Unifor applauds fall of Harper government, vows to hold Liberals to their promises

TORONTO—It wasn’t an orange wave, but a crimson tide that swept the long-serving Harper Conservatives from power. As right-wing strategists assess what exactly went wrong, Canada’s largest private sector union is celebrating its long-sought outcome and calling on the Liberal and NDP parties to cooperate to “rebuild Canada.”

“Tonight’s election results offer Canadians an opportunity to rebuild our country,” Jerry Dias, Unifor’s national president, said. “Canadians have sent a clear message that the Harper Conservative agenda is not one that represents our interests and needs.”

“The Liberals have indicated they want to transform the country and Parliament. Now they can. The new government must bring a new spirit of collaboration to Ottawa and will work with the NDP so Canadians can benefit from the best ideas, which are often born of cooperation,” Dias added.

Pointing to the Liberals’ promise to champion the middle class, prioritize job creation, improve the Employment Insurance plan and protect social programs, Unifor seemed hopeful with the election’s outcome. The union also noted the party’s commitment to improve the Canadian Pension Plan and protect the country’s healthcare system. As the Liberals prepare to form a government, Unifor vowed to ensure the party keeps its promises.

“Unifor will ensure the Liberals are held to account for these commitments – which are crucial first steps to creating the change Canadians have indicated they want,” Dias said.