The AFL in the News

NAFTA bumps into Alberta's upgrader plans; Trade deal would prohibit the province from reducing the flow of bitumen to the United States once it starts
EDMONTON - Eighteen months ago, Premier Ed Stelmach -- the man who said shipping oilsands bitumen south was like selling off the topsoil -- asked his energy minister to develop a strategy ... Byline: Sheila Pratt
Edmonton Journal, Page A19, Saturday, June 7, 2008

Tories try to 'steamroll' labour code bill; Rapid action on legislation design to limit opposition, Liberal charges
EDMONTON - The Alberta government moved swiftly Tuesday towards passing controversial labour code amendments, despite ongoing criticism from labour groups. Just before debate started on Bill 26, the ... Byline: Archie McLean
Edmonton Journal, Page A4, Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Labour code bill enrages unions; Accuse Stelmach government of seeking revenge for election ads
Labour groups and opposition parties bashed proposed amendments to Alberta's labour relations code announced Monday, saying they will make a labour-unfriendly province even worse for unionized ... Byline: Archie McLean
Edmonton Journal, Page A1, Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Alberta braces for protests; Gov't under fire for making 'anti-union' changes to labour code
The Alberta government is bracing for protests after ntroducing what critics are calling anti-union changes to the province's labour code. Employment Minister Hector Goudreau has confirmed that ...
Penticton Herald, Page A4, Tuesday, June 3, 2008
 

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May 2008

Can you come up with a nifty name for the Liberals?; Win prizes and help the Grits rebrand into a winning party
Alberta Liberals, what's in a name? Would the party by any other name smell as, um, sweet? Or win more seats? Rumblings about a Grit name change come up perennially after a lacklustre election ...
Edmonton Journal, Page A10, Monday, May 12, 2008

All voices deserve a say during elections: Third-party spending restrictions will ensure political parties the only game in town
Provincial NDP Leader Brian Mason thinks it's unfair that unions outspent his party on television advertising by a margin of more than 10 to one in the recent provincial election.  ... Byline: Lorne Gunter
Edmonton Journal, Sunday, May 11, 2008

Same old, same old: Liberals' attempt at reinvention as 'organic' as compost
Months after the provincial election, with the closure of the spring legislature session now a beacon of light at the end of a long, dark tunnel, there's still a lot of denial out there.... Byline: Neil Waugh
Edmonton Sun, Sunday, May 11, 2008

Tories planning to update campaign finance rules
The Alberta government is considering changes to campaign finance laws that would effectively mute groups such as Albertans for Change, which ran high-riced attack ads during the March election, Premier Ed Stelmach said. ... Byline: Archie McLean, with files from Jason Markusoff, The Calgary Herald
Edmonton Journal, Friday, May 9, 2008

Alberta Liberals split on whether to ditch name: Taft, Swann clash on starting new party
Alberta Liberals are divided over how to reinvigorate an opposition movement that was crushed in the provincial election, with the Grit chief arguing one of his MLA's proposals to possibly create a new party "is not realistic." ... Byline: Jason Fekete
Edmonton Journal, Thursday, May 8, 2008

Taft not about to start new party from scratch
Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft said Wednesday he is open to discussing the future of his party, but dismissed one of his MLA's moves toward starting a new party. "Trying to build a new party from the ground up is an interesting idea maybe, ... Byline: Archie McLean
Edmonton Journal, Thursday, May 8, 2008

Uniting opposition question of choice
Calgary Liberal MLA David Swann ha sthe right idea about solving the malaise of political opposition in Alberta. When he talks in principle about a new political movement, and then explains that "We have to move where Albertans want us to move" ...
Edmonton Journal, Thursday, May 8, 2008

Alberta's left wing discusses alliance: Liberal MLA meeting with other opponents of Tories
Calgary Liberal MLA David Swann has been quietly meeting with MLAs and other interested people about starting a new party based on green politics, accountability and democratic reform. ... Byline: Archie McLean
Edmonton Journal, Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Unity pact breathes life into politics: Liberals and NDP talk about not competing for ridings, but will it be enough to win?
Two months after their brutal pounding in the last provincial election, Alberta Liberals and New Democrats are looking ahead to the next election -- one they might fight together.  Byline: Graham Thomson
Edmonton Journal, Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Unions claim provincial statistics underestimate number of employee fatalities
Labour unions in B.C. and Alberta commemorated the 13th International Day of Mourning amid claims that provincial government statistics underestimate the numbers of employees killed. ... Byline, Richard Gilbert
Journal of Commerce, Monday, May 5, 2008

