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CAALL Bulletin - April 2008

Table of Contents

Job protection for Reservists is now the law in Canada

On April 21, 2008, the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, confirmed that members of Canada's Reserve Forces will have their civilian jobs protected under the Canada Labour Code and the Public Service Employment Act, now that Bill C-40 has received Royal Assent and has come into force.

"I am very proud of the fact that the jobs of our reservists are now protected while they are serving our country, whether at home or abroad," said Minister Blackburn. "It is a question of fairness for our reservists and their families, and now that fairness is enshrined in law."

The new legislation provides job protection for reservists who work for employers in federally regulated industries and the federal public sector. It also provides relief to student reservists who have loans under the Canada Student Loan Program.

The bill received Royal Assent on April 17 and an Order in Council was issued on April 18 to ensure amendments to the Canada Labour Code (Section 1) and the Public Service Employment Act (Section 6) take effect immediately to protect the jobs of the reservists. The benefit created by the amendments to the Canada Student Loans Act and the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act is scheduled to be in place as soon as regulations are adopted.

The new legislation is part of a comprehensive reinstatement strategy for the Canada Reserve Force announced on January 8, 2008.

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British Columbia protects Reservist jobs

British Columbia will protect the jobs of reservists while they are on active service with the Canadian Forces, Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Olga Ilich announced on April 30, 2008.

“Many of the hundreds of reservists in British Columbia take time out from their civilian jobs to serve our country,” said Minister Ilich. “We want to make sure that they don’t have to worry about having a job to return to after they fulfil their difficult and dangerous assignments with the Canadian Forces.”

Amendments to the Employment Standards Act will provide job protection for reservists who temporarily leave their civilian employment in order to serve with the reserve forces.

The unpaid leave would apply to reservists deployed for overseas missions, including pre- and post-deployment duties related to the operation, or domestic emergencies. During those periods, reservists are paid by the Canadian Forces. Employers will not be required to continue benefit and pension contributions while the employee is on leave.

There are about 2,700 reservists in British Columbia.

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Northwest Territories and Nunavut WCB Changes Name to Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission

The evolution of the Workers’ Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (WCB) continues. On April 1, the new Workers’ Compensation Acts came into force. These Acts bring positive change for northern workers, employers, and the WCB; including a name change. Along with new legislation, the WCB has a new identity: the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC).

“Our name change is a very positive and exciting event for our organization,” says Anne Clark, WSCC President & CEO. “The name change reflects our continued role as a compensation board, but also brings our focus on safety and prevention to the forefront.”

In addition to the name change, the new Acts differ from the old ones in a number of ways. The new Acts are better organized and written in clearer language to help northerners find and understand the information they need. The structure of the Appeals Tribunal, along with the deadlines for appeals and review decisions, were also changed to allow for increased customer service excellence.

“Our staff is very happy with the changes to the legislation,” adds Ms. Clark. “The new Acts allow for more flexibility to award benefits to injured workers.” The new Acts also increase the benefits for surviving spouses of workers fatally injured at work, changed the definition of common law spouse to be more inclusive, and provides the WSCC with the discretion to award partial lump sum payments for pensioners with a disability rating greater than 10%.

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The Government of Canada pays tribute to the workers killed and injured in work-related incidents

The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, attended on April 28, 2008, the commemorative ceremony to mark the National Day of Mourning.

"Today, it is my solemn duty to pay tribute to Canadian workers who have been killed and injured on the job," said Minister Blackburn. "We must never forget them and we must strive to learn from these sad incidents and make work places safer for all employees. Today is as much a time to remember those who have died as it is a call to protect the living."

In 2005, nearly 1,100 Canadians died as a result of work-related incidents. This means that on average, three workers died every day. In the same year, approximately 338,000 work-related illnesses and injuries were reported-many of which were preventable.

In December 1990, the Government of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act, which established April 28 as the official day to be observed every year to commemorate workers who were injured or died on the job and those who suffer from occupational illnesses.

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North American Ministers of Labour Renew their Commitment to Improving Trade and Working Conditions

Canada, the United States and Mexico reaffirmed on April 24, 2008, their commitment to the North American Agreement on Labour Cooperation (NAALC), as an important tool for protecting basic labour rights.

