We are six weeks away from Our United Way WRC Campaign Launch, March of 1,000 Umbrellas.
We invite you to join us on Thursday, September 19th, as we form a parade of umbrellas stretching from Waterloo City Hall to Kitchener City Hall. The event shines a spotlight on the essential work being done by our extensive local network of non-profits and charities, that are all funded through the generosity of donors like you.
Your $20 registration includes lunch, entertainment, and a GRT pass from Carl Zehr Square. Register before August 31st to receive a free United Way t-shirt, handed out at the event!
This march is an opportunity to come together in solidarity and speak out on behalf of those in need in our region. Together we can end poverty, but only if we are United!
The full event will take less than two hours, but its impact on our community and non-profit organizations will endure.
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/opseusefpo-flag.jpg-e1720113506350.webp333500Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2024-07-04 13:18:392024-07-05 13:49:29LCBO Workers on Strike as of July 5th!
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Greek-Flag-e1720112469387.png200300Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2024-07-04 13:02:002024-07-04 13:02:01Greece is bringing in a 6-day work week. Could Canada follow?
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Queens-Symbol.png251200Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2024-07-04 12:52:302024-07-04 12:52:31Queen’s University lays off frontline staff in budget cut; more layoffs expected
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Algoma-Symbol-e1720111270700.webp79300Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2024-07-04 12:41:332024-07-04 12:41:34Support staff back no confidence in Algoma U prez
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/alliance-days.jpg960540Tracy Cochranehttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgTracy Cochrane2024-06-28 16:51:532024-06-28 16:51:54Alliance Day 2024: Standing in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples
The water is calling. Who will answer? I know at least one group who does answer that call: Water Walkers One of our very own WLUSA/OSSTF Members is a Water Walker: Laurie Minor. Laurie takes on hard issues Indigenous people face in our community and beyond through her work on protecting and healing our waters. Laurie facilitates monthly water ceremonies for the Grand River in Kitchener and the Credit River in Georgetown, as well as walking for the Grand River and the Credit River. She just completed the Water Walk for the Credit River, June 14 & 15 and looks forward to the All Nations Grand River Water Walk in September.
“The Grand River Water Walk is based on the teachings of Grandmother Josephine-Baa Mandamin, who walked around the Great Lakes and along the St. Lawrence River before passing into the spirit world in 2019. With a copper pail of water in one hand and an eagle staff in another, she brought worldwide recognition to the value of water. The Water Walkers walk to honour Nibi (water), they speak, sing and pray to her spirit and we offer petitions for healthy rivers, lakes and oceans for future generations.”
WLUSA Member Laurie Minor
Source: www.Grandriverwaterwalk.com This year’s All Nations Grand River Water Walk is being held September 15-21, and everyone is welcome to participate with understanding and acceptance of the protocols for the walk itself. It is called the All Nations Grand River Water Walk because for far too long only Indigenous communities have been protecting the land and waters. It is up to everyone, or All Nations, to take up their responsibility to protect water for not just ourselves, but for future generations as well. Water is Life. Monetary donations are also being collected in addition to donations of items for an online Facebook auction that will take place in August (still looking for people to donate items for the auction).
There is also a 10-minute video about first-hand experiences about the impact of lack of clean water: Is the clean water crisis in Indigenous communities being purposely suppressed in the media? Is the clean water crisis in Indigenous communities being hidden? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRDqe2t0Zr4
No one should have to live without clean, potable water. Anywhere. I am appalled and ashamed of Canada, and its response to Indigenous communities who are suffering, and in some cases, dying due to complications of not having clean water. Most often the water is put in jeopardy due to big corporations that have no interest or involvement with the people in the territories that they occupy. If you have ever watched the movie “Erin Brockovich”, you will see the correlation between that story and the reality many Indigenous families and communities are facing.
I thank the Water Walkers who connect to the spirit of water and sing to her while also spreading awareness of the importance of protecting water sources and clean drinking water in our communities. Miigwetch.
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Indigenousarticle-second.jpg7801040Lauren Bourdageshttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgLauren Bourdages2024-06-20 14:48:162024-06-20 14:48:16From the membership: INDIGENOUS WAYS – the All Nations Grand River Water Walkers
Every April 22nd workers observe a day of mourning to remember comrades who were injured, killed or made sick because of hazardous workplace exposures. The event is always observed on April 22nd regardless of the day of the week. Fortunately this year it fell on a Sunday so workers could attend without missing work.
The Waterloo Regional Labour Council hosts the event locally with the location alternating between Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. This year the ceremony was held at Riverside Park in Cambridge which is just south of the 401 and not far from Kitchener. Jeff Pelich, the WRLC President, acted as the master of ceremonies. Sherri Roberts spoke first on behalf of Cambridge mayor Jan Liggett, and she was followed by Regional Chair Karen Redman. Brian Riddell, the Conservative MPP from Cambridge also attended and spoke. This is a little surprising given that it was Doug Ford’s Conservative government which passed Bill 124 during the pandemic limiting wage increases and bargaining for the public sector. Bryan May, the MP for Cambridge spoke next and told Brian Riddell that weather falls under provincial jurisdiction. The crowd enjoyed that quip because there was a lot of rain falling that morning.
After the elected officials spoke, two union leaders addressed the crowd to advocate for safer working conditions and greater accountability for employers who kill or injure workers. Greg Bobier, Business Manager of the Waterloo Wellington Dufferin Trades Council went first, and he is a mainstay at these events because of the hazardous nature of the work performed by his members. Marty Warren, National Director for Canada of the United Steelworkers, spoke passionately about the need for the Westray Law which expands liability for employers if their workers are killed on the job. Pastor Jenn Urquhart closed the solemnities with a heartfelt plea to remember those who have died and to fight for the living. WLUSA/OSSTF Members and the broader WLU community can take her words to heart by ensuring that our University community is a safe place to work and learn.
Doug Roberts – WLUSA Executive, Member of the Communications and Political Action Committee
https://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/unnamed-e1711992216656.png180300Lauren Bourdageshttps://wlusa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wlusa_logo_large-300x53.jpgLauren Bourdages2024-06-20 14:32:292024-06-20 14:32:29From the membership: April 22nd was the Workers’ National Day of Mourning