Double the income, same earning level for Calgarians
Family income in Calgary this decade has increased by nearly double the national average while the Alberta figure is nearly triple, states a Statistics Canada report. But the numbers also show ... Byline: Bill Kaufmann
Calgary Sun, Wednesday, May 1, 2008

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April 2008

Recent deaths raise question of workplace safety: Complaints to province have 'fallen upon deaf ears,' victim's wife says
EDMONTON--Not even two years after Lorna Chandler's husband was crused in a grain silo at a feedlot near High River, one of his employers also died in a silo-related workplace accident. ... Byline: Hanneke Brooymans and Jason Markusoff
Edmonton Journal, Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008

Man dies in crash with giant truck: Oilsands hauler collides with pickup at Fort McMurray mine site
An oilsands contractor driving a pickup has died after colliding this weekend with a 400-tonne oilsands dump truck on a mine site that prides itself on its clean worker-safety record ... Byline: Elise Stolte and Steve Lillebuen
Edmonton Journal, Monday, Apr 28, 2008

Alberta Labour Groups Mark Day of Mourning
The provincial government says in 2007, workplace related deaths rose 24 per cent in Alberta to 154 - the highest number in the last decade. On Monday, labour groups are gathering to honour those who died in International Day of Mourning ceremonies. ... Byline: CHQR Newsroom
CHQR, Monday, Apr 28, 2008

Alta. Liberals press for farm labour standards
Alberta's provincial opposition is calling for the province's labour standards code and job safety legislation to include farm workers. Liberal Leader Kevin Taft on Monday called for the Stelmach govenment to expand the Employment Standards Code ... Byline: FBC Staff
Farm Business Communications, Monday, Apr 28, 2008

Farm death sparks call for action
The provincial government came under fire in the legislature Wednesday for its lack of workplace safety laws for farm workers, the day after a feedlot owner fell from a silo to his death west of High River ... Byline: Kelly Cryderman
Calgary Herald, Thursday, Apr 24, 2008

Health premium savings expected to flow to workers
The elimination of health-care premiums will pump $1 billion annually into the economy beginning next January and some of that cash could wind up in employees' pockets, says business and union officials. ... Byline: Darcy Henton
Edmonton Journal, Thursday, Apr 24, 2008

Opinion: Alberta labour's $2M mistake; Organized labour actively campaigned against the Stelmach Tories in the last election. The problem is voters didn't have a viable alternative
Remember the strange TV ads during last month's provincial election with the black and white images of Premier Stelmach and the not-so-scary voice whispering "No pla-a-a-n"? That was the first in ... Byline: Tina Faiz
Edmonton Journal, Page A17, Wednesday, Apr 23, 2008

Is immigration helping us?; A stunning British study suggests that maybe it isn't
Globalization has increased acceptance of a multi-racial world and provided endless supplies of skilled and other labour, so what's not to love about mass immigration? While Canada's opposition ... Byline: Margret Kopala
Montreal Gazette, Page A17, Monday, Apr 21, 2008

Workplace violations cost $1.9 M; Seven companies prosecuted this year
EDMONTON--Alberta courts have fined companies more than $1.9 million this year for workplace health and safety violations. Under alternative sentencing, most of that money has been given ... Byline: Archie McLean
Edmonton Journal, Page B5, Saturday, Apr 19, 2008

Alberta gets tougher on unsafe workplaces
EDMONTON--Alberta companies have been fined more than $1.9 million this year for workplace health and safety violations, more than in all of 2007, the provincial government says. Under alternative ... Byline: Archie McLean
Calgary Herald, Page A12, Saturday, Apr 19, 2008

Workplace violations cost $1.9 M; Seven companies prosecuted this year
EDMONTON--Albeta courts have fined companies more than $1.9 million this year for workplace health and safety violations. Under alternative sentencing, most of that money has been given ... Byline: Archie McLean
Edmonton Journal, Page B5, Saturday, Apr 19, 2008

Workplace deaths up 24%; 154 Alta. workers died on job last year, 30 more than in 2006
EDMONTON--Alberta workplace deaths jumped 24 per cent in 2007, but injuries fell slightly during the same period, new provincial statistics show. A total of 154 people died on the job or as a ... Byline: Archie McLean
Edmonton Journal, Page A1, Friday, Apr 18, 2008

Alberta on-job deaths up 24%; Poor training of new workers blamed for rise
The number of workplace deaths in Alberta soared 24 per cent in 2007 -- to one of the highest numbers on record -- highlighting occupational dangers and inadequate safety training provided to workers ... Byline: Jason Fekete and Gwendolyn Richards
Calgary Herald, Page A1, Friday, Apr 18, 2008