The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, the Honourable Elaine L. Chao, US Secretary of Labour, and the Honourable Javier Lozano Alarcón, Secretary of Labour and Social Welfare of Mexico, held the Eighth Ministerial Council meeting under the NAALC on April 24 in Ottawa.

This meeting provided the three Council members with a unique opportunity to discuss priorities for the North American Commission for Labour Cooperation, identifying topics such as expanding youth employment, improving mine safety and protecting freedom of association.

The Council members also agreed on a joint declaration to address, through cooperation, the resolution of a public communication concerning freedom of association, the protection of the right to organize, and the right to bargain collectively in the Mexican state of Puebla. They also agreed to continue working together to expeditiously resolve pending consultations on public communications between Mexico and the United States on protection of migrant workers, freedom of association and protection of the right to organize, minimum working conditions and the elimination of discrimination in the workplace, and any future public communications "complaints".

Under the NAALC, a side agreement to NAFTA, Canada, the United States and Mexico work together to share best practices in the field of labour law, and to ensure the application of existing legislation to protect workers' rights.

The NAALC came into effect in January 1994. The Ministerial Council meetings provide the three governments with an opportunity to oversee the implementation of the NAALC, discuss the Agreement's progress and establish priorities for future action.

Given the importance of the NAALC, Ministers agreed to convene future meetings of the Ministerial Council on an annual basis and to focus on the priorities established through the session.

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Alberta’s economy is on the rise; injury rates aren’t

In today’s economy, more people head home safely at the end of their workday because their employer makes time for safety — great news for workers and employers.

Even though Alberta’s workforce has increased by 6%, with nearly two million workers covered by workers’ compensation, injury rates have remained steady and show signs of dropping. Why? One reason is because approximately 7,500 companies have enrolled in the Partners in Injury Reduction (PIR) program — a voluntary program designed to encourage and reward employers for safe behaviour, and have obtained a Certificate of Recognition.

Being a member of the PIR program is not just a matter of completing a form; employers must improve their safety performance or be an industry leader to reap both human and financial reward.

PIR employers have met stringent Alberta safety standards. They have:

All of which take time, attention and resources but it’s worth it so Alberta employees can go home safely to their families.

This spring, employers registered in the PIR program have earned a share of a record $73.5 million in workers’ compensation premium rebates for their 2007 results.

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Changes to WorkSafeBC’s forestry regulations take effect May 1, 2008

The amendments address the changing nature of B.C.'s forest sector, and provide better protection to workers in the areas of supervision and planning, as well as increased safety standards when working in proximity to machinery. As well, the regulations make it clear prime contractors must be sufficiently knowledgeable and have sufficient authority to fulfill the obligations set out in the Workers’ Compensation Act. These new provisions were announced earlier this year following an extensive consultation process, public hearing and approval by the WorkSafeBC Board of Directors.

In addition to ensuring prime contractors in the forestry sector have the necessary qualifications and authority to fulfill their legal responsibilities the regulations introduce a requirement to have a falling supervisor for all manual falling activities. New provisions dealing with log hauling will address speed and impairment by fatigue. The new provisions will also address the ability for employers to stay current with new equipment and technology.

The six significant amendments to the regulation that address the changing nature of the forestry sector and provide better protection for workers are:

“As with the introduction of any amendments to the regulation, we anticipate that there will be a transition period,” says Mr. Paine. “Our officers will continue to work with employers to make sure that they have the information they need to understand and comply with these changes.”

Interested employers or workers can contact their local WorkSafeBC office, or go to the website (http://www.worksafebc.com/) for more information.

Other initiatives by WorkSafeBC to make the woods safer have included the certification of fallers, recruitment of additional prevention and investigation officers, more inspections, and additional penalties where warranted.

In addition, WorkSafeBC supports and funds the industry led BC Forest Safety Council, which was also created as a result of the Forest Safety Task Force recommendations. The Council continues to provide a mechanism for all workplace parties to focus their attention on their sectors' challenges.

Three of the key findings in the Auditor General's report on safety in the forest industry call for:

These new regulations strengthen the legal standards and contribute significantly to addressing these concerns.

