Evidence of meeting #90 for Finance in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was unions.
A video is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Rodger Cuzner Liberal Cape Breton—Canso, NS
But you advocate education. Would it not be smart to try to be educated by the people who have to administer it? It's just that basic principle, to be educated by the people who are going to administer the actual laws.
Economist, Montreal Economic Institute
To me, asking for the information is not a problem. The problem—
Economist, Montreal Economic Institute
The question is about the administrative burden. You have shown that. I think we can agree.
Economist, Montreal Economic Institute
As for disclosure of financial statements, the burden should be very light because unions already supply that information to their members in several provinces.
Liberal
Rodger Cuzner Liberal Cape Breton—Canso, NS
It's not the same information, but that's okay.
This question is for the Quebec Employers' Council and Ms. Kozhaya.
The reference has been made about the laws in the U.K. and the U.S. The U.K. has disclosure for employer associations as well. Are you suggesting that we amend it to include employer associations?
Director of Research and Chief Economist, Quebec Employers' Council
As I said earlier, our revenue is from voluntary contributions. I think that if our members are not happy about the way we are using that money—
Liberal
Director of Research and Chief Economist, Quebec Employers' Council
Yes, there is, just like for other associations, but it is not the same thing. These contributions are voluntary.
Liberal
Rodger Cuzner Liberal Cape Breton—Canso, NS
Okay, but in the spirit of collegiality and in the spirit that you're advocating for this, would you be willing to share that with the committee? Would you be willing to share what's being asked of the unions?
Director of Research and Chief Economist, Quebec Employers' Council
If we had to comply with a Rand-type formula, like unions do, we would feel obligated to disclose our financial statements.
Director of Research and Chief Economist, Quebec Employers' Council
But that is not currently the case.
Liberal
Rodger Cuzner Liberal Cape Breton—Canso, NS
It's one minute? Okay.
LabourWatch, you have on your website that you advocate for employees.
Have you ever fought for better wages for employees?
Liberal
Rodger Cuzner Liberal Cape Breton—Canso, NS
I'm going to say no.
Do you consider 37 complaints a major number? I've had more complaints about a $16 glass of orange juice.
President, Canadian LabourWatch Association
We helped two federal government workers who were unlawfully taken to court by the union, and the Supreme Court of Canada turned the union down for its conduct. They took forced union dues and took people to court when there was a 100-year-old common law principle.
The union had a legal opinion. Nycole Turmel was president of the union. She had a legal opinion that she couldn't take her people to court, and they went ahead and did it anyway when she was president of PSAC.
Liberal
Rodger Cuzner Liberal Cape Breton—Canso, NS
Have you ever advocated for workplace safety? I ask because you say you advocate for employees.
President, Canadian LabourWatch Association
It's not for employees. In my capacities as an employer, absolutely I've advocated for health and safety.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Rajotte
Okay, thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Cuzner.
Mr. Van Kesteren, go ahead, please.
November 7th, 2012 / 4:25 p.m.
Conservative
Dave Van Kesteren Conservative Chatham-Kent—Essex, ON
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you all for appearing before us today.
I heard the word “Rand”. I'm sure the folks at home and anybody listening here are going to hear a lot of these terminologies. Of course, “Rand” refers to Justice Rand.
Mr. Mortimer, could you inform this committee, and possibly those who wonder about those things, if Justice Rand envisioned a Canada where labour unions spent millions on partisan politics?