Hancock does not want one sector singled out Calgary Herald, 17 April 2014, 656 words, James Wood Pension reforms to be debated The Edmonton Sun, 18 April 2014, 294 words, Matt Dykstra Pipeline rejection speaks volumes - No rip it and ship it Edmonton Journal, 21 April 2014, 465 words, Kevin Maimann Working For Rig Safety: Industry Sees Long-Term Trend towards Improved OHS The Daily Oil Bulletin, 22 April 2014, 3359 words Pension changes strips plan boards of power: unions Postmedia Breaking News, 22 April 2014, 526 words, Mariam Ibrahim Unions give provincial government pension ultimatum The Edmonton Sun, 24 April 2014, 299 words, Kevin Maimann A young life cut short Fort Saskatchewan Record, 24 April 2014, 434 words Refining oil before shipping seen as costly and unworkable; Asian markets prefer raw bitumen, analysts say of alternate proposals Vancouver Sun, 24 April 2014, 1694 words, Gordon Hoekstra Day of Mourning in Alberta Sherwood Park – Strathcona County News, 25 April 2014, 254 words Wildrose claims Tories suppressing pension data Calgary Herald, 25 April 2014, 359 words, Mariam Ibrahim Alberta Federation of Labour slams temporary foreign worker program for low wages Postmedia Breaking News, 25 April 2014, 486 words, Sheila Pratt

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CBC Radio – 4:15 p.m. CBC Radio, 25 April 2014, 277 words “A labour group says it has evidence that problems with the federal temporary foreign worker program extend far beyond restaurants.” Labour group says foreign worker program problems extend beyond fast-food sector The Canadian Press 25 April 2014, 381 words Lukaszuk calls feds’ TFW plan unfair The Edmonton Sun, 26 April 2014, 404 words, Matt Dykstra Opponents, supporters condemn TFW moratorium Edmonton Journal, 26 April 2014, 191 words, Dene Moore Program provides approval to underpay, labour federation says; Employees given less than prevailing wage, group argues Edmonton Journal, 26 April 2014, 479 words, Sheila Pratt Foreign workers a last resort, Kenney says; Moratorium for food-service; Ongoing problems with program go beyond restaurants, critics say Montreal Gazette, 26 April 2014, 707 words, Dene Moore City hurt by feds’ switch: Iveson The Edmonton Sun, 27 April 2014, 302 words, Kevin Maimann Working together for safety The Edmonton Sun, 28 April 2014, 349 words Dunvegan owner denies any wrongdoing with TFW program Fort McMurray Today, 29 April 2014, 545 words, Vincent McDermott New Government Online Data Feature Makes Alberta Employers More OHS Accountable The Daily Oil Bulletin, 1 May 2014, 625 words Alberta versus United Food and Commercial Workers Corporate Counsel, 1 May 2014, 370 words “Canada’s highest court has struck down the Alberta’s privacy law and given the province 12 months to enact new legislation.” Tories pay heavy price for attack on unions Calgary Herald, 1 May 2014, 633 words, Don Braid Remembering fallen workers Edmonton Sun, 2 May 2014, 318 words, Allison Salz Alberta industries used ‘unlawful permits’ for TFWs: labour fed. Hinton Parklander, 5 May 2014, 403 words, Matt Dykstra City considers drug testing for new hires Calgary Herald, 5 May 2014, 800 words, Jason Markusoff

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Alberta PCs delay decision on contentious labour bill The Globe and Mail, 7 May 2014, 568 words, Kelly Cryderman City draws fire for pre-employment drug testing Calgary Herald, 8 May 2014, 573 words, Manisha Krishnan Pension legislation delayed Lloydminster Meridian Booster, 9 May 2014, 453 words, Matt Dykstra ‘Tweaks’ expected for jobs code Calgary Herald, 13 May 2014, 662 words, Amanda Stephenson Mood upbeat as leadership race nears; as Mason retires, party mulls spending limits, electronic voting options Edmonton Journal, 14 May 2014, 656 words, Karen Kleiss Who will run? Five to watch; Nobody has formally entered the race, but here are some likely to take aim at former NDP leader Brian Mason’s... Edmonton Journal, 14 May 2014, 999 words Pressure to halt illegal, unpaid internships Calgary Herald, 15 May 2014, 734 words, Reid Southwick Friday’s letters: Broad-brush history misses some finer strokes of genius Edmonton Journal, 15 May 2014, 1711 words Re: "100 years of oil," May 10 Although the writer gave a positive broad-brush history of Alberta's oil industry, several key players, events and economics were omitted in this remarkable ongoing history of Canada's "engine of growth." Trouble in paradise; Ban on foreign workers causing grief in Banff Calgary Herald, 16 May 2014, 881 words, Amanda Stephenson Foreign Worker Program Changes CTV National News, 16 May 2014, 467 words Temporary foreign workers lauded at U of A forum (with video) Postmedia Breaking News, 17 May 2014, 815 words, Chris Zdeb Foreign worker program a raw deal, forum hears; Labour leader calls for path to citizenship Edmonton Journal, 20 May 2014, 671 words, Chris Zdeb By-election chance to send message Edmonton Journal, 21 May 2014, 94 words “Alberta's largest labour organization is urging voters in Fort McMurray-Athabasca to send Ottawa a message about temporary foreign workers.” Immigration critic in Hamilton to debate temporary foreign worker program The Hamilton Spectator, 22 May 2014, 698 words Treat by-election as referendum: McGowan Fort McMurray Today, 22 May 2014, 636 words, Vincent McDermott