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Manitoba’s Time Loss Injury Rate Reduced

Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan announced an April 14, that preliminary figures show that Manitoba has reduced its time loss injury rate by 25 per cent since 2000 and outlined a new comprehensive prevention plan to further reduce injuries in Manitoba workplaces.

“This 25 per cent decline translates into a decrease of over 5,000 fewer time loss injuries annually for Manitoba workers and a cost savings to Manitobans of over $80 million a year. This represents a remarkable achievement, especially when you consider that this occurred at a time when employment in Manitoba grew by over 44,000,” said Minister Allan. “However, serious injuries and fatalities are still all too common and we must renew our commitment to further reduce injuries and strengthen the culture of safety and health in Manitoba. Work-related injuries and illnesses can and must be prevented.”

The new plan builds on earlier initiatives and outlines key objectives and activities to be undertaken by Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) and the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) to prevent injuries and illnesses in Manitoba workplaces over the next five years.

Key goals in the new prevention plan include reducing the provincial time loss injury rate to 3.5 per 100 full-time-equivalent workers from the rate of 4.2 in 2007 and significantly reducing the number of work-related fatalities and serious injuries.

Since 2000, the Manitoba government has taken significant action to reduce workplace injuries and to provide a safer work environment for Manitoba workers including:

“Now we’re going to build on this momentum by increasing the number of safety and health officers for inspections, and by focusing on education and awareness to further reduce the injury rate and make our communities and workplaces safer for Manitoba workers and their families,” said Minister Allan.

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Funding for employment services for older workers as part of Manitoba Budget 2008

Manitoba Competitiveness, Training and Trade Minister Andrew Swan announced on April 10 new funding for employment services for older workers.

“We recognize the valuable skills and experience of older workers as a tremendous asset to the Manitoba economy in terms of meeting the labour market demand,” said Mr. Swan. “This funding will be used to expand opportunities for the increasing number of older workers who desire to remain active contributors to the provincial labour market on a part-time or more flexible basis.”

An initial project will be established with Opportunities for Employment to offer innovative new programming for older workers seeking employment.

Opportunities for Employment is non-profit organization incorporated in 1996 that provides a number of programs to assist individuals in getting ready to work, learning an occupational skill or finding meaningful employment. It will now also offer a broad range of employment services directed to older individuals.

“Older workers play an important role in addressing skills shortages that employers in Manitoba are facing,” said Minister Swan. “The possibility to change careers, reorient transferable skills or expand interests into new directions can add excitement and provide meaningful opportunities to older workers.”

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Province of Manitoba introduces proposed Worker Recruitment and Protection Act

The proposed new Worker Recruitment and Protection Act would substantially strengthen the protection of foreign workers from unscrupulous recruiters, Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan announced on April 17, 2008.

“The province has taken significant steps to protect foreign workers who come to Manitoba,” said Ms. Allan.  “The government has been very successful in making Manitoba a destination of choice for new immigrants through our immigration programs, settlement services and economic stability. To continue to attract and retain new workers, we must demonstrate there are strong protections in place.”

The new legislation would replace the Employment Services Act, which currently governs the activities of third-party placement agencies in Manitoba.  Foreign workers are vulnerable to exploitation from third-party recruiters and placement agencies that take advantage of their desire to start a new life and career. The legislation would be a first in Canada by requiring all employers to first register with the province before the recruitment of foreign workers begins.  The registration would ensure that employers are using a licensed recruiter and have a good history of compliance with labour legislation.

  

In addition to employer registration, recruiters would be licensed and be required to be members of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants or a law society.  Recruiters would be prohibited from charging workers, directly or indirectly, any fees whatsoever for recruitment. The intent would be to ensure foreign workers are treated the same as any other worker in Manitoba so that employers bear the cost of recruitment, not workers.

Enforcement mechanisms would be improved and there would be penalties for failing to comply with the legislation.  The proposed act would reduce incidents of workers arriving with no job or an illegal job and incidents of extortion and exorbitant charges. It would also protect foreign workers from changes to the promised terms and conditions of work.  The province would have the authority to refuse or revoke a licence, investigate and recover monies on behalf of these workers from employers and recruiters. 