Health tops Tory agenda: Legislature set for new session
Alberta's health minister will announce plans this week for reshaping the provincial medical system in the face of rising costs and hospital overcrowding, but the fate of health regions won't be decided until summer ... Byline: Michelle Lang
Calgary Herald, Page A1, Monday, Apr 14, 2008

CEP tackles crude oil shipments
The national Communications, Energy and Paperworkers (CEP) Union will be on Parliament Hill Tuesday morning welcoming returning MPs with national energy security concerns. Enbridge's Clipper and TransCanada's Southern Lights pipelines are on CEP's mind, ... Byline: Carol Christian
Fort McMurray Today, Monday, Apr 14, 2008

Western Canadian unions make presentation to federal immigration committee
A number of unions in B.C. and Alberta were given little or no notice about sharing their opinions with the government on the federal temporary worker (TFW) program. However, some groups were called upon to give a short presentation ... Byline: Richard Gilbert
Daily Commercial News and Construction Record, Monday, Apr 14, 2008

Alberta pursues 41,000 foreign workers: 'We are being swamped with requests from employers'
The federal government has given the green light in the past year for more than 40,000 temporary foreign workers to come to Alberta - setting the stage for a staggering 300 per cent jump from just three years ago. ... Byline: Kelly Cryderman
Calgary Herald, Page A1, Sunday, Apr 13, 2008

Possible changes coming to Alberta labour
The face of labour in this province could see a noticeable change in the weeks and months to come. A federal agency, Human Resources & Social Development Canada, says it is processing a flood of applications ...
660News, Sunday, Apr 13, 2008

The gain drain: The conventional wisdom that immigration is an economic boon to Canada isn't holding up under scrutiny
Globalization has increased acceptance of a coffee-coloured world and provided endless supplies of skilled and other labour, so what's not to love about mass immigration? ... Byline: Margret Kopala
Ottawa Citizen, Page B7, Saturday, Apr 12, 2008

Mexican Migrant Workers File Complaints with UN Rapporteur: Canada's image as a safe and secure destination for foreign temporary workers is under fire, critics say
The government has been working hard in recent years to expand the number of temporary foreign workers who are allowed into Canada to ease what appears to be a growing labour shortage across the country. ... Byline: Michelle Collins
Embassy - Canada's Foreign Policy Newsletter, Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008

Unions make presentation to House of Commons immigration committee
A number of unions in B.C. and Alberta were given little or no notice about sharing their opinions with the ogvernment on the federal temporary worker (TFW) program. However, some groups were called upon to give a short presentation before a House of Common Committee examing problems within the program. ... Byline: Richard Gilbert
Journal of Commerce, Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008

Alberta foreign worker program mired in bureaucracy: federal committee
EDMONTON-Alberta's temporary foreign worker program has no oversight and is mired in so much bureaucracy that employers are allowed to treat hopeful immigrants like indentured labour...
Truro News, Monday, Apr 7, 2008

Minimum wage in Alberta increases to $8.40
On April 1, Alberta's minimum wage increased from $8 to $8.40 per hour. In June 2007 the Alberta government announced the increase to minimum wage would be based on the average weekly wage index. ... Byline: Tiffany Williams
Ponoka News, Wednesday, Apr 2, 2008

Foreigners "indentured" union
Temporary foreign workers infected with scabies, but still made to work was just one horror story related to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. ... Byline: Carol Christian
Fort McMurray Today, Wednesday, Apr 2, 2008

Minimum wage increases
Anyone working for minimum wage will be glad to know they're getting a raise, but employers might find their payroll getting tighter as they have to raise wages across the board. ... Byline: Simon Ducatel
Vulcan Advocate, Wednesday, Apr 2, 2008

Group slams foreign worker program
Alberta's temporary foreign worker program has no oversight and is mired in so much bureaucracy that employers are allowed to treat hopeful immigrants like indentured labour. ... Byline: Brookes Merritt
Edmonton Sun, Wednesday, Apr 2, 2008

Alberta Federation of Labour holds public forum on temporary foreign worker program
The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) held a public forum recently to brief unions about concerns relating to the increase in use of the federal government's temporary froeign worker (TFW) program. ... Byline: Richard Gilbert
Daily Construction News and Daily Record, Wednesday, Apr 2, 2008

Foreign workers exploited by temporary job plan: National program used for 'end-run around mainline immigration system'
EDMONTON-Gil McGowan would say Puneet Puneet is an example of what's wrong with Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker program, which he says is not only exploitive but a clear indication of the country's dysfunctional immigration system. ... Byline: Jamie Hall 
The Edmonton Journal, Wednesday, Apr 2, 2008

Minimum Wage Increases April 1st
The head of Alberta's largest labour group is calling out the provincial government for what he says is a "drop in the bucket" when it comes to the minimum wage  ...
CHQR Newroom, Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008

