Today, the National Citizens Coalition is pleased to celebrate the passage of Bill C-377 by the House of Commons in Ottawa. This Bill, which will compel Canadian unions to disclose their financial activities, will now move on to be reviewed by the Senate.
"This is a major victory for hardworking Canadians across the country," says Peter Coleman, President and CEO of the National Citizens Coalition. "Union members should never be left wondering how their dues are being spent, and now union bosses will have to be accountable."
Private member's bills rarely progress this far through the legislative process, but it is clear that Bill C-377 has the support of the Canadian public. A recent Nanos survey found that more than 83% of Canadians favour increased transparency for unions.
"Canadian unions receive hundreds of millions of dollars of tax breaks each year from the federal government," continues Coleman. "It is long past time for unions to increase their transparency and accountability if they want to maintain their favourable arrangement.
Canadian workers are constantly forced to join a union and pay union dues as a condition of employment, even if they do not want to. Accordingly, Bill C-377 is an important first step to empowering disenfranchised workers.
"The National Citizens Coalition has campaigned for many years to bring about union financial disclosure. We are pleased by the progress that has been made, and we urge the Senate to review and pass this landmark legislation without delay."
Peter Coleman and Stephen Taylor are available for comment.
Please contact:
Peter Coleman
President and CEO
Email: pcoleman1@rogers.blackberry.net
