G8/G20 Summit -Demand World Leaders Put People First!

May 19, 2010

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VIDEO: What the media ignored - 25,000 peacefully demonstrate against G20 policies in Toronto

From June 25-27, Canada will host the G8 and G20 Summits. These events present a unique opportunity for Canadians from all walks of life to make their voices heard. It is a moment for Canadians to join collectively, with people across the globe, to tell the Canadian government and world leaders that in these troubled times: people deserve better!

*Letter from CAW President Ken Lewenza to Ontario Local Unions calling for participation at the People's Summit in June
*Key events for the People's Summit
*Shout Out for Global Justice! June 25 @ Massey Hall in Toronto

Some of the key issues labour wants addressed are:

Global Economic and Financial Crisis
In September 2008, the global economy crashed and while the banks are on the road to recovery, working people continue to bear the heaviest burden of the down turn. Unemployment is soaring, pension funds are evaporating and workers are suffering huge cuts in personal income.

Canada's politicians may be claiming a period of recovery but for the majority of countries worldwide, the situation is still dire. In the North and South, millions of people have lost their savings, their livelihoods and their homes, and women, youth and migrant workers are particularly vulnerable.

Development and Poverty
In 2000, all 192 United Nations member states pledged to meet eight Millennium Development Goals by 2015. These goals assign targets to reduce poverty and hunger; provide universal primary education; promote gender equality; reduce child mortality; improve maternal health; combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; and create a global partnership for development.

The crisis is fast extinguishing hope of achieving the Millennium Development Goals and nationally agreed development objectives, especially in low-income countries, where the International Labour Organization estimates that 100 million men and women have fallen into absolute poverty in the last year.

In Muskoka, the G8 priority must be to set a path, through the accountability framework, towards addressing the gap between stated commitments and necessary actions to put the MDGs back on track. With just five years remaining until the MDG target date of 2015, the summit will mark a critical moment for G8 governments to take stock of progress and make an all-out effort to address the most glaring gaps and shortfalls in reaching their targets. 

Climate Change
The immediate impacts of climate change will target the poorest and most vulnerable people. It will certainly also have effects on employment. Measures taken to combat climate change, in particular those aiming at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while crucial, will require important transformations in the world of work, and generate opportunities and challenges for workers and trade unions.

Trade unions are committed to call on all governments, in priority, those in developed countries and major economies in the developing world, to firmly commit to emission reductions.

Find out how you can get involved and have your voice heard!