Friday, February 13, 2026

Setting the Record Straight on Bill C-259

CLAC Executive Director Wayne Prins Responds to Critics and Reaffirms CLAC’s Commitment to Worker Choice and Collaborative Labour Relations

OTTAWA—When Heather McPherson, Edmonton Strathcona MP and NDP national leader candidate, introduced the Fair Representation Bill (C-259) in the House of Commons, it reignited debate about how unions interact with employers in Canada’s labour landscape. McPherson has targeted what she describes as employer-friendly unions and has taken direct aim at CLAC.

In response, CLAC Executive Director Wayne Prins is setting the record straight. Challenging the notion that collaboration undermines worker representation, he stated, “For her to suggest there is no place for collaboration in labour relations is out of touch with how labour works,” pointing to the Canadian Labour Congress itself, which promotes social dialogue and constructive engagement between parties.

Wayne reaffirmed that CLAC’s model is rooted in democratic worker choice and respectful, productive labour relations that puts workers first.

Read more: Journal of Commerce: “Bill C-259: Is CLAC out of step or walking a new path for unions?”

Setting the Record Straight on Bill C-259

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