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Voters urged to send message on foreign workers program; Fort McMurray by-election should be ‘referendum,’ labour head says Edmonton Journal, 22 May 2014, 506 words, Andrea Ross Op-ed: Let’s make the McMurray by-election a referendum on TFW program Fort McMurray Today, 23 May 2014, 855 words, Gil McGowan Eggen to run for top NDP job Edmonton Journal, 26 May 2014, 344 words, Otiena Ellwand Foreign worker contracts break rules, union group says Calgary Herald, 27 May 2014, 613 words, Sheila Pratt The right to privacy versus the right to information from Administrative Tribunals Mondaq Business Briefing, 28 May 2014, 3397 words, Miller Thomson LLP Saturday’s Letters: It’s programs that get cut, but real people who feel the pain Postmedia News, 30 May 2014, 1159 words No sweet deal data twisted for employers to make point Edmonton Journal, 31 May 2014, 197 words, Nigel Bowles Letter: Workforce augmented Calgary Herald, 31 May 2014, 169 words, Bryan Walton “Re: “Foreign worker contracts break rules, union group says,” May 27. The article citing “research” conducted by the Alberta Federation of Labour needs clarification since the AFL propaganda was confusing and misleading.” Privacy commissioner to investigate freedom of information interference Legal Monitor Worldwide, 31 May 2014, 503 words Wage burners: If Canadians aren't willing to scratch out a living on minimum wage, find someone who will. Guelph Mercury, 2 June 2014, 473 words Pension overhaul is based on old data: AFL; Ministry counters that system isn’t sustainable Calgary Herald, 3 June 2014, 546 words, Darcy Henton AFL challenging candidates to debate Temporary Foreign Worker Program Fort McMurray Today, 4 June 2014, 505 words, Vincent McDermott NDP questions lack of paper trail in ‘sky palace’ cancellation Edmonton Journal, 5 June 2014, 481 words, Keith Gerein Don’t underestimate the power of Notley brand Calgary Herald, 5 June 2014, 834 words, Graham Thomson Albertans have plenty to say on pension reform Edmonton Journal, 6 June 2014, 562 words, Fiona Buchanan

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Ottawa urged to toughen TFW program rules; McCallum says temporary foreign worker program ‘mismanaged’ Edmonton Journal, 7 June 2014, 589 words, Sheila Pratt Tories forging ahead with limits to civil service pension plans Financial Services Monitor Worldwide, 9 June 2014, 585 words Yurdiga and Harrietha decline AFL debate Fort McMurray Today, 10 June 2014, 432 words, Vincent McDermott Candidates debate in Lac La Biche Fort McMurray Today, 16 June 2014, 992 words, Andrew Bates AFL changing Temporary Foreign Worker debate to town hall format Fort McMurray Today, 16 June 2014, 349 words, Vincent McDermott Notley to run for leadership of NDP; Candidate sets her sights on premier’s office Edmonton Journal, 17 June 2014, 610 words, Mariam Ibrahim and James Wood Labour group, candidates debate TFWP in McMurray Fort McMurray Today, 18 June 2014, 826 words, Andrew Jeffrey Four things you need to know Edmonton Journal, 18 June 2014, 1144 words CTV TV – LOCAL – 11:00 p.m. CTV TV, 18 February 2014, 510 words “Nineteen of 50 new schools the Progressive Conservatives promised during the last election won't be built under the P3 model and won't all be done on time.” New schools won’t follow P3 model; Province scraps funding method, expects some openings delayed Edmonton Journal, 19 June 2014, 940 words, Andrea Sands Global TV News – 10 p.m. Global TV, 19 February 2014, 449 words “The federal government uses faulty data to determine what sectors suffer from labour shortages, according to a new Alberta Federation of Labour report.” Notley well positioned to take NDP to new heights Calgary Herald, 20 June 2014, 663 words, Paula Simons Ottawa’s labour shortage figures come from faulty data: report Calgary Herald, 20 June 2014, 656 words, Sheila Pratt CBC TV News – 10:35 p.m. CBC TV, 20 February 2014, 550 words, (English) “Long lines, reduced hours of service, and even closures will be felt across the province due to newly announced changes to Canada's temporary foreign worker program, Alberta business groups said Friday.”

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Alberta business groups warn of reduced service, closures in light of foreign worker changes Postmedia Breaking News, 20 June 2014, 1012 words, Amanda Stephenson CBC Radio News – 4:20 p.m. CBC Radio, 20 June 2014, 267 words “The Alberta Federation of Labour is happy with the steps taken by federal Employment Minister Jason Kenney to alter the temporary foreign worker program.” Reforms are no solution to labour crisis Edmonton Journal, 21 June 2014, 813 words, Paula Simons Opposing views from business, labour Edmonton Journal, 21 June 2014, 467 words, Sheila Pratt and Alexandra Zabjek Oilsands wages driving push for foreign workers The Toronto Star, 24 June 2014, 713 words, Gillian Steward Foreign worker changes bad for Alberta \ Province states changes bad economic policy and don’t address labour issues Edmonton Sun, 25 June 2014, 442 words, Matt Dykstra, QMI Agency Ewart: Alberta labour market may be too hot Postmedia Breaking News, 25 June 2014, 936 words, Stephen Ewart Kenney’s clampdown on program a savvy move; Government appears responsive; Failure to address temporary foreign workers could have harmed... Montreal Gazette, 25 June 2014, 962 words, Michael Den Tandt Election Special Fort McMurray Today, 27 June 2014, 1459 words Do away with foreign workers - The more people we (carefully) welcome to Canada, the better off this country becomes Edmonton Sun, 28 June 2014, 727 words, Graham Hicks Letter of the Week: Pipeline exporting crude isn't good for Canada, job creation Postmedia Breaking News, 29 June 2014, 333 words “A recent opinion piece from a handful of construction unions - Northern Gateway pipeline needed to enrich us all - was long on rhetoric about the Northern Gateway pipeline and short on facts.” Tories hold Fort McMurray-Athabasca, but Liberals gain ground Fort McMurray Today, 2 July 2014, 1439 words, Vincent McDermott NDP vow to continue fighting Temporary foriegn worker Program Fort McMurray Today, 2 July 2014, 805 words, Andrew Jeffrey, Today Staff Alberta ‘back in the black’; Horner stirs up anger in unions, opposition Calgary Herald, 2 July 2014, 778 words, Darcy Henton “It’s about the economy, stupid”: Unifor files for a judicial review to stop Northern Gateway Legal Monitor Worldwide, 16 July 2014, 248 words

