CHARLOTTETOWN,
More and more economists and financial analysts are questioning the Harper Conservatives’ obsession with bringing the deficit down to zero. A recent study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives estimates that up to 68,000 jobs would be cut just from the 2010 and 2011 austerity measures of the federal government. This budget could push that number to 100,000. It is anticipated that it will cut more jobs, creating higher unemployment and economic harm in small communities that depend on these jobs.
The PSAC rejects the Conservative austerity agenda and calls on the government to recognize that investing in public sector renewal is essential to building and maintaining a strong Canadian economy.
“Canadians rely on public services, especially during difficult economic times. Destroying public services will harm Canadians in this generation and the next,” says Jeannie Baldwin, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President. “These services reduce inequality and promote economic, social, and environmental security.”
At Thursday’s Budget Watch spokespeople from a range of concerned stakeholder groups will address the Budget’s potential fallout. Representatives from CUPE, Poverty Bites, the Council of Canadians and the Health Care Coalition will be in attendance.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada is a national union with over 180,000 members, most of whom are federal government workers who everyday deliver quality public services to Canadians.
What: Budget Watch
When: 4:30pm, Thursday, March 29, 2012
Where: PSAC Board Room, 614 North River Road, Suite D, Charlottetown, PE
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Media are invited. Spokespeople will be available on site for comment.
Contact Lesley Thompson, Communications Officer, PSAC, 902-471-6201