On December 6, we pause to remember the 14 women whose lives were violently taken at École Polytechnique in Montréal in 1989.
This act of callous misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate this day National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Thirty-six years later, it continues to serve as a solemn reminder of the devastating impact of gender-based violence and the ongoing need for collective action.
Each year on December 3, the United Nations marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities—a global observance dedicated to advancing the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities across all dimensions of society.
At ASPA, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering equitable workplaces where accessibility, respect, and opportunity are not just ideals but everyday realities. We recognize that true inclusion requires ongoing effort to dismantle barriers—both visible and invisible—and to challenge stigma and systemic discrimination.
As part of the broader labour movement, ASPA continues to advocate for environments where all workers, regardless of ability, are empowered to thrive. We stand in unity with persons with disabilities and pledge to uphold their voices, rights, and contributions in our professional communities and beyond.
On September 30th, we pause to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a time to reflect on the enduring impact of residential schools and to honour the strength and resilience of Indigenous survivors, families, and communities.
This day calls on all of us to listen, learn, and act. As members of ASPA living and working across Saskatchewan—including on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories and the Homeland of the Métis—we recognize our shared responsibility to walk the path of reconciliation with humility and respect.
We remember the children who never returned home and stand in solidarity with those who carry the weight of that loss.
Let this be a time not only of remembrance, but of renewed commitment to justice, healing, and meaningful change.
While September 30th is recognized as a statutory holiday by federally-regulated workplaces, and by many educational institutions in Saskatchewan, most workers in this province are still required to work on this day. Last year, a petition from ASPA members calling for this to change was presented in the Saskatchewan Legislature. Today, ASPA continues to advocate for September 30 to be recognized as a statutory holiday in Saskatchewan.
As we come together to celebrate Labour Day, we reflect on its powerful legacy and continued relevance. The Toronto Printers’ Strike of 1872 was a pivotal moment in Canadian history—igniting the movement for fair working conditions and laying the foundation for the rights we enjoy today.
May 1st is International Worker’s Day – or May Day – observed in many countries around the world. May Day commemorates the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement and can be traced back to the Haymarket Riot in Chicago in 1886, fueled by the political and social climate of the industrial revolution and a workers’ fight for the eight-hour workday. Although Canada and the United States later chose to celebrate worker’s rights on the first weekend of September, May Day continues to stand for the values of equality, solidarity, and internationalism.
May 1st also marks the beginning of USask’s fiscal year and is the day that a negotiated across-the-board raise of 2% takes effect, along with your increment increase (depending on your quartile placement, an additional 0.5-2%). You can review your salary under the PAWS channel “Pay and Time Reporting” by clicking on “Compensation History.”
These raises were achieved by the work of the ASPA Bargaining Committee, as can be seen in the 2022 – 2026 ASPA Collective Agreement. This is the final year of the current negotiated contract, and we encourage you to stay engaged and informed as we prepare for a new round of bargaining in the months ahead.
April 28th marks the International Day of Mourning, a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring workers who have lost their lives due to workplace accidents, suffered from occupational diseases, or been injured in unsafe working environments. It is also a day to remember the 27 Saskatchewan workers who lost their lives on the job in 2024. ASPA reaffirms its solidarity with all workers, advocating for safer workplaces and a steadfast commitment to enhancing occupational health and safety standards. Every worker deserves to return home safely to their loved ones each day.
Labour Councils around the province have organized events related to the International Day of Mourning. If you are able to, we encourage you to support and attend the event in your area:
Saskatoon & District Labour Council – Vigil and wreath laying at Civic Square (222 3rd Avenue North), April 28th at 6:00 pm
Regina & District Labour Council – Vigil and wreath laying at Queen Elizabeth Court II (2476 Victoria Avenue; in the event of inclement weather, the ceremony may move to the Regina Union Centre, 2709 – 12th Avenue, downstairs meeting room), April 28th at 5:30 pm
The second Wednesday in April (this year April 9) is recognized as International Day of Pink. Though similar to Pink Shirt Day (held in February) in that it also seeks to end all bullying, the Day of Pink is an annual global event that works specifically to combat homophobia and anti-2SLGBTQI+ bullying. The theme of this year’s Day of Pink is “Re-Emergence,” which seeks to revisit and recognize queer activists in history who have fought for a more inclusive world, and to celebrate those who continue in this important fight.
ASPA works to ensure that all its members are safe and respected, and stands against any manner of homophobia and transphobia in the workplace. We encourage you to wear pink on April 9 to show your support and allyship for the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
To learn more about this day, and access some related resources, visit: dayofpink.org. There is also a free Saskatoon event happening on April 13 – see more at Re-Emergence Tour.
March 21 is recognized as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. On March 21, 1960, police in Sharpeville, South Africa killed 69 people at a peaceful protest against apartheid “pass laws” (Government of Canada, 2024). This day recognizes the racial prejudices that occur daily around the world and aims to use awareness and education as a tool to prevent such discrimination from happening.
ASPA is proud that our union is racially diverse, which allows us to share our culture and heritage with one another. We stand against racial discrimination, inequity, and prejudice, and strive for a workplace where all are treated with equality and respect.
Did you know? Approximately 65% of ASPA members are women!
March 8 is recognized as International Women’s Day (IWD). Inspired by the women’s suffrage movement in Europe, IWD has been observed internationally since 1911. Canada began officially recognizing IWD in the 1970s, aligning with the global movement advocating for women’s rights and gender equality, and the United Nations officially recognized IWD in 1977, encouraging global observance.
ASPA recognizes IWD as an opportunity to celebrate the indelible achievements and contributions of women in the workplace, and in all spheres of life. This day serves as a reminder of the progress made toward gender equality, and of the work that still lies ahead to preserve and continue this progress. Let’s continue to celebrate the achievements of women in our communities at USask, and beyond.
As the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, on December 6th we reflect on the tragic loss of 14 young women at École Polytechnique in Montreal 35 years ago. This day not only commemorates their lives but also stands as a powerful reminder of the need to continue our fight against gender-based violence.
We, at ASPA, are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all. We recognize the critical role we play in advocating for the rights and safety of women both in the workplace and in our communities. On this day, we reaffirm our dedication to eliminating violence against women and to supporting those who have been affected by it.
Reflecting on how we can each contribute to a culture of respect and equality, let us also educate ourselves and others about the realities of violence against women, and work towards meaningful change through action and advocacy.
Together, we can create a society where everyone can live free from violence and fear.
