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TORONTO, ON – Leaders of Ontario’s largest union today are applauding federal MPs who voted in favour of New Democrat Randall Garrison’s private members bill on transgender rights, which passed in the House of Commons by a vote of 149-137.
“I am very happy to see this bill passed, and want to thank Randall Garrison for introducing it once again. This bill is an important step in extending the rights unions have been able to negotiate for their members, to all Canadians,” said Patrick Hannon, CUPE Ontario’s first Diversity Vice-President, LGBTQ.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario has been an active supporter of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. Through collective bargaining, the union has negotiated protection of transgender rights into collective agreements, supported member Martine Stonehouse in her historic court challenge relating to gender reassignment surgery, and publicly supported New Democratic MPP Cheri DiNovo’s groundbreaking anti-bullying bill, which passed at Queen’s Park last year.
“These are challenging times for all working people. Our union has never given up on progressive change for all people,” said CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn. “Congratulations to the New Democrats for getting another important transgender rights bill passed, and thank you to all the community activists who helped make it possible. This new law builds on the proud tradition that has seen important human rights, many first secured for workers through collective bargaining, being obtained for all Canadians through community mobilizing, political action and the legislative resolve of the NDP.”
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For more information, please contact:
Craig Saunders, CUPE Communications, 416-576-7316