Labour group suggests April 1 minimum wage hike in Alta is a sad joke
EDMONTON-Alberta's minimum wage hike kicks in on April Fool's Day, but an organization representing labour groups suggests $8.40 an hour is still a sad joke. The Alberta Federation of Labour says the province's high cost of living means the minimum wage ...
Orleans Star, Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008

Alberta hit with 800 complaints from foreign workers: Accommodation, unfair wage deductions cited
Just a day before a House of Commons committee meets in Edmonton to discuss the issue of temporary foreign workers, the province revealed it has received more than 800 complaints from foreign labourers in the past 3 1/2 months ... Byline: Kelly Cryderman
Calgary Herald, Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008

Temporary foreign workers no cure-all: labour leader
EDMONTON-Temporary foreign workers are not the magic bullet employers and governments believe them to be, the president of the Alberta Federation of Labour said today.
Edmontonjournal.com, Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008

Labour says Alberta's minimum wage hike not nearly enough
An Alberta labour organization says the province's 40-cent wage hike on April Fool's Day is a sad joke. The increase, effective Tuesday, boosts Alberta's minimum wage to $8.40 an hour from $8. ...
CBC.ca, Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008

Labour group suggests April 1 minimum wage hike in Alta is a sad joke
EDMONTON-Alberta's minimum wage hike kicks in on April Fool's Day, but an organization representing labour groups suggests $8.40 cents an hour is still a sad joke. ... Canadian Press
Brandon Sun, Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008

With minimum wage increase, debate intensifies
When people find out they are going to be making more money, it is usually cause for celebration. The recent increase of Alberta's minimum wage however, has launched a new episode of debate on the fallout ... Byline: Andrew Coffey
The Barrhead Leader, Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008

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March 2008

Alberta doubles number of temporary foreign workers
The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) held a public forum last week to brief unions about concerns relating to the increase in use of the federal government's temporary foreign worker (TFW) program. ... Byline: Richard Gilbert
Journal of Commerce, Monday, Mar 31, 2008

Minimum wage increase doesn't please everyone
As  of April 1, Alberta's minimum wage will increase from $8 to $8.40 per hour. According to Premier Ed Stelmach, the wage increase will ensure that it keeps pace with other salary increases in Alberta. ... Byline: Stacie Snow
Cochrane Times, Wednesday, Mar 26, 2008

Province boosting minimum wage again; Labour leader calls for minimum wage of at least $11
Alberta's minimum wage will jump to $8.40 per hour from $8 per hour on April 1, making it the highest minimum wage in Canada after taxes, but the Alberta Federation of Labour says it's still not enough ...Byline: Paul Grigaitis
Fort Saskatchewan Record, Tuesday, Mar 25, 2008

City hall blitzes U.K. for workers; Calgary looks overseas to fill 250 jobs
The City of Calgary is joining in the rush in Alberta for temporary foreign workers and will be searching overseas for city planners, heavy-duty mechanics and up to 200 bus drivers in a first for ... Byline: Kelly Cryderman
Calgary Herald, Page A1, Thursday, Mar 20, 2008

Union slams wage  boost as too little
CALGARY--Alberat's higher minimum wage set to kick in April 1 is progress but condemns the lowest earners to continued poverty, a union leader said yesterday. Premier Ed Stelmach hailed the increase of the bottom wage to $8.40 from $8 as a means of ... Sun Media
Edmonton Sun, Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008

Guest labour program raises troubling questions
To Canadian employers and the federal government, Rajinder Kumar represents a solution to a labour shortage. To union leaders and immigrant advocates, the tandoori chef from New Delhi, brought to Canada by a Toronto restaurant last fall ... Byline: Nicholas Keung
Toronto Star, Saturday, Mar 15, 2008

Stelmach leads Alberta Conservatives to another majority
The people of Alberta voted the Conservatives to an 11th straight majority government, despite a political campaign that said the province was looking for change. ... Byline: Richard Gilbert
Journal of Commerce, Monday, Mar 10, 2008

Union coalition defends anti-Tory ads
EDMONTON - Alberta union leaders defended their anti-Tory ad campaign Thursday amid criticism that it actually drove voters into the arms of the Conservative party. The 71-m ember Tory caucus laughed ... Byline: Archie McLean
The Edmonton Journal, Page B5, Friday, Mar 7, 2008

Poor voter turnout disappoints premier, Attributes record-low participation to general satisfaction
Edmonton - Premier Ed Stelmach may not appear comfortable in front of microphones, but something abut the nice guy from Andrew spoke clearly to the Albertans who handed his Progressive Conservatives ... By: Jason Markusoff, wih files from Darcy Henton and Archie McLean
The Edmonton Journal, Page A5, Wednesday, Mar 05, 2008

