As governments prepare recovery plans amidst the COVID-19 crisis, an informal alliance of over 150 civil society groups, representing collective memberships of millions in Canada, are demanding these plans move us toward a more equitable and sustainable future, with the release, today, of six Principles for a Just Recovery. United in support of the Principles, endorsing organizations span sectors and communities across the country, including the Canadian Labour Congress, Indigenous Climate Action, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, F\u00e9d\u00e9ration des travailleurs et travailleuses du Qu\u00e9bec and the Canadian Health Coalition.<\/p>\n\n
Their message for governments: recovery efforts must support the transition to a more equitable, sustainable and diversified economy, and not entrench outdated economic and social systems that jeopardize the health and wellbeing of people, worsen the climate crisis, or perpetuate the exploitation or oppression of people.<\/p>\n\n
The COVID crisis has revealed the primary importance of the health and safety of all people, as a human rights and collective wellbeing issue. Relief efforts so far have shown that things we\u2019ve been told aren\u2019t possible, actually are once we prioritize them.<\/p>\n\n
\u201cThe choices we make now about how to recover from this pandemic will shape not only our health and economic future, but also the future of human life on this planet. We need public investments to help meet our commitment to limit global warming, by developing renewable energy, increasing energy efficiency, supporting struggling public transit systems and ensuring a just transition for workers and their communities. We must prioritize investing in things that create much needed good jobs,\u201d<\/em> said Canadian Labour Congress President, Hassan Yussuff.The Principles, in brief, ask that recovery plans:<\/p>\n\n 1. Put people\u2019s health and wellbeing first, no exceptions.<\/p>\n\n 2. Strengthen the social safety net and provide relief directly to people.<\/p>\n\n 3. Prioritize the needs of workers and communities.<\/p>\n\n 4. Build resilience to prevent future crises.<\/p>\n\n 5. Build solidarity and equity across communities, generations, and borders<\/p>\n\n 6. Uphold Indigenous Rights and Work in Partnership with Indigenous Peoples.<\/p>\n\n \u201cIndigenous rights and sovereignty must be the foundation upon which every aspect of Just Recovery is built. Throughout the recovery process, Indigenous Peoples must be at the table, as should voices from all structurally oppressed communities,\u201d<\/em> said Lindsey Bacigal of Indigenous Climate Action. \u201cPrior to the pandemic, Indigenous communities were already in crisis due to a lack of infrastructure, health and social services and the current situation will only deepen these inequalities. To address this historical injustice, it is essential that Indigenous Peoples have access to adequate resources that revitalize the health, well-being and sovereignty of our communities.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n Endorsing groups will pursue specific policy recommendations, aligned with the Principles.<\/p>\n\n \u201cThe huge collaborative effort that brought these principles to life over many weeks of rich, challenging discussions exemplifies the kind of action we expect of political leaders as we move through this crisis,\u201d<\/em> explained Catherine Abreu of Climate Action Network Canada. \u201cIt\u2019s going to take a massive and diverse community of voices to encourage governments to be bold in the face of corporate lobbies, and to put people and communities first,\u201d Abreu continued. \u201cOur goal was to capture the immense amount of care work happening throughout Canadian civil society right now and present a vision of a Just Recovery that leaves no one behind. We know this is a vision the majority of Canadians support, and millions of people are ready to take action.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n Nearly three-quarters (73%) of Canadians asked by EKOS Research earlier this month [1] supported a \u201cbroad transformation of our society\u201d resulting from COVID-inspired reformations.<\/p>\n\n \u201cWe recognize the enormous challenge and responsibility facing governments. We also see a critical opportunity for leaders to seize the courage required to lead us through this moment to a better world. We\u2019ll be doing our part to ensure the people are behind them,\u201d<\/em> said Claire Gallagher, from the independent citizens\u2019 advocacy group, Leadnow.<\/p>\n\n