CEP - Communications, Energy & Paperworkers Union of Canada

The Save Our Saskatchewan Crowns (SOS Crowns) Coalition was established in early 2009 as an initiative from the Communication, Energy, & Paperworkers’ Union of Canada (CEP) which represents more than half of the Crown Corporation employees in the province. However, the campaign is aimed at reaching far beyond the scope of labour-related issues. The public launch of the campaign officially took place on May 20th, 2009 with a press conference which was held in Regina, SK.

The objective of the campaign is to ultimately expand the Coalition to include a variety of Unions and Locals, multiple community organizations, and concerned individuals to ensure creditability, sustainability, and to spread support. Although this objective is very broad, the mission of the campaign is somewhat less complex; to educate the people of Saskatchewan on the importance of preserving and growing the Crowns, by ensuring all aspects of the Crowns remain in the hands of the public.

We have serious concerns regarding the future of our Saskatchewan Crown Corporations and are determined to take action. For more than one hundred years, Saskatchewan has thrived on the affordable and accessible services offered by Crown Corporations. The direction of the Crowns has been made very clear by past governments for every citizen in the province to have access to services such as clean water, basic telephone service, safe and reliable power and energy, and affordable insurance.

The people of Saskatchewan continue to benefit from the prosperity seen annually by our Crown Corporations when millions of dollars are invested back into our towns, cities, schools, charity organizations, and community events. As well, thousands of people and families in Saskatchewan prosper due to the employment and benefits that are provided to them because of Crown Corporations. With the lowest unemployment rates in the country, Saskatchewan communities are able to continue operating due to the economic activities of residential and business customers. Many of our Crown Corporations are cited annually as some of best employers throughout the country in a variety of categories. In order to continue to reap the benefits provided by our Crown Corporations, it is completely vital to keep these organizations completely publicly owned entities.

This campaign can be viewed as an ambitious strategy, however it is an example of how our Union Locals and members, community organizations, and concerned citizens throughout the province want to step up to the challenge and make a difference in the lives of the people of Saskatchewan.