AFL sees warning signs in election
Because Tories easily won a majority government Monday, it's no reason to gloat given the low number of people who actually voted. Instead, "All politicians, regardless of their stripe, should be concerned when the majority of people don't become involved in the political process ...Byline: Carol Christian
Fort McMurray Today, Wednesday, Mar 05, 2008

Alberta could open gas stations in U.S., report says
The provincial government should consider taking oilsands products directly to U.S. consumers, and perhaps set up its own line of gas stations south of the boder, the Alberta Federation of Labour says ... Byline: Keith Gerein
The Edmonton Journal, Monday, Mar 03, 2008

Liberals blew a golden chance
The best ads of this provincial election campaign, bar none, have been those produced by the Alberta Federation of Labour and the Building Trades Council. Too bad they will have almost no electoral impact ...Byline: Lorne Gunter
The Edmonton Journal, Sunday, Mar 02, 2008

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February 2008

AFL reveals its own plan for the oilsands
Fed up with waiting for the provincial government to come up with a plan on how to handle the oilsands and its associated challenges, the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) has unveiled its own ... Byline: Carol Christian
Fort McMurray Today, Thursday, Feb 28, 2008

Albertans support slower growth: Voters oppose Tory stance
A new poll suggests Alberta's Conservatives are offside with most Albertans with their long-range plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but they're liked to be re-elected again anyway ... Byline: Darcy Henton, with files by Geoffrey Scotton, Calgary
The Edmonton Journal, Thursday, Feb 28, 2008

Environment trumps oilsands: poll  Two-thirds of people surveyed favour limit on emissions -- even it slows development
EDMONTON-Nearly two-thirds of Albertans say the government should limit greenhouse gas emissions produced by oilsands development, even it it means some projects would be delayed or cancelled ... Byline: Darcy Henton
The Edmonton Journal, Thursday, Feb 28, 2008

Enbridge Inc. gets approval for Southern Lights diluents pipeline
An Alberta company received approval for a pipeline that will carry gasoline-like liquids called diluents from U.S. refineries to Edmonton... Byline: Richard Gilbert
Journal of Commerce, Wednesday, Feb 27, 2008

Pipeline approvals take pressure off strained networks
CALGARY - Pipeline companies are set to build the projects needed to transport higher levels of crude production from Alberta's oil sands, resolving the question of how energy firms will bring their future output to market ...Byline: Norval Scott
The Globe & Mail, Monday, Feb 25, 2008

Tory leader panned over pipeline; More bitumen headed to U.S.
Hinton - Conservative Leader Ed Stelmach was criticized Saturday for failing to stem the flow of bitumen to the United States after regulatory approval was given to a pipeline project that will ship ... Byline: Jason Fekete and Gordon Jaremko; with files from Heath McCoy and Archie McLean
The Calgary Herald, Page A1, Sunday, Feb 24, 2008

Pipeline timing troubles Tories; Stelmach accused of exporting bitumen-upgrading jobs to U.S.
Premier Ed Stelmach was lambasted Saturday for failing to stem the flow of oilsands to the United States after regulatory approval was given to another pipeline project that will ship Alberta bitumen ... Byline: Jason Fekete, Gordon Jaremko. With files from Heath McCoy and Archie McLean
The Edmonton Journal, Page A1, Sunday, Feb 24, 2008

Alberta Federation of Labour President says Stelmach is sending jobs away
"If we were shipping upgraded oilsands crude, or we were shipping value-added refined production like gasoline or diesel, we'd be less concerned. But, by using these pipelines exclusively to ship unrefined bitumen, ... Source: CHED 630
CHED 630, Saturday, Feb 23, 2008

Airwaves heat up as Tories, rivals take swings via TV commercials
CALGARY - As the provincial election campaign heads into the home stretch, the air war is heating up with a series of new TV ads. Albertans for Change, a labour group that has bankrolled a series of ... Source: Calgary Herald
The Calgary Herald, Page B6, Thursday, Feb 21, 2008

Enbridge line wins approval
Pipelines - the Canadian leg of Enbridge Inc.'s $2.2-billion Southern Lights pipeline got the go-ahead from national regualtors this week, raising the ire of labour groups arguing against ... Byline: Dina O'Meara
The Calgary Herald, Page E5, Thursday, Feb 21, 2008

Parties engage in broadcast battle; TV ads shift campaign into high gear
As the 2008 provincial election campaign heads into the homestretch, the air war is heating up with a series of new political TV ads being rolled out - both for and against the Conservative ... Byline: Heath McCoy
The Calgary Herald, Page A6, Feb 21, 2008

