Quebec City, Quebec, January 25, 2008 - At their annual meeting, Canada's federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers underscored their commitment to promoting safe and healthy workplaces and improving protection for workers.
The meeting, which began on January 23 and concludes today, was co-chaired by the Honourable Jean Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Mr. David Whissell, Minister of Labour for Quebec.
All labour ministers are very concerned about violence in the workplace. This meeting provided them an opportunity to discuss legislation and other initiatives by the provinces and territories as well as the recently proposed federal regulations.
"By addressing this issue, we can make sure all Canadians feel safer at work. In addition we had the opportunity to discuss the issue of work stoppages in the federal jurisdiction, as well as the recent announcement of the Federal government to introduce legislation related to reservists and the Wage Earner Protection Program," declared Minister Blackburn.
"Quebec City was the right choice for holding this annual meeting, given that the city is celebrating the 400th anniversary of its founding," said Minister Whissell. "Our discussions provided an opportunity for us to share knowledge with a view to improving our labour laws. I had the opportunity to introduce to my colleagues Quebec's recent innovative legislation to protect the employment of people who have been victims of crime or tragic circumstances."
One of the most important issues addressed at the meeting was violence in the workplace. The ministers shared their best practices with respect to prevention and awareness of violence in the workplace. They also agreed on the importance of developing violence prevention measures appropriate for their jurisdictions in order to help build safe and healthy workplaces where both workers' and employers' rights are respected, and in that regard all ministers endorsed a joint statement on the prevention of violence in the workplace.
Ministers also exchanged best practices related to the protection of temporary foreign workers and young workers. Ministers gave their approval to a Federal-Provincial-Territorial strategy on Canada and the International Labour Organization, collaboration on the issue of work-life balance and work to harmonize Canada's Workplace Hazardous Material Information System with the Globally Harmonized System for the classification and labelling of chemicals.
The labour ministers meet every year to share experiences and promote cooperation among the various governments. Throughout the year, ongoing work continues through the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation.
- 30 -
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Michael Winterburn
Office of Minister Blackburn
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
Marisol Schnorr
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Whissell
418-643-5297
Pierre Laberge
Communications Directorate
Quebec Ministry of Labour
418-643-4508
Federal- Provincial-Territorial Ministers of Labour
Joint Statement on the Prevention of Violence in the Workplace
As Canada's Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for labour, we recognize that a safe and healthy workplace is a productive one that benefits employees, employers and the economy.
We further recognize that the prevention of workplace violence is an integral part of achieving a safe and healthy workplace.
Leading research indicates that workplace violence is predictable in many sectors and situations and as such can be reduced. Across the country, various strategies and measures have already been developed to address workplace violence.
As ministers responsible for labour, we recognize and respect the autonomous roles of the federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions across Canada to develop and deliver the workplace violence reduction strategies that are most relevant to their own jurisdictions and workplaces.
In recognition of the importance of this issue, we are, today, committing to continue working together cooperatively with the shared goal of reducing workplace violence.
We hereby agree to:
Heighten awareness about the prevention of workplace violence.
Exchange research and information on best practices to address workplace violence.
Continue to develop strategies, tools and measures to improve the prevention of violence in the workplace.
Through the endorsement of this joint statement we are strengthening our commitment to healthy and safe workplaces in all jurisdictions across Canada.
FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL-TERRITORIAL MEETING OF MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR LABOUR
QUÉBEC, QUEBEC
JANUARY 24-25, 2008
Front Row (left to right): Minister Mark Parent, Nova Scotia; Minister Iris Evans, Alberta; Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Canada; David Whissell, Quebec; Minister Carolyn I. Bertram, Prince Edward Island.
Back Row (left to right): Minister Glenn Hart, Yukon; Minister Nancy Allan, Manitoba; Minister Shawn Skinner, Newfoundland and Labrador; Minister Rob Norris, Saskatchewan; Minister Olga Ilich, British Columbia; Minister Brad Duguid, Ontario.
