The federal government has introduced legislation to repeal two bills enacted by former prime minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government that angered Canadian unions.
Bill C-377, which came into effect at the end of 2015, requires unions to track all of their spending so that it could be publicly disclosed by the Canada Revenue Agency. Bill C-525 makes it harder to hold union certification votes.
Bill C-377, which requires unions to disclose all transactions over $5,000, and reveal the details of officers or executives who make over $100,000 to the CRA, was especially contentious.
It was passed over the objection of unions, the Canadian Bar Association and the federal privacy commissioner.
Employment Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk said Thursday the Liberals will deliver on their promise to repeal both pieces of legislation.
鈥淏y repealing Bills C-377 and 525, our government will restore a fair and balanced approach to labour relations,鈥� she told reporters in Ottawa.
The government says the bills were passed without a proper consultation process used for labour relations reform.
鈥淧olicies developed through real consultations are essential for a strong economy, prosperity of workers and our employers,鈥� Mihychuk said.
Conservative MP John Barlow said Thursday鈥檚 announcement represents a 鈥渧ery sad day for democracy鈥� and accused Mihychuk of wanting to appease union leaders who helped her get elected last fall.
Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Barlow said there is 鈥渘o reason鈥� for repealing bills C-377 and C-525 other than 鈥減atronage鈥� repayments.
He said the Conservatives enacted the legislation in response to 鈥渢housands鈥� of workers across the country who wanted to know how their union dollars were being spent.