Surveyor saw crack before collapse
CALGARY - A surveyor refused to do work at a building site the day before a Calgary man wa buried alive there by a collapsing dirt wall... Paula Beauchamp
The Calgary Herald, Saturday, February 16, 2008

New holiday debuts in Ontario, Manitoba
CALGARY - On Monday, Ontario will experience its first-ever Family Day, following a pledge by Premier Dalton McGuinty to introduce the statutory holiday on the third Monday of every February; Manitoba will enjoy its first Louis Riel Day... Byline: Norval Scott
The Globe and Mail, Friday, February 15, 2008

Alberta's unions go after Stelmach despite boom times
As assuredly as dogs hate vacuum cleaners and kids hate flossing, it is one of the universe's cosmic thruths that unions detest conservative governments...Kevin Libin
The National Post, Friday, Feb 15, 2008

Labour group kicks off anti-Tory campaign
EDMONTON - The Alberta Federation of Labour has launched a leaflet and phone canvassing campaign targeted at swaying union members to vote against Conservative Leader Ed Stelmach in the March 3 provincial election...Byline: Heath McCoy
The Calgary Herald, Page A5, Friday, Feb 15, 2008

Parties promise product for Position
EDMONTON - With the provincial election just around the corner, Albertan political parties are in full campaigning mode, constantly outdoing each other and touting teh best and brightest of futures under their rules...Byline: Jonathan Davies
The Gauntlet, Thursday, Feb 14, 2008

Largest union joins anti-Stelmach fight
EDMONTON - The province's largest union has joined an ad campagin attacking Premier Ed Stelmach and his Conservatives, and the size of their contribution indicates just how much organized labour is committing to the anti-Stelmach battle.
The Edmonton Journal, Thursday, February 14, 2008

Ottawa expands work program: 2 new offices to help ease labour needs
OTTAWA - Ottawa is expanding the temporary foreign worker program into Ontario to help fill the province's labour needs, a move some fear could further hurt underutilized and underpaid skilled immigrants ... Byline: Nicholas Keung
TheStar.com, Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Mason cuts against the grain: Former bus driver loves a scrap
EDMONTON - Even when he's not knitting sweaters or squeaking rubber ducks in the Alberta legislature, NDP Leader Brian Mason defies the political stereotype ... Byline: Darcy Henton
The Edmonton Journal, Page A4, Saturday, Feb 9, 2008

Opposition prodded Tories on premiums: Stelmach taking credit for critics' idea, Taft and Mason charge
EDMONTON - Opposition parties accuse the government of stealing their plan to eliminate health-care premiums, but say the idea is long overdue ... Byline: Mike Sadava, Archie McLean and Jason Markusoff
The Edmonton Journal, Page A2, Tuesday, Feb 05, 2008

Labour shortage could hamper Alta. projects
Calgary - As massive pre-election spending has been doled out, the $1.3-billion question facing Alberta is whether the province has the manpower - and capacity - to complete the government's ... Byline: Michelle Lang
The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon), Page A5, Monday, Feb 04, 2008

Election fever hits Alberta
On your marks, get set, go? In just hours, Alberta could be thrown into a provincial election. While speculation is rampant as to whether Progressive Conservative Premier Ed Stelmach will drop the writ today after the 3 p.m. throne speech or tomorrow before question period, it is pretty much a foregone conclusion that Albertans will be heading to the polls shortly... Byline: Kevin Crush, Sun Media
Winnipeg Sun, Monday, Feb 4, 2008

Labour crunch impacts Alberta's construction plans
CALGARY - As a week marked by massive pre-election spending draws to a close, the $1.3-billion question facing Alberta is whether the province has the manpower - and capacity - to complete government's ambitious construction wish list on time and on budget ... Byline: Michelle Lang, Canwest News Service
Vancouver Sun, Page A1, Saturday, Feb 02, 2008

Slower oilsands growth urged
A coalition of groups in Alberta called on the provincial government Thursday to stop approving oilsands projects. The coalition represents a wide variety of interests: First Nations communities,... Byline: Hanneke Brooymans, With files from Jason Markusoff
Edmonton Journal, Page B7 - Fri, Feb 1, 2008

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January 2008

Column: Attack ads may not be speaking for all union members
Albertans for Change, a front for the Alberta Building Trades Council and the Alberta Federation of Labour, claims its TV ads accusing Premier Ed Stelmach of vision failures in education, planning... Byline: Nigel Hannaford
Calgary Herald, Page A24 - Sat, Jan 26, 2008

