Friends,
Local governments, which include municipal councils, regional districts, and school boards, have a greater impact on our day-to-day lives than many of us realize.
Most of the services that we access daily are administered by local governments: the roads we drive on, the water we drink, the libraries we visit, and the schools our children attend. Local governments also make decisions affecting public transit, affordable housing, land use, and parklands.
The latest figures show that BC municipalities collectively spend more than $12.3 billion each year. How municipal councils choose to spend that money has a real impact on the everyday lives of working people and their families. It shapes everything from access to affordable housing and recreation centres to the essential infrastructure and services our communities rely on.
That’s why the Canadian Labour Congress and your local district labour councils have worked hard to engage union members in civic affairs. The CLC’s Stronger Communities Together campaign has always sought to build strong, productive relationships between unions and local governments so that they can work together to build robust and economically vibrant communities.
Local government elections take place in BC in October 17. A week later, provincial elections take place on October 24.
I encourage you take some time to speak to the candidates running for election, both municipally and provincially, and ask them where they stand on issues of importance to working people, such as how they will invest in your community, ensure sustainability, and encourage family-supporting jobs.
District Labour Councils, which represent union members across the province, have also spent significant time talking to and questioning many of the candidates in the upcoming local government elections and have compiled a list of municipal and school board candidates who:
- Support the interests of working families
- Understand that public services and programs enhance our quality of life
- Realize the importance of a strong public education system
- Recognize that contracting out and privatization are not cost-effective
- Value the contribution of public sector workers
- Know that a strong community depends on local control and decision-making
On October 17 and 24 you have an opportunity to elect representatives who will support public services, help make our communities more resilient, and support the needs of our diverse population.
The time that it takes you to vote is a small investment that can have a great return.
In Solidarity,
Jamey Mills
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Regional Executive Vice President, BC