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Sky-high risks - Northern Gateway faces economic hurdles Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune, 16 July 2014, 199 words, Jeremy Nuttall CBC News – 10:15 p.m. CBC TV, 21 July 2014, 122 words “The Alberta Federation of Labour hopes the death of a teen at a work site will prompt change in youth labour laws. A 15-year-old boy was killed during a gravel crushing operation near Drumheller on Saturday.” Alberta labour group wants changes to laws after 15-year-old boy dies on the job The Canadian Press, 21 July 2014, 257 words Teen dies on the job; AFL seeks law review Calgary Herald, 22 July 2014, 588 words, Amanda Stephenson Vista Ridge says Temporary Foreign Worker changes will hurt business Fort McMurray Today, 24 July 2014, 584 words, Vincent McDermott Think-tank knocks Alberta’s finances; Province trails energy peers, report says Edmonton Journal, 25 July 2014, 457 words, Mariam Ibrahim Teen’s death puts Alberta youth labour law under scrutiny The Globe and Mail, 29 July 2014, 751 words, By Kelly Cryderman Raising minimum wage may help issue Fairview Post, 30 July 2014, 568 words, Chris Eakin Alberta NDP call for Misericordia Hospital replacement Postmedia Breaking News, 30 July 2014, 228 words New city hospital urgently needed: NDP The Edmonton Sun, 31 July 2014, 305 words, Matt Dykstra NDP calls for Misericordia Hospital replacement Edmonton Journal, 31 July 2014, 413 words, Mariam Ibrahim Provincial Briefs Fort McMurray Today, 1 August 2014, 354 words Canada Post removes community mailboxes Fort McMurray Today, 1 August 2014, 748 words, Andrew Jeffrey Alberta worker dies after being pulled into crusher; 51-yr-old construction worker is second workplace fatality in Alberta in July eSource Canada Business News Network, 5 August 2014, 405 words, Jason Contant TFWP reforms may improve worker safety in Fort McMurray eSource Canada Business News Network, 8 August 2014, 635 words, By Erika Beauchesne CRTC fines the Alberta Federation of Labour $50,000 for robocalls violation Edmonton Journal, 13 August 2014, 422 words, Kim Magi

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Alberta Federation of Labour pays $50,000 for violating the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules ForeignAffairs.co.nz, 13 August 2014, 775 words Alberta labour federation pays $50,000 for violating CRTC telemarketing rules National Post, 14 August 2014, 132 words Labour group fined $50K over robocalls; CRTC penalizes federation for breaking telemarketing rules Edmonton Journal, 14 August 2014, 396 words, Kim Magi AFL fined $50K over robocalls Calgary Herald, 14 August 2014, 147 words CTV News – 4:20 p.m. CTV News, 15 August 2014, 149 words, (English) “The Alberta Federation of Labour says the only way to protect the rights of Canadian workers is to get rid of the temporary foreign workers program altogether.” Hiring scheme a ‘train wreck’; AFL urges end to temporary foreign worker program Calgary Herald, 16 August 2014, 558 words, Bill Graveland Alberta Federation of Labour Pays Out $50K for Violating the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules Professional Services Close-Up, 21 August 2014, 448 words Province pressed to improve farm safety; Workers exempt from health and safety protections Calgary Herald, 21 August 2014, 809 words, Erika Stark Millennial generation embracing labour unions Vancouver Sun, 28 August 2014, 577 words, D.F. McCourt Unions lobby for farm workers’ safety The Calgary Sun, 1 September 2014, 523 words, Carrie Kelly, Special to the Calgary Sun Foreign workers a ‘safety hazard’ The Ottawa Sun, 2 September 2014, 336 words, QMI Agency Last 12 months “tough year” for labour movement Fort McMurray Today, 3 September 2014, 917 words, Vincent McDermott Employment tax credit praised; Small businesses will reap benefits, analysts say Calgary Herald, 12 September 2014, 830 words, Amanda Stephenson Fair Trade: Apprenticeship mobility across Canada is good for industry, provinces involved The Daily Oil Bulletin, 16 September 2014, 1957 words Reopening Temporary Foreign Worker debate a big problem for working Albertans: Alberta Federation of Labour Edmonton Journal, 26 September 2014, 275 words

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Employers say temporary foreign worker figures are not accurate; Questions raised about accuracy of government data on TFWs as six companies... The Globe and Mail (Breaking News), 26 September 2014, 943 words, Renata D’Aliesio and Joe Friesen CBC News – 5:45 p.m. CBC News, 26 September 2014, 200 words “The head of the Alberta Federation of Labour says workers don't want to hear that Premier Jim Prentice says he wants to talk to the prime minister about the temporary foreign worker program.” Middle-class threat seen in lower TFW wages; AFL urges Prentice to pressure federal government on disparities Edmonton Journal, 27 September 2014, 516 words, Sheila Pratt AFL urges additional inspectors for TFWs Edmonton Journal, 30 September 2014, 390 words, Sheila Pratt Retract miscount of temporary foreign workers, employers tell Harper government; Siemens and Studon Electric say they have been incorrectly categorized by the government as companies that rely heavily on TFWs The Globe and Mail (Breaking News), 1 October 2014, 604 words, Joe Friesen Wood Buffalo construction companies allowed to pay TFWs lower than Canadian counterparts: AFL Fort McMurray Today, 1 October 2014, 647 words, Vincent McDermott CTV News – 5:45 p.m. CTV News, 1 October 2014, 100 words “Alberta Premier Jim Prentice says he's not considering putting workers on family farms under occupational health and safety rules.” Family farms don’t need labour laws, premier says; More than 470 farm workers have died in last 30 years Edmonton Journal, 2 October 2014, 245 words Prentice seeks quick solution to temporary foreign worker shortage The Globe and Mail, 6 October 2014, 640 words, by Dean Bennett Bullish on upgrading bitumen; Refining here economically viable, UK-based energy economist says Edmonton Journal, 6 October 2014, 625 words, Sheila Pratt AFL report optimistic on refining bitumen in Alberta Fort McMurray Today, 7 October 2014, 643 words, Vincent McDermott Study Finds Alberta Upgrader/Refinery Likely Would Be Profitable The Daily Oil Bulletin, 7 October 2014, 1161 words Bitumen-upgrader report questioned; Labour-federation-commissioned study backs project if government is a partner Edmonton Journal, 7 October 2014, 485 words, Sheila Pratt

