National President David Neufeld had the opportunity to attend the 20th Anniversary Celebration Event for Member of Parliament, Peter Julian, on Saturday, June 29th, along with USJE Regional Vice-President, Kirsty Havard and Local Presidents Alan Ostrosina (Local 20141) and Morgan Haupt (Local 20086).
Through USJE’s political engagement efforts, President Neufeld and Regional Vice President Kirsty Havard have fostered a strong relationship with Mr. Julian who is the Member of Parliament for Ms. Havard’s riding.
In his capacity as Public Safety Critic, Mr. Julian demonstrated strong support for USJE’s National Presumptive Injury Campaign by working closely with USJE’s Health and Safety Committee and introduced a Private Member’s Bill in the House of Commons on September 20, 2023.
The Bill, C 357, proposes key amendments to the federal Government Employees Compensation Act (GECA) which would close a key gap in federal legislation so that federal public safety personnel would have access to Worker’s Compensation for mental health related injuries, just like first responders, in most provinces and territories.
At the event, President Neufeld took the opportunity to express his appreciation for Mr. Julian’s collaboration with USJE, and to wish him well on the next 20 years!
As the New Democratic MP for New Westminster-Burnaby, Mr. Julian has been a strong voice in Parliament for the labour movement, and a vocal advocate for tax fairness, public pharmacare, meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, among other things.
Mr. Julian is a seasoned and well-respected MP across party lines, and currently serves as NDP House leader, Critic for Health and Care, and Deputy Critic for Finance.
