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April 18, 2011

2011 FEDERAL ELECTION

On May 2, 2011, Canadians will be going to the polls to vote. In many countries around the world people are fighting in the streets for the right to vote just as we have the right in Canada, but sadly, many Canadians do not fulfill that right. Like our International Constitution, to implement " the natural right of workers to organize" the principle of democracy must exist for this to happen. In some countries, union members are taken away from their families and put in jail simply because they belong to a union.

There was a time when this would happen in Canada but our first Prime Minister John A MacDonald redressed this attack on basic human rights and struck down the laws that put Canadians in jail for joining a union. Boilermakers have served our Country from World War I to Afghanistan defending democracy and our right to vote.

As an International Union we have developed policies on Boilermaker national standards, apprenticeship & journeyperson training, construction worker mobility assistance, shipbuilding & repair, banning the use of asbestos and have developed the Helmet to Hardhats Program.

This Union is founded on the principle that in a democracy, good unionism is good citizenship. As Trade Unionists, we ask that each one of you vote to fulfill the purpose and objective of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builder, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers.

Please make every effort to vote on May 2nd. It is our responsibility as Canadians!