Government to Canadians: Struggling only makes it harder for you

This past Wednesday, I was hosting my cousin who was up visiting Ottawa from Toronto. As a part of the sites he wanted to see, I took him to Parliament to watch Question Period since he’d never been.

Usually, the press only covers the first few questions that Dion, Duceppe, Layton and also usually Ignatieff ask, and then uncerimoniously catch up on the fine art of sleeping with one’s eyes open. Thus, had I not actually been in the gallery, I’d likely have missed this gem of a question from Conservative MP Patrick Brown (Barrie) directed to the Minister of Labour since it was the last question of the day.

From Hansard:

Question:

Patrick Brown (Barrie, CPC): Mr. Speaker, some members of this House may be aware that a recent study found that in 2005, Canada lost more days of work due to labour disruptions, both lockouts and strikes, than any other G-7 country. The big picture is that these numbers represent $700 million in lost annual gross domestic product. Could the Minister of Labour inform this House how he is addressing this very serious issue? Answer: Hon. Jean-Pierre Blackburn (Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, CPC) : Mr. Speaker, I am concerned about those numbers. Work stoppages hurt workers, their families and their communities and they are also bad for businesses. As Minister of Labour it is my responsibility to look for new ideas to keep the talk going on between unions and employers. I have launched a study on the causes and impacts of work stoppages. The study will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on ways to improve labour relations in our country. An expert, Mr. Peter Annis, will consult with unions and employers and will submit a report to me with recommendations.

So, memo to unions: The Minister of Labour doesn’t understand what causes strikes nor does he understand the impacts of work stoppages. I’ll give the minister a hint: in 1905, before any massive strikes began and struggles against capitalism began, the average worker’s wage was pennies per hour and there was no minimum wage, no safety standards and no government assistance for the poor. So, memo to unions: The Minister of Labour doesn’t understand what causes strikes nor does he understand the impacts of work stoppages. I’ll give the minister a hint: in 1905, before any massive strikes began and struggles against capitalism began, the average worker’s wage was pennies per hour and there was no minimum wage, no safety standards and no government assistance for the poor.

But, as for the other point about “struggling only makes it harder for you”, that sent a shiver down my spine. Is this going to be the Conservatives’ new campaign slogan?