In votes of various types, such as elections and referendums, the secret ballot is seen as a way of guaranteeing that voters are protected from pressure or intimidation and of ensuring that the vote represents their true opinion. However, this is not the approach used in labour relations in Quebec and elsewhere: the outcome of a union certification or a strike vote may be determined by a less rigorous process that involves canvassing workers to get signatures or a show of hands in favour of a strike. This procedure may alter workers’ true will and favour labour relations disputes, putting economic growth and investment at risk. The objective of this research paper is to examine reform options for the union certification process in Quebec.

Léger Marketing poll commissioned by the Montreal Economic Institute.

Quebec’s business leaders and unions.

Quebec’s business leaders and unions.

Public poll commissioned by the Montreal Economic Institute.

The role of bonuses in the present financial crisis.

Analysis of data from the 2006 Census on Canadians’ earnings and income.

Eleven ideas from the MEI for getting Quebec out of its torpor.

The remuneration gap between top and bottom earners in Canadian businesses.

Union contributions are tax deductible.