Naming Harper as “World Statesman of the Year” perplexes Canada’s leading union
Canada’s leading union is questioning why a foundation that trumpets “freedom, democracy and human rights” as “fundamental values” has chosen Stephen Harper as their pick for the 2012 World Statesman of the Year. The Award, doled out annually, is the creation of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, an American group started in 1965 as an “interfaith coalition of business and religious leaders that promotes peace, tolerance and ethnic conflict resolution.”
Recently in the news, Finance Minster Jim Flaherty and Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney have been lamenting the fact that big business is sitting on over $525 billion that should instead be invested in the Canadian economy.
Year after year, Canadians honour Labour Day as part of a national tradition that dates back more than a century. Across the country, workers of all professions come together to advocate for justice and progressive change, and to send a message to politicians that the rights and needs of working people must be respected.