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Help wanted; EI reform would reduce demand for temporary foreign workers Calgary Herald, 8 October 2014, 793 words West supports east with refinery plan Sarnia Observer, 10 October 2014, 397 words, Barbara Simpson Bitumen refinery gaining support St. Thomas Times-Journal, 10 October 2014, 84 words Letters to the Editor – Upgrader refinery would be game-changer Sarnia Observer, 14 October 2014, 611 words Critics urge federal task force on private clinics; Provincial audit raises a series of concerns Calgary Herald, 21 October 2014, 623 words, Mariam Ibrahim TFWP Rules don’t help First Nations Edmonton Journal, 22 October 2014, 602 words Albertans can send a message to the PCs with this week’s by-elections Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser, 22 October 2014, 433 words Tim Hortons may cut hours after TFW changes Fort McMurray Today, 3 November 2014, 852 words, Vincent McDermott Three myths about the Energy East pipeline; If the project goes ahead, Canadians are likely to face risks from both the pipeline and the continued use of oil by rail tankers The Globe and Mail (Breaking News), 10 November 2014, 1005 words, Maude Barlow and Matt Abbott Noralta Lodge banned from TFW program Fort McMurray Today, 10 November 2014, 403 words, Vincent McDermott Family renews calls for farm safety legislation after death on Raymond farm Postmedia Breaking News, 13 November 2014, 824 words, Annalise Klingbeil Other throne speech highlights Edmonton Journal, 17 November 2014, 324 words, Mariam Ibrahim Bold promises on environment; PCs promise action on climate change Calgary Herald, 18 November 2014, 1094 words, Darcy Henton Oil reliance dangerous: Prentice; Throne speech lacks solutions, opposition says Edmonton Journal, 18 November 2014, 1067 words, Mariam Ibrahim Measuring on-the-job dangers; Alberta changing its definition of a safe work environment Edmonton Journal, 29 November 2014, 1522 words, Darcy Henton Safety certificates kept despite workplace injuries; Designation entitles companies to discounted WCB premiums Calgary Herald, 29 November 2014, 1280 words, Darcy Henton

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Workplace deaths ‘worthy of review’; Labour minister to look at whether province should be doing more Calgary Herald, 29 November 2014, 982 words, Darcy Henton Labour leaders call for keeping safety rules Calgary Herald, 2 December 2014, 164 words Alberta sees its fifth workplace fatality in just over two weeks The Canadian Press, 2 December 2014, 304 words CBC Local News – 11:15 p.m. CBC News, 2 December 2014, 155 words “Occupational Health and Safety officials are investigating after a worker died in an incident on a southeast Edmonton worksite. Officials say a stop-work order has been issued.” iNews660 – 7:25 a.m. iNews660, 3 December 2014, 286 words “Alberta has seen its fifth workplace fatality in just over two weeks.” Missing the argument; Seeing pipeline projects merely as job creators overlooks the bigger issue of their economic benefits Vancouver Sun, 5 December 2014, 1314 words, Yadullah Hussain Rig crews just want to work Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune, 10 December 2014, 663 words, Derek Fildebrandt “The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) is calling for a carbon tax in order to strengthen the job security of oilpatch workers. Read that again. One more time.” Proposed budget freeze worries unions Calgary Herald, 11 December 2014, 589 words, Elise Stolte Alberta lags in early childhood development: report Postmedia Breaking News, 13 December 2014, 934 words, Andrea Sands Oil’s price slide troubling for Alberta government, industry, consumers Edmonton Journal, 15 December 2014, 2827 words, David Howell and Bill Mah

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TFW may be a tough sell in oil slump; Demand for foreign workers hasn’t disappeared in previous slowdowns Calgary Herald, 2 January 2015, 1009 words, Amanda Stephenson Pipeline veto not a worry: Prentice; Obama vows to block pro-Keystone bill Edmonton Journal, 7 January 2015, 860 words, Sheila Pratt and William Marsden Compensating for something Fast Forward Weekly, 05:00 PM, 7 January 2015, 593 words, James Wilt TFWs shut out local ironworkers at downtown arena, union says Yahoo! Canada, 07:00 AM, 9 January 2015, 398 words Energy sector layoffs feared; Tone nervous despite strong December data Edmonton Journal, 10 January 2015, 622 words, David Howell Shell cutting up to 300 positions Fort McMurray Today, 12 January 2015, 506 words, Vincent McDermott Alberta Greenfield Refinery Would Be A ‘Hard Sell,’ CERI Cost-Benefit Study Finds The Daily Oil Bulletin, 14 January 2015, 1824 words Woe Canada: Prentice says Alberta oil crunch will hurt economies across country Canadian Business, 14 January 2015, 726 words, CB Staff Edmonton iron workers call arena project’s use of foreign workers offside Metro Canada, 16 January 2015, 316 words, Ryan Tumilty ‘No good reason’ - Qualified tradespeople losing out to foreign workers: union Edmonton Sun, 16 January 2015, 526 words, Dave Lazzarino CTV TV News – 11:15 p.m. CTV TV, 16 January 2015, 510 words “Union members staged a protest outside Edmonton’s new arena on Thursday, demanding changes to the temporary foreign worker program.” CBC TV News – 10:15 p.m. CBC TV, 16 January 2015, 402 words “Local iron workers are calling the use of temporary foreign workers on the construction of the new downtown arena an offside move.” Global TV News – 11 p.m. Global TV 16 January 2015, 511 words “Dozens of protestors took to the streets in Edmonton against workers from the United States being brought in to work on the new downtown arena.”

