Ontario College Support Workers Reach Tentative Deal After Month-Long Strike

After more than a month on the picket line, 10,000 support workers at Ontario’s 24 public colleges have reached a tentative agreement with their employer, the College Employer Council (CEC), according to the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).

Union officials said strikers — including librarian technicians, registrar staff, and IT support employees — are expected to return to work Thursday, pending ratification of the new deal by November 4.

Union cites fight against privatization and job cuts
OPSEU bargaining chair Christine Kelsey said members stood firm to protect public education amid concerns over privatization, job losses, and program cuts.

“The gains made in this agreement would not have been possible without members holding strong these last weeks,” Kelsey said.

The union argues the strike spotlighted chronic underfunding of Ontario’s public colleges, blaming the provincial government for what it called a “deliberate defunding” of higher education.

Employer credits mediation for breaking impasse
The CEC said a private mediation session over the weekend helped end the stalemate.

“We are grateful to have them back to work,” said CEC CEO Graham Lloyd, noting that support staff are critical to college operations and student success.

Negotiations began in June after the previous contract expired. Workers walked out September 11, demanding stronger job-security provisions and funding commitments.

The CEC had previously said OPSEU’s requests — such as banning campus mergers, closures, and layoffs — were fiscally unfeasible, citing enrolment and revenue declines of up to 50 percent.

Colleges resume operations as vote looms
With classes and student services set to normalize Thursday, both sides are preparing for a ratification vote. If approved, the agreement will end one of the longest college labour disputes in recent years and mark a symbolic win for unionized education workers pushing back against austerity.

After N.L. Election, Churchill Falls Hydroelectric Deal With Quebec on Shaky Ground

A change in government in Newfoundland and Labrador has cast uncertainty over a tentative $200-billion hydroelectric agreement with Quebec that would reshape energy cooperation between the two provinces.

The Churchill Falls memorandum of understanding (MOU) — signed last December — was designed to replace the 1969 contract long viewed as unfair to Newfoundland and Labrador. It included plans for a new Gull Island project slated for 2035 and a second generating station at Churchill Falls, alongside expanded production at the existing facility.

Wakeham vows review, referendum before proceeding
Following Tuesday’s election, Progressive Conservative leader Tony Wakeham ousted the Liberals and became premier-designate, promising to revisit the deal.

“The era of a rubber-stamp government is over,” Wakeham said in his victory speech. “If this agreement needs to be amended or renegotiated, we will do so.”

Wakeham pledged a “true independent review” and said any final deal on the Churchill River would require voter approval through a referendum.

Quebec signals confidence in agreement
Quebec Premier François Legault congratulated Wakeham on his win and reaffirmed support for the MOU, calling it “beneficial for both Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec.”

Hydro-Québec echoed the optimism in a statement to Radio-Canada, saying it remains confident the deal is “fair and beneficial to both parties.”

“We have made significant progress in recent months toward a detailed agreement and are committed to continuing negotiations,” the utility said.

Future of Churchill River development uncertain
The MOU could generate more than $200 billion over 50 years, but Wakeham’s stance introduces new uncertainty just as Quebec approaches its 2026 provincial election.

While Legault is keen to finalize terms within his current mandate, Newfoundland and Labrador’s incoming government insists local control and public consent will determine whether the landmark hydro project moves forward.

Alberta Premier’s New Health Mandates Raise Private Care Concerns

Premier Danielle Smith’s latest health care directives are reigniting debate over privatization in Alberta’s medical system. The mandate letters for her health ministers outline priorities for what she calls a “new era of care,” but critics warn they open the door to more private delivery of publicly funded services.

Legislation signals shift toward private access
Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange has been asked to introduce legislation allowing Albertans “more choice and access” to elective and diagnostic services such as MRIs and CT scans.

Advocates like Chris Gallaway of Friends of Medicare say this could mean for-profit testing gaining a foothold.

“We’re very worried when they talk about that,” Gallaway said. “Unless it’s enabling private, for-profit diagnostics, no new law should be required.”

University of Calgary expert Dr. Fiona Clement echoed concern, noting past failures with private lab initiatives.

“We already have experience with private surgical and lab facilities — neither went well,” she said.

LaGrange’s office maintains Alberta remains committed to a strong, publicly funded system and that the changes aim to reduce wait times and improve access.

Competitive funding model for surgeries
Hospitals and Surgical Health Services Minister Matt Jones is directed to fully implement a competitive, activity-based funding model for insured surgeries.

Alberta Medical Association president Dr. Brian Wirzba said the approach could increase private participation and further strain public hospitals.

“It could open the door to more private care,” he said, emphasizing the need for transparency and consistent outcomes.

The government says the model will reward efficiency and apply equally to public and private providers, with safeguards to prevent “skimming” — where providers favor low-risk patients.

Vaccine funding and broader reforms
The premier also directed a review of public vaccine coverage, ensuring free vaccines target those most at risk. The move follows controversy over the decision to charge most Albertans for COVID-19 shots this fall.

Other mandates include publishing surgical wait times, addressing staff shortages, and improving coordination across Alberta’s newly divided health ministries.

As Alberta’s government pushes ahead with its health system overhaul, experts and unions warn that strong guardrails and accountability will be essential to preserve the integrity of public care.