Media Advisory: Canadian Labour Calls on Government to Respond to First Nations’ Action Plan to End Poverty

Canadian Labour Congress’ Hassan Yussuff to Participate in First Nations’ National Day of Action

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(June 28, 2007) – The Canadian Labour Congress urges the Prime Minister and the government of Canada to mark National Aboriginal Day by responding positively to the First Nations’ action plan to end poverty.

“We add our voices to the calls of the Aboriginal peoples of this country to demand that the government of Canada demonstrates its commitment to eradicate poverty with an honourable agreement that builds on the Assembly of First Nations’ four point action plan,” says Hassan Yussuff, secretary-treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress.The four points of the AFN action plan are: resolution of land claims, renewal of self-government, employment and economic development to close the gap between Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians and apologies to end the residential school tragedy.

“The Canadian Labour Congress endorses this action plan,” says Yussuff who will speak at the Ottawa events scheduled on June 29th, the National Day of Action.

When: Friday, June 29, 2007 at approx. 1:00 p.m.
Where: Assembly of First Nations’ stage Victoria Island, Ottawa, ON

“This day of action is an opportunity for workers and all Canadians to stand together in support of a better life for the first peoples of this land,” says Yussuff.

The Canadian Labour Congress, the national voice of the labour movement, represents 3.2 million Canadian workers. The CLC brings together Canada’s national and international unions along with the provincial and territorial federations of labour and 136 district labour councils. Web site: www.canadianlabour.ca

CONTACT INFORMATION
Canadian Labour Congress
Jean Wolff
613-526-7431 and 613-878-6040