IN THE NEWS IN 2015

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Labour groups protest use of foreign workers at Edmonton arena project The Canadian Press 15 January 2015, 171 words Alberta oil woes are Canada’s too: Prentice Kamloops This Week 15 January 2015, 707 words Red ink is white knight: Prentice preaches deficits to solve oil crisis Thompson Citizen 16 January 2015, 647 words Prentice: Alberta deficits needed to stave off recession Calgary Beacon, 16 January 2015, 671 words Foreign workers ‘a major insult,’ says union; Steel company defends decision to hire American tradespeople Calgary Herald, 16 January 2015, 413 words, Cailynn Klingbeil American steelworkers taking local jobs, union says; Protesters argue their point outside arena Edmonton Journal, 16 January 2015, 509 words, Cailynn Klingbeil ALCO Steel defends hiring TFW’s to work on new arena iNews 880, 16 January 2015, 406 words, Thomas Dias It’s time to stand up to unions - But I’m not sure Premier Prentice has the kahunas to do so The Edmonton Sun, 17 January 2015, 1022 words, Graham Hicks Association establishes confidential hotline for TFWs OHS Canada, 07:32 AM, 20 January 2015, 416 words, Jason Contant Few Canadians agree on building new oil refineries; even fewer agree on where Alberta Oil, 21 January 2015, 1168 words, Jesse Snyder God, please send us another boom Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune, 21 January 2015, 573 words, Colman Byfield B.C. plans to lure workers back home from Alberta oil patch The Globe and Mail, 23 January 2015, 531 words, By Justine Hunter, Carrie Tait Price downturn will create more job losses than recession, drillers say; Contractors association predicts 23,000 direct and indirect... Vancouver Sun, 23 January 2015, 667 words B.C. refinery project going ahead; Pacific Future Energy Corp. seeks $25 million to build clean plant Ottawa Citizen, 27 January 2015, 685 words, Yadullah Hussain Alberta premier, cabinet take five per cent pay cut Calgary Beacon, 29 January 2015, 680 words Premier, cabinet ministers agree to wage reduction The Globe and Mail, 30 January 2015, 461 words, Dean Bennett

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CBC News TV – 12:30 p.m. CBC News 30 January 2015, 235 words “Alberta Premier Jim Prentice says he and his cabinet ministers will cut their pay by five per cent effective this weekend. He says he'll try to impose the cut on all MLAs as a way of saving 600-thousand dollars.” Pay cuts for Alberta premier, cabinet Durham Region, 30 January 2015, 785 words, Steve Nease Alberta give & take The Edmonton Sun, 31 January 2015, 264 words, Compiled by Sun Staff Wage rollback request for public sector ‘matter of time’ Lloydminster Meridian Booster, 2 February 2015, 305 words, Trevor Robb Canadian Taxpayers Federation tells Prentice to be more like Ralph Klein Calgary Herald, 3 February 2015, 385 words, Eva Ferguson Select TFWs can stay longer; Deal facilitates one-year extension Edmonton Journal, 3 February 2015, 561 words, Sheila Pratt Kenney says changes to Alberta’s temporary foreign worker program not exemptions 680News, 4 February 2015, 512 words, The Canadian Press Kenney says changes to Alberta’s temporary foreign worker program not exemptions CFTR, 4 February 2015, 513 words Power to inspect TFW employers without a warrant hasn’t been used; Ottawa gave itself ability to check sites without a warrant but hasn’t done so The Globe and Mail 5 February 2015, 736 words, Bill Curry Critics want more clarity for TFWs; Groups calling for more data on permits, workers who qualify Calgary Herald, 6 February 2015, 950 words, Amanda Stephenson Prentice budget cuts will deepen recession Montreal Gazette, 11 February 2015, 315 words Alberta slashes spending as oil declines The Globe and Mail, 12 February 2015, 827 words, By Justin Giovannetti Union leaders fear Alberta premier’s talk of cuts a ‘cover’ for drastic action The Canadian Press, 11 February 2015, 543 words, Dean Bennett Poilievre’s Promotion Worries Labour The Tyee, 12 February 2015, 889 words, Jeremy J. Nuttall Big budget cuts trigger outrage across province; Unions and public interest groups declare there is ‘no fat’ left to give Calgary Herald, 12 February 2015, 864 words, Jason Markusoff, Trevor Howell, Erika Stark and Colette Derworiz

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Alberta unions prepare for fight Fast Forward Weekly, 05:00 PM, 11 February 2015, 872 words, James Wilt Layoff notices way up in 2015; Alberta job figures paint mixed picture Edmonton Journal, 17 February 2015, 1281 words, David Howell Prentice plays down notion of reviving health premiums Edmonton Journal, 20 February 2015, 521 words, James Wood Oil slump puts diversification back in view The Globe and Mail, 21 February 2015, 1284 words, Justin Giovannetti Canada Forum; Where to find list of employers who hire TFW? The Canadian Press, 24 February 2015, 3279 words Legal loophole allows recruiting companies to charge TFWs Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (online) 25 February 2015, 1329 words, Mark Harvey Temporary foreign worker mass exodus expected April 1 Yahoo! Canada, 25 February 2015, 671 words, Alastair Sharp Labour targets Tory cuts; Unions ramping up advocacy campaigns as spring vote looms Calgary Herald, 25 February 2015, 615 words, Trevor Howell Tough talks ahead, Campbell warns; Contracts won’t be reopened, minister says Edmonton Journal, 25 February 2015, 666 words, Karen Kleiss and Trevor Howell Critics slam province’s FOIP dump; PC plans to post data on web meant to discourage requests, they suggest Calgary Herald, 26 February 2015, 771 words, Darcy Henton Prentice’s “Labour Strategy”: Nothing but an Attack on Workers Montreal Gazette, 2 March 2015, 550 words Prentice looks to overhaul bargaining with civil servants The Canadian Press, 2 March 2015, 559 words Premier, public sector unions at odds The Globe and Mail, 3 March 2015, 579 words, Justin Giovannetti Landmark court ruling pushes Alberta to review Lougheed-era ban on civil service strikes Edmonton Journal, 3 March 2015, 712 words, Mariam Ibrahim Jim Prentice to Rotarians: Don’t read my lips, but no new taxes! Everything else will be revealed later … Rabble.ca, 2 March 2015, 1154 words, David J. Climenhaga Wildcat strikes looming on Prairie horizon National Post, 4 March 2015, 796 words, Jen Gerson Prentice vows to centralize labour talks to keep costs down Lloydminster Meridian Booster, 4 March 2015, 368 words, Matt Dykstra

