RE Group - PIPSC Resolution 5 - 2019

Resolution for endorsement to PIPSC AGM #5

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the RE Group endorse the following motion for submission to the PIPSC AGM:

“WHEREAS the release of Canada’s Changing Climate Report presents overwhelming evidence for the need to reduce carbon, which implies a shift away from a continued focus on the primacy of single occupancy vehicles – except in exceptional cases; and

WHEREAS a decade of advocacy and work by PIPSC has built a strong case around the errors of muzzling scientists and their work,

BE IT RESOLVED THAT that the Institute encourage its members to spread the word in their workplace about the conclusions of this report and to advocate for related changes, notably for employers to provide better options to encourage a shift away from commuting in single occupancy vehicles.”

Commentary

Despite its stated policies regarding climate change and the use of gender based analyses, the federal government has recently moved many employees out of city centres (e.g., with the Department of National Defence in Ottawa, and the Canada Revenue Agency in Halifax), without providing appropriate supports to make it feasible for employees to continue to manage their family obligations without using a car to commute.  Simply limiting parking to force reductions in single occupancy vehicle commuting does not provide an adequate solution, and creates conflict amongst members.