Contractors slam unions for criticizing Stelmach; Merit group questions if ad money well-spent
EDMONTON - A local employers' group is attacking Alberta unions over their ad campaign attacking Premier Ed Stelmach. The Merit Contractors Association says the Alberta Building Trades Council and... Byline: Archie McLean
Edmonton Journal, Page B7 - Fri, Jan 25, 2008

2 groups respond to AFL's ads attacking Alta. premier
EDMONTON - Two groups have launched a newspaper ad campaign in response to labour groups' attack ads on Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach's government. Merit Contractors Association and the National...
The Canadian Press - Broadcast News - Fri, Jan 25, 2008

Unions protest new rules for pension board; New voting and quorum edicts mean an end to union trustees having a veto; LAPP said changes forced by provincial law
EDMONTON - Labour groups are accusing the board that oversees the Alberta Local Authorities Pension Plan of jeopardizing key pension rights by forcing through new voting rules. The Labour Coalition... Byline: Bill Mah
Edmonton Journal, Page B4 - Wed, Jan 23, 2008

Labour mobilizes against pension plan changes
Union members urged to turn up heat on Stelmach EDMONTON, Jan. 22 /CNW/ - A coalition of Alberta unions says recent changes in the rules governing activities of the board of the Alberta Local...
Canada News-wire - Tue, Jan 22, 2008

TV attack ads seen as solid
Attack ads painting Premier Ed Stelmach as aimless aren't the ideal way to take votes from him come election day, a political scientist told Sun Media yesterday. But they're still... Byline: BY BROOKES MERRITT
The Edmonton Sun, Page 3 - Mon, Jan 21, 2008

AFL boss predicts election call for Feb. 5
Whispers of a provincial election being called shortly after the legislature resumes sitting in February are growing louder as attack ads targeting Premier Ed Stelmach appear with... Byline: BY CAROL CHRISTIAN
Fort Mcmurray Today, Page 1 - Mon, Jan 21, 2008

Labour steps up Tory attack ads
A series of television ads attacking Premier Ed Stelmach and the governing Tories will be expanded by one next week and followed during the anticipated provincial election campaign by a new series of... Byline: By Jeremy Loome
The Edmonton Sun, Page 7 - Fri, Jan 18, 2008

Alberta Federation of Labour says Stelmach attack ads will be expanded
It's part of what the federation president calls "the biggest advertising campaign opposing the government in Alberta's history." ... Byline: Jeremy Loome
Whitehorse Star, Page 24 - Fri, Jan 18, 2008

AFL says foreign workers exploited
Employment recruiters are charging temporary foreign workers illegal fees to get jobs in Canada, says a labour group report. They are also making misleading promises to lure foreign labourers into... Byline: BY RENATO GANDIA
The Meridian Booster, Page A18 - Fri, Jan 18, 2008

Recruiter banned for charging foreign workers; Tradesworkers were being billed up to $18,000 for job placements in Alberta
An unlicensed Ontario business that charged foreign workers up to $18,000 each for the chance at a job in Alberta has been banned from the province. "What we have here is a recruiter who is... Byline: Jeff Holubitsky
Edmonton Journal, Page B3 - Thu, Jan 17, 2008

Edmonton Sun
EDMONTON _ The Alberta Federation of Labour announced Thursday plans to expand on a series of television ads attacking Premier Ed Stelmach and the governing Tories. The federation said one more ad... Byline: BY JEREMY LOOME
The Canadian Press - Thu, Jan 17, 2008

Premier targeted in attack ads
Premier Ed Stelmach is defending himself against a series of stinging attack ads funded by a labour coalition that says it's willing to spend millions of dollars to defeat Alberta's... Byline: by Jim MacDonald
Fort Mcmurray Today, Page A5 - Wed, Jan 16, 2008

Labour groups sponsor attack ads slamming Premier Stelmach
EDMONTON - The labour coalition behind a series of TV attack ads against Premier Ed Stelmach says it's willing to spend millions of dollars to defeat Alberta's Tory government when an election...
The Canadian Press - Broadcast News - Tue, Jan 15, 2008

Resources a political hot potato
Mr. Ed goes to Washington later today. More to the point, finding someone at home in Power Town might be a tough chore, with the presidential primary season in full swing. Even if Premier Stelmach... Byline: BY NEIL WAUGH
The Edmonton Sun, Page 7 - Tue, Jan 15, 2008

Labour accuses Stelmach of lacking a plan in pre-election attack ads
A pair of union groups launched the opening salvo of an expected provincial election Monday, releasing television ads attacking Premier Ed Stelmach and his government. The theme of the three ads is... Byline: Archie McLean
Edmonton Journal, Page B5 - Tue, Jan 15, 2008

