The law is very clear! You have the right to join a union. Here is the exact wording — as it appears in labour legislation across the country.

Canada Labour Code:

“Every employee is free to join the trade union of his/her choice and to participate in its lawful activities.”

British Columbia Labour Code:

“Every employee is free to be a member of a trade union and to participate in its lawful activities.”

Alberta Labour Relations Act:

“An employee has the right

a) to be a member of a trade union and to participate in its lawful  activities, and

b) to bargain collectively with his employer through a bargaining agent.”

Saskatchewan Trade Union Act:

“Employees have the right to organize in and to form, join or assist trade unions and to bargain collectively through a trade union of their own choosing; and the trade union designated or selected for the purpose of bargaining collectively by the majority of the employees in a unit appropriate for that purpose shall be the exclusive representative of all employees in that unit for the purpose of bargaining collectively.”

Manitoba Labour Relations Act:

Every employee has the right

a) to be a member of a union;

b) to participate in the activities of a union; and

c) to participate in the organization of a union.

Ontario Labour Relations Act:

“Every person is free to join a trade union of the person's own choice and to participate in its lawful activities.”

Québec Labour Code:

“Every employee has the right to belong to the association of employees of his choice, and to participate in the formation, activities and management of such association.”

New Brunswick Industrial Relations Act:

“Every employee has the right to be a member of a trade union and to participate in the lawful activities thereof.”

Nova Scotia Trade Union Act:

“Every employee has the right to be a member of a trade union and to participate in its activities.”

Prince Edward Island Labour Act:

“Every employee has the right to be a member of a trade union and to participate in the lawful activities thereof.”

Newfoundland Labour Relations Act: