Liberals Attempting to Cut Off Law Amendments

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Liberals Attempting to Cut Off Law Amendments

Health care workers who are trying to have their names added to the speakers’ list for Law Amendments to voice their concerns about Bill 1 are being told that Law Amendments may be cut off at 7 p.m. today, giving them no opportunity to speak.

After being told by dozens of people that they weren’t being given times to speak at Law Amendments, we investigated ourselves: when we called in on their behalf to see if they would have a chance to speak after today, we were told “I don’t know.”

“All we’re doing now is taking names down because all the time slots are full,” said the Law Amendments staff member.

When pressed on whether people would be given an opportunity to speak, the staff member said “I don’t know” and indicated they were awaiting instruction from the Liberal government.

“First, they introduce a bill that will take away the constitutional right of more than 23,000 people to vote on their union representation. Now, they are trying to take away their right to voice their opinion on the legislation. I am calling on Justice Minister Lena Diab to immediately instruct Legislative Counsel staff to ensure everyone has an opportunity to be heard,” said NSGEU President Joan Jessome.

“This is yet another unacceptable attack on the rights of health care workers.”

We have confirmed that more than 100 people have not been given times to speak at Law Amendments.

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The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union represents over 30,000 women and men who provide quality public services Nova Scotians count on every day.

For more information or to arrange an interview with NSGEU President, Joan Jessome, please contact:

Holly Fraughton, NSGEU Communications Officer

424.4063 (office)

471.1781 (cell)

hfraughton@nsgeu.ca