Flipside to Ed's Washington trip
Mr. Ed goes to Washington later today. Finding someone at home in Power Town might be a tough chore with the presidential primary season in full swing. Even if Premier Stelmach tracks down U.S.... Byline: BY NEIL WAUGH
The Calgary Sun, Page 15 - Tue, Jan 15, 2008

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December 2007

Unions file court challenge
EDMONTON - Alberta's public-sector unions are taking the province to court over a change of pension rules they say could jeopardize retirement security of their workers. "Everyone has been reading... Byline: Jeff Holubitsky
Edmontonjournal.Com - Thu, Dec 20, 2007

Union coalition takes legal action to overturn changes to governance of Alberta Local Authorities Pension Plan
EDMONTON, Dec. 19 /CNW/ - A coalition of important Alberta unions and the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) will commence legal action today to overturn recent changes in the rules governing...
Canada News-wire - Wed, Dec 19, 2007

Brief: $1 million for TFW oversight; Temporary foreign workers: Provincial inspectors
Two advisory offices for Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) were announced on Monday, December 10. The offices include inspectors who will visit worksites, interview workers and employers, and examine... Byline: Angela Brunschot
See Magazine, Page 7 - Thu, Dec 13, 2007

Foreign workers program called a 'disaster'
Alberta's temporary foreign workers program is being called an unqualified disaster. The Alberta Federation of Labour released a six-month report last week on the findings of its Temporary Foreign... Byline: BY KEVIN DUNCAN
Canmore Leader, Page 10 - Wed, Dec 12, 2007

Help for foreign workers
The Alberta government says it is setting up advisory offices in Edmonton and Calgary for temporary foreign workers. Iris Evans, the minister of employment, immigration and industry, says the... Byline: THE CANADIAN PRESS
Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune, Page 6 - Tue, Dec 11, 2007

Alta. will listen to concerns of foreign workers; Inspectors hired to monitor complaints
EDMONTON -- The Alberta government is setting up a pair of advisory offices in Edmonton and Calgary and two teams of inspectors to monitor complaints from temporary foreign workers who say they are... Byline: Archie McLean
Edmonton Journal, Page A8 - Tue, Dec 11, 2007

Government foreign worker office long overdue - but still misses the point
Labour cautiously optimistic over government's foreign worker advocates EDMONTON, Dec. 10 /CNW/ - The Alberta Federation of Labour reacted with guarded optimism to the Government's new measures... Canada News-wire - Mon, Dec 10, 2007

$5.5B deal sends bitumen south; Critics want oilsands refined in Alberta
In the face of another multi-billion-dollar deal to ship bitumen from the oilsands to the United States for processing, Alberta's energy minister insisted Wednesday he won't step in to force industry... Byline: Jason Fekete, with files from Shaun Polczer
Calgary Herald, Page A1 - Thu, Dec 6, 2007

NDP seeks bitumen export ban
A bill presented Wednesday by the NDP leader Brian Mason to restrict bitumen exports from Alberta to the U.S. won't be heard in the legislature until early February. The current session ended... Byline: BY CAROL CHRISTIAN
Fort Mcmurray Today, Page A1 - Thu, Dec 6, 2007

Husky tanks $2.3B upgrader; Makes deal with BP to ship bitumen to Ohio refinery
EDMONTON - Husky Energy Inc. shelved a $2.3-billion upgrader project Wednesday and committed its chief oilsands asset to supplying a rebuilt BP refinery in Ohio with Fort McMurray bitumen. Husky... Byline: Gordon Jaremko
Edmonton Journal, Page E1 - Thu, Dec 6, 2007

Labour Temporary Foreign Workers
After six months on the job as an advocate for Temporary Foreign Workers, local lawyer Yessy Byl told Albertans just how badly the workers are treated and how widespread their problems are. With the... Source: See Magazine
See Magazine, Page 9 - Thu, Dec 6, 2007

AB advantage leaves some behind
While Alberta is booming, it's no secret anymore that not everyone is benefiting. The Alberta Federation of Labour recently released new data illustrating that the only workers getting ahead in the... Byline: BY KAREN LAZARUK
Cochrane Times, Page 35 - Wed, Dec 5, 2007

Foreign workers get a deal raw
The dark side of Ed Stelmach's "no touching the brake" boom is rearing its ugly head. Last week, the Alberta Federation of Labour released a six-month probe into the Alberta Tories temporary foreign... Byline: BY NEIL WAUGH
The Calgary Sun, Page 15 - Mon, Dec 3, 2007

Flawed program neglects foreign workers' rights: report
A program to bring in temporary foreign workers to ease Alberta's labour shortage has instead introduced extortion, threats and poor living conditions, said a labour union report Thursday. The... CBC.CA News - Sat, Dec 1, 2007

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November 2007