Volume 6, number 13, Spring 2006
Clear language makes strides at the CLC
2005 was a pivotal and exciting year for clear language and the labour movement. The Canadian Labour Congress constitution was rewritten in clear language and adopted at the CLC convention in Montreal in June 2005. The CLC developed and piloted a “train-the-trainer” course for clear language advocates. It collaborated on the development of a film on clear language, The Invasion of the Space Lobsters, with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), partnering with several unions, federations of labour and the National Literacy Secretariat, HRSDC.
“Having a clear language constitution is an important step on our collective journey to making the labour movement stronger.” Ken Georgetti, CLC President
It was an historic moment when CLC President Ken Georgetti introduced the resolution to adopt the clear language version of the CLC constitution. “Clear language is about solidarity and inclusion,” emphasized Georgetti in his remarks to delegates. Georgetti also stressed that the clear language version does not change the meaning or intent of the constitution.
In 2004, under the leadership of Executive Vice-President Barbara Byers, the CLC began the process of rewriting its constitution in clear language in English and French. Byers explained the importance of this undertaking. “Far too often, readers were frustrated and bewildered by the many different writing styles and duplications. People had difficulty understanding the constitution and finding what they were looking for.”
Byers put together a team of senior staff, editors and translators to take on the challenge. Members of the CLC Executive Council and their staff as well as convention delegates provided valuable input and feedback on drafts of the rewritten constitution.
“Having a clear language constitution is an important step on our collective journey to making the labour movement stronger,” concludes Georgetti.
