Canadian unions show support for Pakistan flood survivors

Unions from across Canada have shown their support for survivors of Pakistan’s devastating floods by donating more than $180,000 to Oxfam Canada’s relief efforts to date.

“The leadership, support and solidarity of Canadian Unions, their locals and members are crucial at this time -- and very much appreciated," said Robert Fox, Oxfam Canada's Executive Director. "As millions scramble to save their families from the raging flood waters in Pakistan, Union support will help us provide clean, safe water as we work to respond to immediate needs and head off a second disaster -- the risk of a spike in deaths from water-borne diseases."

Donations include:

• The National Union of Public General Employees
• Public Service Alliance of Canada
• The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
• United Steel Workers Canada
• The Canadian Auto Workers
• Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (Toronto local)
• CUPE Local 2722 (Oxfam Canada)

Some Unions have announced internal appeals to their Locals and members for more support.

CAW President Ken Lewenza expressed his condolences to those affected by this devastation and to Canadians with families suffering in Pakistan or who have lost loved ones. “In a region already facing so many challenges, this latest catastrophe is unimaginable,” he said, expressing concern that the slow pace of donations coming in from the international community is putting survivors at risk of perishing.

James Clancy, national president of NUPGE, explained that "our members, along with all Canadians, have watched in horror the devastation this flood has brought to the people of Pakistan. We hope that our contribution will help to alleviate some of the suffering that is taking place.

"During a crisis like this, we always see the Canadian public step forward to offer support to those caught in the maelstrom. We want to see aid and comfort brought to the destitute and suffering, and as Canadians we want to see people’s dignity restored to them."

“Poor people are facing the worst of the impact from extreme climate change around the globe,” said PSAC National President John Gordon. “Our union is committed to supporting people affected by natural disasters, while also advocating for the Canadian government to unfreeze its aid budget and take substantive steps to lower Canada's green house gas emissions.”

So far, Oxfam staff on the ground in Pakistan have reached more than 330,000 flood survivors with shelter, hygiene kits, cooked food, cash vouchers and clean water.

For more information, please contact:

Karen Palmer
Oxfam Canada
Media Officer
karenp@oxfam.ca
613-240-3047