“Through legislative improvements and increased monitoring, we intend to create a positive, sustainable recruitment process that will provide business with access to skilled labour and respond to issues of worker vulnerability,” said Minister Allan. “We believe this co-ordination of services and legislation will increase overall compliance with employment standards and workplace safety and health legislation, raise the standards of professionalism and conduct among recruitment agencies, and provide a level playing field for legitimate recruitment agencies.”

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Province of Manitoba introduces International Labour Co-operation Agreements Implementation Act

On April 18, 2008, Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan has introduced the International Labour Co-operation Agreements Implementation Act which would allow Manitoba to participate in first international labour cooperation agreements recently signed between Canada and the governments of Chile and Costa Rica.

The agreements help to improve working conditions in the participating countries and to protect, enhance and enforce workers’ basic rights.  Under the agreements, participating jurisdictions are committed to enforce their labour laws, co-operate on labour matters and promote fundamental labour principles.

“Labour co-operation agreements are signed in parallel with trade agreements as a way of helping ensure basic labour standards are maintained in the participating countries,” said Ms. Allan. “By helping ensure minimum standards in other countries, such agreements not only safeguard workers there but also contribute to the level playing field we need to protect our domestic industries.”

In addition to ensuring Manitoba’s participation in the Chile and Costa Rica agreements, the act would also provide a mechanism for Manitoba to participate in similar future agreements between Canada and other countries.

Canada has enjoyed a positive relationship with Chile including formal information sharing on workplace safety and health, elimination of child labour and collective bargaining, said the minister. Canada is also working with Costa Rica on co-operative technical assistance to modernize that country’s labour administration and practices.

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Project to assist unemployed New Brunswick older workers with Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour

A new project announced on April 21, 2008 by Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Ed Doherty and Tobique-Mactaquac MP Mike Allen will help workers in the Restigouche and Chaleur regions get adequate training and help them return to the labour force.

The governments of Canada and New Brunswick are jointly awarding over $1.5 million to the Restigouche Community Business Development Corporation to assist some unemployed older workers improve their employability and integrate into new jobs so that they remain active and productive in the labour market.

"In order to reach self-sufficiency by 2026, we must mobilize as many New Brunswickers as possible to be a part of our work force," Mr. Doherty said. "As stated in the Charter for Change, our government will be investing in our people so they will be better educated and multi-skilled. We are pleased to partner with the federal government in piloting an initiative that recognizes the valuable experience and skills that older workers have to offer in order for them to be successful in our province."

"The Government of Canada is committed to creating the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world and that includes older workers," Minister Allen said. "We cannot and must not overlook the experience of these workers who want to continue contributing to their communities, and to the Canadian economy." He spoke on behalf of Human Resources and Social Development Minister Monte Solberg.

The Canada-New Brunswick Agreement on Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) allows unemployed older workers across New Brunswick to take part in activities such as skills assessment and upgrading, counselling and work experience. These activities are aimed at unemployed older workers between the ages of 55 and 64, and will be offered through projects delivered at the community level.

The TIOW provides programming until March 31, 2012, including an additional investment of $90 million investment proposed in Budget 2008. Under this Initiative, the provinces and territories that have chosen to participate are responsible for identifying vulnerable communities, and project design and delivery. In most cases, the participating provinces and territories will then work with organizations in affected communities, such as the Restigouche Community Business Development Corporation, to develop projects.

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Saskatchewan minimum wage increases in May

Saskatchewan's minimum wage increased from $8.25 per hour to $8.60 per hour since May 1, 2008.

The increase is the second of three stages that will see the minimum wage increase to $9.25 per hour in 2009. The minimum call-out pay, which is three times the level of the minimum wage, will also increase accordingly. There are approximately 12,400 minimum wage earners in Saskatchewan.

The increase in the minimum wage follows a review by the Saskatchewan Minimum Wage Board. The Board is required by legislation to review the minimum wage at least every two years.

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Quebec increase the minimum wage

The general minimum wage rate increase from $8 to $8.50 an hour on May 1st 2008.

The rate granted to employees receiving tips rose from $7.25 to $7.75 an hour, whereas the rate payable to the employees of certain sectors of the clothing industry increased from $8.25 to $8.50 an hour.

