New Westminster & District Labour Council

06/25/2026

A constituent recently sent me this photo from a trip to Newfoundland. They took the ferry from Farewell Harbour to Fogo Island, about a 50-minute sailing, with a car, driver and passenger, both seniors. The round-trip fare was $22.22.

A comparable Sunday round trip on BC Ferries from Departure Bay in Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay, with a vehicle and two seniors, would be about $264, nearly 12 times more.

This is exactly why I’ve been raising the enormous discrepancy in federal ferry support between coastal British Columbia and Atlantic Canada in Parliament. Ferries are essential marine highways, they connect families, workers, patients, businesses and supply chains. Vancouver Island and coastal communities shouldn’t be treated as second-class when it comes to federal transportation support.

I’m not calling for less support for Atlantic Canada, I’m calling for fair support for British Columbia too.

Please add your name to our petition calling on the federal government to provide fair, stable and long-term support for BC Ferries and coastal communities and, importantly, share this post with your Facebook Friends and ask them to sign too. Here’s the link to the online petition: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-7474&fbclid=IwY2xjawSoBOVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5MDJLajhqeHRpS0NyM0t1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoF8W84JJ3tuohjVs6SPHhh4Yj-_0aGcyuXH1O14uvykwyUR0nriyoBC6P8e_aem_lUdpw26FZsHVH1ONaCVu3w

06/23/2026

Thank you to Brad West, Mayor of Port Coquitlam, and Chair of the Mayors’ Council, the collective voice of Metro Vancouver mayors on transit and transportation, for this post about DexterraWatch.org

Dexterra Group is a cleaning contractor for hundreds of public and private property sites. Among them is the Metro Vancouver SkyTrain system, where cleaners have had to deal with understaffing and unsafe working conditions.

Like Mayor West said: “Strong communities are built by frontline workers and the people who clean our facilities, transit stations, and public spaces deserve to be heard.”

06/23/2026

06/23/2026

06/01/2026

Have you ever noticed something that didn’t feel quite right but weren’t sure what to do about it?

Join us online for the “It’s Not Right!” presentation on June 2nd and learn simple, practical steps to help when you are concerned about an older adult or vulnerable person.

You will learn how to recognize the warning signs of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect and how to respond as a bystander safely.

This free, interactive session is open to anyone who wants to make their community a safer, more caring place.

Visit the link in the comments to register.

06/01/2026

Injured Workers’ Day in Canada brings attention to the struggle and injustice that injured workers and their families face, and to call for change.

On June 1, 1983, over 3,000 marchers converged on the steps of the Ontario Legislature, and successfully demanded a voice for injured workers in committee meetings about changes to Ontario’s workers’ compensation system. In 2008, the Canadian Labour Congress adopted a resolution to proclaim June 1 “a Canada-wide day of action to intensify the struggle for justice for all injured workers.”

Join BC Fed's Lunch and Learn series on chronic pain on Jun 1, 11 & 24. Register here https://bcfed.ca/injured-workers-day-june-1-2026-chronic-pain

IW Day's history here:https://injuredworkersonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/LongRoadJustice.pdf

Photo credit: Robert Storey (Injured Workers Online)

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

National AccessAbility Week (May 31-June 6, 2026) is a time to celebrate the valuable contributions of people with disabilities, and commit to identifying and removing barriers in every part of society to promote equity.

Everyone deserves equal opportunities to meaningfully participate in their communities. About one million British Columbians over the age of 15 live with a disability. That’s why identifying and removing barriers is critical to creating accessible spaces, and combatting the systemic discrimination that prevents people with disabilities from fully participating at work, in their union, and their communities.

For more information and resources visit:
🔗 HEU's website at heu.org/diversity-equity-inclusion
🔗 HEU’s People with Disabilities Standing Committee at heu.org/pwd-committee
🔗 https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/national-accessability-week.html

06/01/2026

June is PTSD Awareness Month — a time focused on increasing awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, reducing stigma around trauma and mental health, and sharing information about support and treatment resources.

PTSD can affect anyone, and many people struggle in silence because of misunderstanding or stigma. Open conversations, education, and support can make a real difference.

We stand with every firefighter and first responder who carries the weight of what they have seen and endured in service to others.

If you’re struggling, reaching out for support is important. Seeking help is not weakness, and treatment and resources are available. Checking in on others, listening without judgment, and encouraging people to access support can help create a stronger and more informed community.

This month is a reminder that mental health matters, trauma is real, and support should never carry stigma. Let’s continue working toward better awareness, understanding, and support for those living with PTSD.

Visit https://bcfirstrespondersmentalhealth.com/ if you are looking for support, resources, or ways to help.

06/01/2026

In just 10 days, we can cheer together at PoCo’s Soccer Socials, a free public viewing series at Terry Fox Hometown Square from June 11 to July 19! ⚽ The series will bring the community together to watch select international soccer matches on a large outdoor screen provided by Valley Tech Production Group LTD. with programming centred on Canada match days, host-country games, Vancouver-hosted matches, marquee international games and key knockout-round matches.

"PoCo's Soccer Socials is about bringing people together to share in the excitement of one of the world's biggest sporting events right here in our community," said Brad West, Port Coquitlam Mayor. "It's a chance to cheer on Canada, enjoy the atmosphere downtown, support our local businesses and be part of something truly special."

The viewing area will be located in the licensed landing area outside the Jon Baillie Arena at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (2150 Wilson Avenue). Enjoy the matches outdoors while bringing beverages from the licensed area and food and drinks from the on-site concession, which will feature game day specials throughout the series. Free underground parking is available at the Community Centre.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

Details at portcoquitlam.ca/media. Learn more at portcoquitlam.ca/soccer.