Today’s announcement that the federal government has waived reporting requirements related to Bill C-377 and signalled its intention to repeal the legislation is a welcome development, says the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU).

“The federal government’s announcement that it intends to repeal Bill C-377 and waive reporting requirements is welcome news,” says BCGEU president Stephanie Smith. “This discriminatory legislation would never withstand a constitutional challenge and should never have been passed by Parliament.”

The Conservative private members bill, which received Royal assent in June 2015, requires labour organizations and labour trusts to file detailed financial reports with the Minister of National Revenue – publicly disclosing employee salaries and all expenditures over $5,000, as well as  information on political involvement, lobbying and non-labour relations activities.

“Bill C-377 was a blatant attempt by the Harper government to punish the labour movement with unrealistic public disclosure demands that no other group in our society is required to fulfill,” says Smith. “The legislation was also unnecessary, as unions already publish detailed annual financial statements and make them available to our members.”

The BCGEU releases an audited financial statement every year, which is distributed to all members in the union’s Provincial magazine.