As for pickers of small fruit paid according to yield, they will benefit from an increase proportional to that granted to workers remunerated at the general minimum wage rate.

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Provincial Prix innovation en santé et sécurité du travail au Québec Banquet

Innovation and teamwork: these are the measures of success for preventing accidents and saving lives! That’s what the nine companies awarded the Provincial Prix innovation en santé et sécurité du travail have proven. This competition, organized by the Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CSST), focuses on rewarding prevention-based initiatives and promoting them.

“All the finalists at the Provincial Prix innovation Banquet deserve to be rewarded for their creativity and ability to work as a team. They’re all winners because they’ve helped to make their workplace safer,” said Mr. Luc Meunier, Chairman of the Board and CEO of CSST.

“I would like to congratulate all participants who, through their involvement, show that they care about the health and safety of all workers. I would also like the accomplishments presented at this competition to be a source of inspiration for many other businesses in other sectors of activity,” added Mr. David Whissell, Minister of Labour.

Citations of excellence were also awarded. For the first time this year, the CSST gave a tribute award to highlight the exceptional contribution of a worker in occupational health and safety innovation.

In 2007, for the third year in a row, the Prix innovation award was organized in all regions of Quebec. Over 250 projects were picked province-wide. Ingenious, efficient and easy to apply, all of these projects show that prevention is possible!

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Employer contributions to the Quebec Commission de la santé et sécurité au travail (CSST)

Originally planned for January 1, 2009, the date on which the new procedure for collecting the contribution, based on wages paid, was to become effective has been postponed. This delay will enable the CSST to ensure the new collection procedure is functioning properly given the extent of the work involved in implementing such a change.

However, the CSST would like to emphasize that it wishes to respond to the request made by employers for a more modern procedure that is better adapted to their needs. Please note that the current procedure requires employers to estimate, at the start of the year, the wages they expect to pay.

For more information, employers can contact a CSST agent at 1-877-733-6763.

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Quebec introduces a one-stop site for dealing with appeals in the area of labour relations, construction and professional qualification

Since April 1, 2008, the Commission des relations du travail (CRT) has been given responsibilities previously assumed by the Commissaire de l’industrie de la construction (CIC).

In concrete terms, two divisions will be created at the CRT: Labour Relations, and Construction and Professional Qualification. The latter division will be in charge of hearing all appeals currently before the CIC. These appeals have been filed under the Building Act, Manpower Vocational Training and Qualification Act, Stationary Enginemen’s Act, and the Labour Relations, Vocational Training and Manpower Management in the Construction Industry Act (Act R-20).

Thus, this division will hear, in particular, appeals related to issues of interpretation and liability in the construction industry, as well as appeals associated with jurisdictional disputes that may arise between different trades or occupations. It will also appeal refusals by the Commission de la construction du Québec to issue a construction worker a certificate of qualification, or a decision of the Régie du bâtiment regarding the issuance of a building contractor’s license.

It should be noted that the CIC’s integration into the CRT was part of the recommendations made in the Working Group Report on the review of government agencies (2005-2006) published February 22, 2006. The working group, headed by Mr. François Geoffrion, was given the task of reviewing the role and activities of 58 agencies and of proposing ways to simplify government organization and improve performance.

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Nova Scotia Government introduces North American Agreement on Labour Co-operation Act (NAALC)

Nova Scotian exporters and foreign workers will be better protected by the proposed North American Agreement on Labour Co-operation Act.

On April 25, the Government introduced a bill to become a signatory to the North American Agreement on Labour Co-operation. The agreement provides a remedy through a dispute resolution process for Nova Scotia exporters should they be negatively affected by unenforced labour laws in Mexico and the United States.

Nova Scotia is committed to upholding labour laws and standards of living, not only for our citizens, but for foreign workers in this province," said Mr. Mark Parent, Minister for Labour and Workforce Development.

Entering this agreement will also give Nova Scotia more opportunities to increase our trade and immigration relationships within the United States and Mexico, and work toward a level playing field in terms of labour co-operation."

The agreement is based on the principle that each country will enforce the labour laws they have in place. It will allow orders to be enforced by the courts in Nova Scotia.

