It’s a tale as old as time: underfund social institutions until they can barely function; gut the social institutions tasked with our care and well-being such as health care, housing and education; and then while the public is reeling and looking for someone to blame for their suffering, privatize. These highly strategic political choices designed to sow fear, hatred, and confusion have a body count in the hallways of our hospitals and in city encampments. The compounding crises we face have far surpassed their tipping point.

Historically, unions have fought for the strength of our social institutions and public services in tandem with bettering working conditions for their members. With the climate crisis and living affordability crisis, labour unions more than ever need to intervene in the current trends of privatization and the unchecked billions lining the pockets of billionaires.

One solution being tabled by tax fairness organizations and social movements alike is an excess profits and wealth tax, which would bring billions in private profits back into the public purse. A second concurrent solution is federally regulating Canadian banks which would clamp down on the continued funding of destructive industries (like fossil fuels) and incentivize investments in climate safe and socially supportive industries.