Federation plans town hall

"It's time to put Canadians first."

“It’s time to put Canadians first.”

That’s the view of Alex Furlong, president of the Yukon Federation of Labour. The group has planned a town hall for Thursday evening to let Yukoners discuss this week’s dramatic political events in Ottawa.

“Stephen Harper has lost the support he needs to continue as prime minister,” Furlong said Tuesday.

“He has even cancelled votes in Parliament to avoid defeat. I join the Canadian Labour Congress in support of a coalition government.”

Instead of investing in jobs and people, Furlong said, the Conservative government plans to cut spending by almost $2 billion next year.

“That is on top of cuts to equalization payments to the provinces of $1.8 billion next year and $5 billion the year after. The government plans to raise more than $2 billion next year by selling off public assets (at what will be fire sale prices). It also signaled a move to shut down pay equity in the federal jurisdiction.”

This is no time for political division, he added.

“We don’t need another election right now; we need an alternative. I urge everyone to come out to our town hall meeting; it is your opportunity to participate in the discussion, and to be heard.”

The town hall will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at the High Country Inn ballroom.