Public Service Alliance of Canada - Atlantic Region

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Human Rights Committee of the Atlantic Regional Council Mandate and Plan

The Human Rights Committee of the Atlantic Council has developed a Mandate and Plan for the Human Rights Program in the Atlantic Region. (Word) (Acrobat)

October 27, 2008

Colombia: Fear for Safety/Death Threats

http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/AMR23/035/2008/en

October 27, 2008

The Aboriginal Healing Foundation

The Public Service Alliance of Canada, Halifax, has received the latest publication by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation entitled “From Truth to Reconciliation: Transforming the Legacy of Residential Schools.” This publication (English and French) is available for loan by contacting the Halifax Regional Office at (902) 443-3541. You are also invited to visit the website at http://www.ahf.ca

June 18, 2008

National Aboriginal Day/Aboriginal Solidarity Day (PDF)

May 7, 2008

THINK PUBLIC – AND FIGHT HOMOPHOBIA

PSAC is building a movement to fight back and defend Canada’s valuable public services. We believe that the needs of people come first – that the role of government is to protect and promote the social, economical and safety needs of the public.

On May 17, we encourage PSAC members to mark the International Day Against Homophobia by committing to defend a strong, public health care system for all Canadians. It is time to make the voices and the needs of LGBT communities heard. Let’s make sure the LGBT communities get respectful, accessible care through a strong public health care system.

Please contact your PSAC Regional Office to obtain posters and pamphlets under the theme “Stop. Homosexuality is NOT a Sickness! Additional information can be found on the website www.homophobiaday.org.

April 25, 2008

The Atlantic Region participated in the 2008 National Conference for Racially Visible Members under the theme "Be The Change: Create A Better World."

April 24, 2008

2008 PSAC NATIONAL ABORIGINAL PEOPLES' CONFERENCE (Details)

March 18, 2008

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid’s “pass laws.” The United Nations General Assembly subsequently declared that day, 21 March, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and called on the international community not only to commemorate that tragedy, but also to work together to combat racism and discrimination wherever they exist.

February 19, 2008

Celebrating African Heritage Month

African Heritage Month is a period dedicated to the recognition, learning, and celebration of Black History in North America. The month of February is a nationally recognized opportunity to acknowledge value and learn from the contributions people of African heritage have made to communities and workplaces. The voice, power, struggles and achievements of persons of African descent have also made critically important changes in the labour movement. The road to equality, recognition and dignity is a long one - it is also a road filled with proud and powerful leaders from African descents. Please join your Union Brothers and Sisters in celebrating this commemorative month.

For additional information and activities on African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia please link to http://www.gov.ns.ca/ansa/specialevents.asp.

December 12, 2007

2008 PSAC NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR RACIALLY VISIBLE MEMBERS

Registration package for the 2008 PSAC National Conference for Racially Visible Members, which will be held March 7 – 9, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Montreal, under the theme “Be the Change: Create a Better World!” is now available. (Word) (PDF)

December 6, 2007

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY – DECEMBER 10

International Human Rights Day is marked every year on December 10 with activities.

The objective for this day is to increase the level of public awareness and understanding of human rights education and training as being essential for the promotion and achievement of fostering mutual understanding, tolerance and peace.

Contact your Regional Office to obtain posters entitled “Human Rights Are Workers’ Rights.” Display this poster in your workplace to promote and educate others on the right to work in an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity and equality of our communities.

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DISABLED PERSONS–DECEMBER 3

The Annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, ecomonic and cultural life.

April 11, 2007

Atlantic Region Well Represented At The

2007 National Pride Conference

March 13, 2007

Atlantic Council Human Rights Committee Provides Assistance

Dawn Hardy, PSAC Atlantic Council PEI Provincial Director and member of the Atlantic Council Human Rights Committee presenting a cheque in the amount of $355.00 to Margaret Gallant, Member of UTE Local 90006 at the Summerside Tax Centre, to assist her and her family with the cost of purchasing a wheelchair for her spouse.

January 16, 2007

PSAC Member Speaks of Human Rights Abuses in Colombia

Sr. Marie Makhan, an Agriculture Component member from Halifax, recently returned from Colombia after participating in the Front Lines Tour. She speaks of a visit to a Communal Soup Kitchen, one small bastion of hope in this impoverished country. Read her account here. (Word) (PDF)

March, 2006

Human Rights Committee of the Atlantic Council

The Human Rights Committee of the Atlantic Council is the regional link to the REVP and Council on Human Rights issues. The PSAC Human Rights Program has general accountability for promoting and defending the Human Rights of PSAC members. These rights are contained in PSAC policy and within the context of the Canadian Human Rights Act and comparable legislation.

The PSAC Human Rights Program is based on a mobilizing approach, rather than an advocacy approach. This means that the Union provides support to members from equity groups to discuss, identify and strategize around how to best address issues of particular concerns to them. Committees exist on a national and regional basis. The Human Rights Program is integrated with the PSAC Employment Equity Program and the PSAC Women's Program.

The PSAC Atlantic Council Human Rights Committee consists of the four Council members, elected at the PSAC Atlantic Regional Convention to represent the four equity groups, (racially visible members, members with disabilities, aboriginal members and gay, lesbian and transgendered members). Other interested members may be appointed by the PSAC Atlantic Regional Executive Vice-President.

Mandate of Human Rights Committees

The Human Rights Committee's mandate includes playing an active role in the education of members and employers about human rights issues; acting as a resource to members on human rights issues; networking with others on human rights issues; and assisting in the organizing of equity groups to be in conformance with Section 15 of the PSAC Constitution.

Section 15 of the PSAC Constitution enables the establishment of regional equity committees representing any of the four equity groups, or human rights committees, representing all of the four equity groups. Please see Section 15 for other variations as well.