This is a labour side-agreement to the North American Free Trade Agreement and links labour and working conditions to trade.

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Nova Scotia Government Introduces New Department of Labour and Workforce Development

A bill formally creating the Department of Labour and Workforce Development was introduced in the legislature on April 24.

The new department will focus on building a highly skilled, competitive workforce and help ensure workplaces continue to be safe, fair and productive.

"The department will emphasize the recruitment, retention, repatriation and retraining of workers to meet the changing needs of the province's economy at a time when Nova Scotia is competing with the world for skilled workers," said Labour and Workforce Development Minister Mark Parent.

It will also support Nova Scotia employers by helping them offer leading-edge working conditions and opportunities for skill development to make recruitment and retention easier."

The department is also responsible for enforcing regulations on much of the equipment, products and services Nova Scotians use on a daily basis, such as elevators, fuels and gas, boilers, firefighting services, alcohol and gaming.

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Bill would clarify access to regulated professions in Nova Scotia

On April 24, Nova Scotia Government introduced legislation to help newcomers navigate the certification and registration process and find a job in their chosen profession.

The Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act is intended to provide professionals from other jurisdictions with a clearer, better-defined process.

Mr. Mark Parent, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development, said standards for Nova Scotia certification will continue to be established by self-regulating professions themselves.

However Minister Parent said that this legislation will clarify the procedures for meeting those standards and this is a first step in reducing obstacles that many professionals face when they move to Nova Scotia from other provinces or countries. It will support and increase in the supply of workers in Nova Scotia and help us meet our labour mobility goals.

In the 2007 speech from the throne, Premier Rodney MacDonald committed to legislation that would streamline the certification and registration process to try to reach full labour mobility. A more straightforward process will make Nova Scotia a more attractive destination for externally trained professionals.

In September of last year, provincewide consultations were held to identify how legislation would address registration barriers.

Consultations have been held with regulatory bodies and immigrant settlement associations to review the proposed legislation. When the bill passes, regulatory bodies will be further consulted to help develop accompanying regulations.

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Alberta’s non-profit and voluntary strategy tackles workforce challenges

Non-profit organizations are teaming up to find solutions for common labour force challenges.  A Workforce Strategy for Alberta’s Non-profit and Voluntary Sector, developed with the support of the Alberta government, identifies ways to address staff recruitment and retention in this valuable sector.

“Alberta’s non-profit and voluntary sector is facing a number of significant challenges as the demand for services grows and competition for workers in the province increases,” said Employment and Immigration Minister Hector Goudreau.  “If these challenges are not properly addressed, they have the potential to limit the sector’s growth and impact its ability to deliver the programs and services Albertans rely on.”

Non-profit organizations participated in the development of the strategy.  Their collaboration resulted in actions to ensure the sector continues to thrive to the benefit of all Albertans.  This process was led by the Calgary and Edmonton chambers of voluntary organizations

"This strategy acts on the immediate workforce needs of the non-profit and voluntary sector, but also establishes a framework that will help organizations prepare for the future,” said Ms. Katherine van Kooy, president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations.  “By working together, non-profit groups across the province will be ready to respond to the realities of a tight labour market.”

Difficulties that are being faced by the sector include stressful working conditions, low job security and high turnover in entry-level positions, lack of staff training opportunities, and an aging workforce at the senior and middle management levels.

More than 20 organizations will be responsible for implementing following actions:

A copy of A Workforce Strategy for Alberta’s Non-profit and Voluntary Sector is available on Alberta Employment and Immigration’s website at www.employment.alberta.ca.

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Appointments/Retirements/Announcements

Lawyer named as new vice-chair of Labour Relations Board in Alberta

Nationally-noted labour lawyer Lyle Kanee has been appointed a part-time vice-chair of the Alberta Labour Relations Board for a five-year term starting August 1.

Mr. Kanee has worked in Toronto and Edmonton with union-side law firms.  He has negotiated collective agreements, helped resolve workplace grievances, and presented cases before the board. His practice has included civil litigation, pension and benefit issues, disability insurance claims, class actions, and human rights matters, and he has represented clients’ interests before human rights and professional tribunals and all levels of the courts including the Supreme Court of Canada. