[v4 members who rallied in such large numbers to the support of the New Democratic Party in the recent federal election campaign may justifiably take pride in the results achieved in this province. These results vindicated trade union participation in the formation of a new political party. Vigorous campaigning placed ten seats in the New Democratic Party column. The popular vote for the Party in British Columbia was raised to 31.5%, a higher percentage than that won by any other party. As trade unionists participated in the Party’s policy-making and selection of candidates, they are now represented by a competent team of representa- tives in Parliament, able to speak on behalf of labour freely and without question. In this respect, B.C. trade unions have set an example for the other prov- inces that will have a profound effect in future elec- tions. This achievement was all the more remarkable because the trade unions in this province were handi- capped by the provisions of Bill 42. This legislation was intended to cripple political action on the part of the unions. Instead, it so angered trade unionists that it back-fired on its sponsors in the Social Credit Government. The voluntary effort of trade union members successfully circumvented the attempt to deprive them of basic civil rights enjoyed elsewhere in the Commonwealth. IWA members are especially gratified that two well-known members of the Union won handsome majorities at the polls—Tom Barnett in Comox-Al- berni and Frank Howard in Skeena. Both have al- ready served labour well in the House of Commons. Trade unions that entered the campaign in B.C. undertook two important projects in addition to affili- ation with the New Democratic Party and the shar- ing of policy responsibilities. By extending their pro- gram of political education, they informed trade union members on the issues affecting their welfare. They also made a determined and organized effort to get the working-class vote to the polls. As a matter of fact, it may be claimed that it was the down-to-earth poll organization to muster a full trade union vote that turned the tide in the key ridings. As the campaign developed, trade union influence was apparent in the emphasis placed upon the real issues in the election. Labour’s views on full employ- ment, medicare and consumer protection were clearly expressed through the New Democratic Party and provided the electors with a genuine choice. The manner in which employer-dominated parties have glossed over the evils of mass unemployment was clearly exposed. Few will now scoff at the idea that sound economic planning can provide work for those available for work. A comprehensive national medical health services plan was made one of the major issues. On this question there can no longer be any doubt where labour stands. The prospects are good that any gov- ernment in power will not be able to evade its re- sponsibilities in this regard much longer. The conception of a Consumers’ Bill of Rights originated with the B.C. trade union movement. The debates on the devaluation of the Canadian dollar was thus focussed on the need for protection against artificially inflated prices for those in the lower in- come brackets. Apart from the national issues, the vital import- ance of demonstrating trade union political strength was clearly seen in British Columbia. In a very real SEE NEXT COLUMN Publication date of the next issue of the WESTERN CANADIAN LUMBER WORKER is June 21. Deadline for ad copy is June 7, and for news copy June 8. THE WESTERN CANADIAN é eM PUBLISHED TWICE MONTHLY ON THE FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAYS BY Sets ty) International Woodworkers of America (AFL-CIO-CLC) Regional Council No. 1 REGIONAL OFFICERS: Oa ncaa LAC 2 DOLE sow Bob Ross Jack MacKenzie . Jack Holst Fred_ Fieber Joe Madden Jack Holst President 1st Vice- Presiden 2nd Vice-President 3rd_ Vice-President ..... Secretary- Treasurer creo nven-» International Board Member: Address all communications to FRED FIEBER, Secretary-Treasurer 2859 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, B.C. TR 4-5261 -2 Subscription Rates mun $2.00 per annum Advertising Representative...........-G. A. Spencer ized as Second Class Mail, Post Office Dept., Ottawa, Authors and for Payment of Postage in Cash, 27,500 COPIES PRINTED IN THIS ISSUE GOING DOWN...AND UP! sense, the federal election was a course of preparation for the next provincial election. Trade union political action in the federal election campaign provided the opportunity to administer a stern rebuff to the Social Credit Government for its anti-labour policies. We may now anticipate with pleasure the results of the next provincial election, if our campaign machinery is kept in readiness. Premier Bennett will yet be sorry that he rode roughshod over trade union rights and liberties. Farmer And Consumer Pay From 1951 to 1961, while his costs were going up, the FARMER got 24 per cent less for his agricultural products. During the same time, the CONSUMER paid seven per cent more. Now, who’s getting fat on the difference? The processors, the whole- salers, the transport companies, and the big retail stores, that’s who! court. : ee The case started with a suit for. damages by Sinclair Refining Co. against the Oil, Chemical and — Atomic Workers Union (AFL-CIO) because of a work at the. East Chicago, Ind., plant over $2.19 in three members’ pay claims. British Union Seeking New Image LONDON—A “Personality Girl” competition is being organized by the National Union of General and Municipal Workers, which is look- ing for girls of all ages to appear on posters and leaflets in a publicity campaign. Girls who win will have their pic- tures used on posters, in the press, and perhaps on TY, in all parts of the country. They will also have some time in London with expenses and loss of wages paid, cash prizes, and prizes of clothes chosen them- selves from a_ leading London fashion house with expert advice from a leading consultant. oe with refres hing CARLING PILSENER (YOU DESERVE A COOL ONE TONIGHT!) THE CARLING BREWERIES (B.C.) LIMITED This advertisement is not published or displayed by the Liquor Control Board or by the Government of British Columbia.