July 2025 Update: Federal govt. proposes cuts, PSWs fighting for Paid Sick Days, New McMaster Study

The last couple of years have been a string of crises – from healthcare to housing to affordability. Health workers have been alerting the public that these crises will have a negative and disproportionate impact on low-wage workers, many of whom are racialized and migrants.

To make our communities healthier, we need drastic re-investment into our public infrastructure such as healthcare, dental care, pharmacare, and childcare.

Stop Bill C-2

However, Prime Minister Mark Carney has already announced a planned 7.5% cuts in federal spending by 2026, all the while prioritizing investments in other areas – such as national defence. As family physician Dr. Danyaal Raza writes in this opinion piece, “Is this responsible if it triggers predictable cuts to other areas, because of a lack of public funds?”

At the same time, Prime Minister Carney has also introduced the dangerous Bill C-2 Strong Borders Act that not only attacks migrants and refugees in our communities but also increases surveillance on citizens.

It’s urgent that we stand in solidarity with workers who are already marginalized. Send a letter to your Member of Parliament (MP) today to stop Bill C-2.

Tell your MP to Stop Bill C-2

Retirement Home Workers are Fighting for Paid Sick Days

24 Personal Support Workers (PSW) with CUPE 5525 at Villa Colombo Retirement Residences in North York are fighting for paid sick days in their first contract. The pandemic has shown that paid sick days could be a matter of life and death, especially in healthcare settings. That is why we have been advocating for a minimum of 10 paid sick days for all workers, legislated in the Employment Standards Act.

Health workers at Villa Colombo Retirement Residences are demanding the bare minimum that will ensure a safe working condition for workers and quality care for clients.

Add your name to this petition to show your support for health workers demanding paid sick days!

We will be visiting their picket line on Tuesday, July 22, 11:30am to 1pm ET at 3050 Dufferin Street. Can you join?

Yes, I can visit the picket line

Call out: Workers needed for McMaster University survey on Paid Sick Days

A research team led by DWHN member Dr. Monika Dutt is looking for participants for a research study about the impact of having/not having legislated paid sick days on workers. The focus of the study is on workers in Ontario who have zero paid sick days and those in British Columbia who would have gained paid sick days through legislation in January 2022..

There is a draw for a $50 electronic gift card to a retailer of the participant’s choice available. Participants will be asked if they are willing to be part of a follow-up interview. If you would like more information, contact the research team directly at [email protected].

Fill out survey on paid sick days