USJE had the opportunity to welcome the leader of Canada’s NDP, Avi Lewis, to address USJE’s National Executive at its September 24 meeting. USJE’s members work tirelessly to keep Canadians safe across 17 federal departments and agencies overseen by the Treasury Board. They work on the front lines and behind the scenes to protect Canada’s safety and security.
Avi Lewis is a veteran journalist, educator and activist who brings 35 years of movement-building experience, combining grassroots organizing with national media reach to advance working-class politics across Canada.
As a two-time federal NDP candidate (West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea-to-Sky 2021, Vancouver Centre 2025), Avi understands the challenges facing communities. He has taught Climate Justice and Documentary Film at UBC, preparing the next generation of organizers and storytellers. Mr. Lewis’s commitment to workers’ rights runs deep. In 2004, his documentary The Take chronicled Argentina’s movement of democratic, worker-controlled businesses, tracing the spread of the occupied-factory movement from Chicago to Cairo.
During his presentation to USJE, Mr. Lewis addressed a variety of issues confronting working Canadians and the labour movement more generally.
Comprehensive Expenditure Review
Mr. Lewis acknowledged the significant impact that Workforce Adjustment across 17 departments and agencies have had on USJE members, as well as the challenges faced by those still dealing with the fallout, particularly given the lack of meaningful consultation. He stated his serious concerns about the expedited integration of Artificial Intelligence into the operations of the Government of Canada, without proper training, guidance or guard rails.
Improved Access to Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Mr. Lewis acknowledged that many of USJE’s federal Public Safety Personnel are exposed to workplace trauma and aren’t currently included in Presumptive Injury definitions. USJE is seeking to change the federal government’s approach to Workers’ Compensation to ensure that its members have access to the compensation they need and deserve.
On the part of provinces and territories who have been mandated to process claims from federal public service employees, the recognition of the risk of psychological injury has been largely confined to traditional ‘first responders’ (i.e. police, fire, paramedics, and correctional guards). Given these narrow terms, many USJE members who have direct or indirect exposure to traumatic materials and/or events are not covered by presumptive injury legislation where it exists because they aren’t regarded as traditional first responders.
Notably, Mr. Lewis committed his full support for USJE’s proposals to make important legislative amendments to the federal Government Employees Compensation Act. These amendments had previously been proposed through a Private Member’s Bill sponsored by former MP Peter Julian in 2023.
Building Canada Strong Legislation
Mr. Lewis expressed his grave concerns and opposition to the Liberal government’s new Building Canada Strong bill, recognizing that, in his view, it would significantly weaken workers’ right to fight for fair wages, safe workplaces, and job security. He noted how this legislation will undermine the collective bargaining rights of workers and restrict the right to strike.
The right to strike and to collectively bargain is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As highlighted by the Public Service Alliance of Canada’s response to this Bill, it is one of the only mechanisms for workers to secure better conditions for themselves and their families, and it strengthens communities. By virtue of the fact that employers already have enormous power over the workplace, workers have power by acting together and, when necessary, withdrawing their labour.
Mr. Lewis highlighted that while the NDP currently doesn’t enjoy party status, they view their role as one of providing substantial and meaningful opposition to the Carney government and the corporate agenda that privileges for-profit corporations over workers and Canadians.