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McBride labour dispute goes before board Prince George Citizen, 4 March 2015, 418 words Public ownership of oil refineries will see Alberta through low oil prices, says AFL President Gil McGowan rabble.ca, 4 March 2015, 126 words, rabble staff WATCH: Alberta union video, in the works for weeks, calls on Tories to ‘look in the mirror’ Global News 5 March 2015, 454 words, Caley Ramsay Letters for Friday, March 6 Postmedia Breaking News, 6 March 2015, 1049 words, Naomi Lakritz, Calgary Herald Positive responses to BWA campaign. Budget mess - Union blasts Alberta government Edmonton Sun, 6 March 2015, 356 words, Matt Dykstra Prentice blames Albertans for their woes. And he’s right. The Globe and Mail, 6 March 2015, 886 words, Sean Silcoff What’s good for the goose (Letter to the editor) Calgary Herald, 6 March 2015, 102 words, A.G. Armstrong Media Advisory: Hand-mirror protest planned for Legislature at 1 pm today Ottawa Citizen 7 March 2015, 237 words #PrenticeBlamesAlbertans outrage fuels hand-mirror rally at Legislature Canadian Broadcasting Corp.(online), 7 March 2015, 204 words Bring mirrors to protest Prentice remarks: unions Edmonton Journal, 7 March 2015, 552 words, Mariam Ibrahim Protesters point mirrors at Legislature iNews 880, 02:13 PM, 7 March 2015, 490 words, Kirby Bourne AFL should take pay cuts or face layoffs The Edmonton Sun, 8 March 2015, 538 words Albertans tired of SMOKE & MIRRORS - Protestors slam Premier Prentice's remarks The Edmonton Sun, 8 March 2015, 528 words, Trevor Robb Protesters upset about Jim Prentice’s comments bring mirrors to legislature The Canadian Press, 7 March 2015, 282 words Edmonton women rally to show support for International Women’s Day Metro Canada, 8 March 2015, 294 words, Leah Holoiday Gender wage gap top of mind during International Women’s Day march in Edmonton Global News, 8 March 2015, 629 words, Caley Ramsay Alberta premier faces challenges heading into expected spring election Global News, 8 March 2015, 498 words

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Premier brushes off blame game backlash Edmonton Sun, 9 March 2015, 438 words, Matt Dykstra Alberta bearing brunt of foreign worker crackdown Calgary Herald, 9 March 2015, 753 words, Amanda Stephenson Mirror-wielding crowd protests provincial cuts Edmonton Journal, 9 March 2015, 469 words, Alexandra Zabjek Women’s day focuses on wages Edmonton Examiner, 11 March 2015, 583 words, Claire Theobald Brace for impact, oil lobby warns Edmonton Journal, 11 March 2015, 583 words, Josh Wingrove Facebook Hired Temporary Foreign Software Engineers in Vancouver The Tyee, 12 March 2015, 1153 words, David P. Ball Energy, labour groups talk low oil consequences Fort McMurray Today, 12 March 2015, 651 words, Vincent McDermott Subsidizing value-added industries doesn't add up Calgary Herald, 12 March 2015, 805 words, Stephen Ewart Jim Prentice’s tough medicine Macleans Online, 13 March 2015, 1310 words, Colby Cosh Mirror, Mirror on the Wall… Sacred Social Justice, 13 March 2015, 483 words, Paula E. Kirman Temporary foreign workers still wanted in the West The Toronto Star, 24 March 2015, 742 words, Gillian Steward Albertans to pay health fee; Prentice touts ‘10-year plan’ to get finances under control Calgary Herald, 25 March 2015, 914 words, James Wood Oil-price shock borne out in budget Calgary Herald, 27 March 2015, 950 words, Mario Toneguzzi Corporate tax hike helped B.C., critics say Edmonton Journal, 28 March 2015, 593 words, Sheila Pratt Deadline to leave Canada looms for foreign workers with temporary status Metro Canada, 29 March 2015, 580 words, Lucy Haines Alberta Federation of Labour asks for citizenship for Temporary Foreign Workers as they are sent home Top Home stories, 31 March 2015, 46 words Campbell rules out increase to corporate tax rates Calgary Herald, 31 March 2015, 772 words, Stephen Ewart

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Ripping Off Vulnerable Workers By Gil McGowan Edmonton Journal, 29 July 2013 Last year, provincial inspectors conducted 133 initial investigations and 66 follow-up investigations of Alberta workplaces where temporary foreign workers were employed. These investigations uncovered hundreds of thousands of dollars that had been withheld from workers, stemming from unpaid hours, unpaid vacation time, hourly wages below the minimum wage, and theft of overtime. According to the government’s summary of its investigations, the amount of money withheld added up to a combined total of $443,401. The statistics show that contraventions of Alberta’s Employment Standards Code are more likely to be found at workplaces that employ temporary foreign workers than those that do not. In 33 per cent of the 2012-13 cases involving complaints against employers with no temporary foreign workers, a contravention was found. The non-compliance rate jumps to 47 per cent when it comes to complaints against employers where temporary foreign workers were present. These investigations may only scratch the surface. Federal Citizenship and Immigration statistics show there were more than 68,000 temporary foreign workers in the province in 2012, working at tens of thousands of workplaces. It’s clear that Alberta needs to resume more aggressive and proactive investigations of work sites, a practice the government quietly discontinued a few years ago. From 2009 to 2011, provincial investigators randomly selected employers who had brought in workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and did spot checks. This was a good program, a solid start, and it did a lot of good for vulnerable low-wage workers from overseas. Over the two years that proactive investigations were conducted, investigators found millions of dollars in wages that employers had held back. Government statistics indicated that in workplaces with temporary foreign workers, more than half of the employers were not following the rules. The provincial Human Services department started with a goal of conducting 360 investigations per year, but that target was quietly dropped. And then the spot checks stopped altogether. Since then, investigations have only been initiated in response to complaints. Unfortunately, a complaint-based system for policing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program just doesn’t work. Federal statistics show us that almost one in 10 of these workers has a significant language barrier, which makes it harder for them to file a complaint. As newcomers to Canada, temporary foreign workers are less likely to know their rights in this country. These workers are also more beholden to

OP-EDS

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their employers for their ability to stay in Canada. For them, the results of “rocking the boat” are dire, so they rarely complain, even if they’re treated badly. The obvious reality is that temporary foreign workers are vulnerable workers who are often unable or unwilling to defend themselves in the workplace. It is fundamentally unfair to put the burden of policing the system on these workers themselves. The good news is that many employers are not abusing the system. They’re playing by the rules and paying their employees in accordance with the employment standards. But they’re also at an unfair competitive disadvantage to those unscrupulous employers who abuse foreign workers. Proactive inspections will ensure a fairer playing field for honest employers. The Alberta Federation of Labour believes that the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is fundamentally flawed. Canada is a country that was built by immigrants, but this program is not about immigration; it’s about exploitation. Workers who come to Canada should be able to participate fully in the economy, set down roots and benefit from long-term wage gains. In short, we believe that Canada needs citizens, not disposable workers. We also believe that citizenship is the best way to empower foreign workers. Until such time as the federal government axes the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the provincial government should make sure that these workers are not abused and that employers who prey on this vulnerable group are identified and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Gil McGowan is president of the Alberta Federation of Labour. © Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

