MONTREAL, Aug. 22, 2017 /CNW/ - In the current and exceptional situation now happening at the Canadian-American border, and specifically in Quebec, as thousands of people pour in, Unifor offers concrete support and demands action for the families of refugees.
"These people have already been deeply affected by previous uprooting and are threatened to be turned away due to President Trump's xenophobic policies; we must do our part," said Renaud Gagné, Unifor Québec's Director.
For Unifor, it is just as important to set up appropriate measures to ensure the inclusion and integration of refugees into Quebec and Canadian society, which is in itself a great challenge. "Our union wants to make sure the children starting school have all the supplies and necessities needed when they get into the Quebec school system," says Renaud Gagné.
Unifor National President, Jerry Dias, called on the Federal and Quebec governments to coordinate their efforts to address the situation. Dias added, "The fear and ignorance behind racism must be fought by all possible means."
Through the Unifor Social Justice Fund, the union has already supported many groups in need - such as children, teenagers, women, migrants, etc. with several thousands of dollars yearly. "The situation that is now experienced at the Canadian-American border is exceptional and requires a response that is just as exceptional," concluded Gagne.
About Unifor
Unifor is Quebec's largest private sector union, with more than 52,000 members, working in every major sector of the economy. Unifor represents more than 310,000 members across Canada. It is also affiliated to the Fédération des travailleuses et travailleurs du Québec (FTQ). This union campaigns for the advocacy of all workers' rights. It also fights for equality and social justice in the country and abroad, wishing to drive progressive changes for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor
Myriam Germain, national representative, (514) 918-9881, [email protected]
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