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Working Albertans need unions (perhaps now more than ever) By Gil McGowan Calgary Herald, 30 August 2013 Labour Day is a holiday to celebrate the accomplishments of working people and unions. The first part of that equation is a relatively easy sell. Even here in politically conservative Alberta, almost everyone would agree with the sentiment expressed in the old union song, “Solidarity Forever,” which points out that without the “brains and muscle” of ordinary working people “not a single wheel would turn.” So, it’s not difficult to convince people they should applaud the hard work of nurses, teachers, electricians, heavy-duty mechanics, rig hands and the multitude of other people who make up Alberta’s labour force and who, collectively, keep our economy running. But unions? That’s a different story. For decades now, politicians, business people and conservative media pundits have been feeding Albertans a constant stream of negative messages about unions. If you listen to some of these often self-interested critics, unions are a blight on the landscape akin to the hordes of locusts described in the Bible. But are the naysayers right? In order to appreciate the true value of unions, I’d like to engage in a thought experiment. Put simply; imagine there were no unions in Alberta. Right now, Alberta’s 420,000 unionized workers make an average of 18 per cent more per hour than their non-unionized counterparts. Economists agree that union contracts have the effect of pulling wages up for all workers in a given sector, not just those who belong to unions. So, if there were no unions, what do you think would happen to family incomes in the province? If that doesn’t convince you, consider things like pensions, drug and dental benefits and workplace safety. If there were no unions to establish benchmarks for benefits and pensions or to fight for safer work places, do you think employers would improve upon the status quo, or would they backslide? In addition, unions have traditionally played important political and social roles in Canadian society. As economist Paul Krugman has written, unions have become one of “the only effective counterbalances to the power of corporations” and the elite policies pushed by conservative politicians. If there had been no unions engaging in advocacy work over generations, do you think governments would ever have agreed to introduce things like Medicare, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or occupational health and safety legislation? If there had been no unions to say “no way!” to Ralph Klein’s so-called “Third Way” in health care, do you think that Medicare would have survived intact?

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More recently, if there were no unions to lead protests against the irresponsible use of the Temporary Foreign Worker program, do you think the Harper government would have ever considered the rollbacks to the program it announced this summer? The final question I’d like to poise to you as part of my thought experiment looks to the future, not the past and has to do with an issue that is raising concerns around the world: income inequality. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently released a report saying growing income inequality is threatening global economic security. Countries with high levels of income inequality are more prone to recessions because their citizens have weak or declining purchasing power. At the same time, they face higher crime rates, lower educational scores, and shorter life expectancies. Growing inequality is also problematic because increasing concentration of economic power invariably leads to increasing political power for the rich – which, in turn, subverts real democracy. What does any of this have to do with Alberta or with unions? Well, it probably comes as no surprise to anyone that Alberta is, by far, Canada’s most unequal province. According to the U of A’s Parkland Institute, almost all of Alberta’s robust economic growth over the past 30 years has been gobbled up by a small sliver of people at the top of our province’s economic ladder. For example, after adjusting for inflation, the average incomes of the bottom 99 per cent of Albertans increased by a modest 13 per cent between 1982 and 2011. During the same period, incomes for the top 1 per cent increased by 99 per cent and incomes for the top 0.1 per cent increased by 149 per cent. One of the most striking features of Alberta’s economic story is that the rise of incomes for the top 1 per cent has been almost exactly inversely proportional to the decline in union coverage in the province, brought about by anti-union labour laws. To put it another way, the harder it became for unions to organize, the easier it became for those at the top of the pyramid to grab the fruits of economic growth for themselves, rather than sharing them with everyone else. That’s why Labour Day should be a day to contemplate the role of unions, not just the role of workers. For more than 100 years, unions have helped improve wages, benefits and working Canadians for all working Canadians, not just their members. They’ve also played an important role in standing up to powerful corporations whose interests don’t always align with the public’s and championing policies, like Medicare, that benefit middle-income families. Rising income inequality is the latest challenge faced by working Albertans. It’s a challenge that threatens the very foundations of our middle class society – even our democracy. And it’s a challenge that unions – and perhaps only unions – can overcome. In that way, this Labour Day, let’s celebrate unions: because they’re still needed in Alberta today. Perhaps more than ever. Gil McGowan is president of the Alberta Federation of Labour

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Redford maligns ‘heroes of the flood’ with anti-worker bills By Gil McGowan Edmonton Journal, 5 December 2013 Six months ago, Premier Alison Redford hailed Alberta’s public-sector workers as heroes for the work they did during and after the floods that devastated the southern half of our province. Police officers and firefighters. Health care workers and social workers. Municipal employees and utility workers. All of these workers did our province proud. Premier Redford was right to celebrate both the work and the work ethic of these amazing Albertans. Unfortunately, the premier’s warm words have been replaced by a very cold shoulder. In September, the government announced that major changes will be made to the pension plans that our ‘heroes’ contribute to every month through deductions from their pay cheques. Guaranteed inflation protection will be eliminated for benefits earned after January 1, 2016. Early retirement provisions will also be stripped away from long-service employees. And a cap will be imposed on contributions – a move that many experts fear will undermine the very viability of Alberta’s pension plans. This attack on the retirement security of public sector workers would have been bad enough, but the introduction last week of Bills 45 and 46 just made things worse. Bill 46 breaks the historic bargain that former Premier Peter Lougheed struck with public sector workers. Unlike other provinces that prohibit certain categories of workers from striking on the grounds that their work is essential to the public, Lougheed took the unprecedented step of stripping the right-to-strike from all provincial public sector workers, including janitors, clerks and other workers who clearly don’t provide ‘essential services.’ Lougheed understood his law was heavy-handed so, as a compromise, he promised that contract disputes would be referred to an impartial, third-party arbitrator if negotiations towards an agreement broke down. With Bill 46, Premier Redford has shattered the spirit of the deal made by her famous predecessor. The Bill doesn’t formally abolish the arbitration system; it simply says the government will use legislation to impose agreements when it doesn’t feel like working with an arbitrator. In taking these actions, the Redford government is almost certainly breaking Canadian law. Both the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the United Nation’s charter on labour rights signed by the Canadian government say that Canadian workers have the right to collective bargaining. Bill 46 makes a mockery of those commitments.

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In essence, what the Redford government is saying that public sector workers should pay for the costs of recovering from the floods with a wage freeze and reduced benefits – at the same time that the Alberta economy is growing at a healthy pace and wages in the private sector are increasing by an average of three to four percent a year. That’s not “shared sacrifice.” That’s unfair, plain and simple. Bill 45 adds insult to injury. This particularly noxious piece of legislation suggests that the public needs to be protected from Alberta’s public servants – the very people who led the flood recovery and who provide dedicated services in schools, hospitals and municipalities across the province every day. Under Bill 45, unions will face fines of $1 million a day for engaging in an illegal strike (and remember, all strikes in the provincial public sector are illegal, even if they involve workers who don’t provide an essential service). The fines are bigger, but they’re not new. What IS new is that, under Bill 45, Albertans can now be fined thousands and thousands of dollars for TALKING about strikes. These fines for uttering so-called “strike threats” will be applied not only to union leaders, but also to individual workers – and members of the broader public. Given the fact that there have only been four or five illegal strikes in Alberta over the past two decades, it’s hard to see a need for this kind of legislation. It’s also hard to believe that these kinds of Orwellian restrictions on free speech are being contemplated by a government led by a human rights lawyer who once worked with Nelson Mandela. Mandela worked closely with unions to defeat Apartheid and always supported workers’ rights. To say that he would have been appalled by Bill 45 is probably an understatement. So what should Albertans do in response to these irresponsible pieces of legislation? First, they should protest. In a democracy, citizens need to fight back whenever democratic rights, like the right to free speech, are attacked. Second, Albertans need to reassess Alison Redford. Based on her actions, is she really the “progressive” conservative that she purported to be in the last election? Finally Albertans need to rally to the defense of our much-maligned public sector workers. These are our relatives, friends and neighbours who work hard ever day to provide services that strengthen our communities and keep our economy moving forward. In a province as wealthy as ours, certainly we can find a way to treat the “heroes of the flood” with the respect they deserve. Gil McGowan is president of the Alberta Federation of Labour. The AFL is Alberta’s largest labour advocacy group, representing more than 160,000 unionized workers.

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Let’s Make the by-election a referendum on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program By Gil McGowan Fort McMurray Today, 23 May 2014 The federal by-election currently underway in Fort McMurray presents citizens of the region with a golden opportunity to send a message to the Harper government in Ottawa. There are many issues people could rally around. For example, voters could take the Harper Conservatives to task for rubber stamping Canada Post’s wrong-headed decision to eliminate home delivery in Fort McMurray. Or they could hold the federal government accountable for botching the Willow Square land transfer that could have paved the way for a much-needed seniors facility downtown. Both of these issues are important and voters in the region should force candidates to address them. But there’s an opportunity to do something even bigger: we can and should turn the by-election into a referendum on the Harper government’s Temporary Foreign Worker program. Imagine the stir that would be created if Fort McMurray voters demanded to hear a firm and clear position from every candidate on the future of the Harper government’s controversial guest worker program. Even more significantly, imagine the message that would be sent across the entire country if voters in the region actually elected a candidate who is committed to scrapping the program in its current form and sending the government back to the drawing board. Transforming the by-election into a referendum on the use and abuse of guest workers makes sense because the TFW program has become the public policy equivalent of a train wreck. All the evidence shows the program is being used by a significant number of employers to displace Canadians and drive down wages. Don’t take my word for it. The list of experts and think-tanks that have come to the conclusion that the program is unnecessary and damaging is growing longer by the day. For example, both Statistics Canada and the Parliamentary Budget Officer have concluded that the TFW program is out of control. Similar conclusions have been reached by respected and independent researchers from the Bank of Canada, TD Bank, CIBC and economists at the Universities of Alberta, Calgary and Lethbridge. Just a few weeks ago, the business-oriented CD Howe Institute concluded that the TFW program has been driving up unemployment rates in parts of the country. Heck, even the ultra-conservative Fraser says the program is distorting the Canadian labour market and is, essentially, providing an unfair subsidy to employers who want keep wages low. If empirical evidence isn’t enough to convince you, look at the personal stories. Over the past several months, the media has been filled with stories of Canadians who have been displaced by the

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program: from McDonald’s workers in Victoria and Lethbridge, to waitresses in Saskatchewan, to ironworkers right here in Fort McMurray. Of course, business people who support the TFW program say they need the program because they can’t find Canadians to fill jobs. I’d have a lot more sympathy for those arguments if those same business people had actually increased wages to attract Canadian applicants -- but they haven’t. Despite all the crocodile tears that have been shed about labour shortages, the reality is that the average wage paid to food service workers in the Wood Buffalo region is only $12.90/hour. That’s about a dollar higher than the provincial average, but the difference is relatively insignificant when you consider that the cost of housing and food are nearly twice as high here as in the rest of the province. At the same time, average wages for the overall retail sector in Wood Buffalo (including management) are actually lower than the provincial average by a few cents an hour. The bottom line is that employers in the service sector can’t say that they’ve done everything they can to attract Canadians when they haven’t increased wages. And employers in sectors like construction can’t claim they’re innocent either when at least some contractors are paying TFWs half the going rate and employing workers without proper qualifications (as was the case with the TFWs used to displace ironworkers at Kearl Lake). Federal Employment Minister Jason Kenney is trying to take the heat off the Harper government by talking tough about “cracking down on abusers” and establishing a “wage floor” for TFWs. But this is the same minister who has done nothing to penalize the two construction companies who admitted to using TFWs to displace Canadian ironworkers at Kearl Lake and who has failed to enforce existing rules that were supposed to stop employers from using TFWs to undercut Canadian wages. Put simply, why should we believe him this time? For all these reasons, voters in Fort McMurray should look at this by-election as an opportunity to send a message about the TFW program. If we’re successful in turning the race into a referedum on the program, the entire country will take note -- and Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast will thank us. Gil McGowan, President Alberta Federation of Labour cope458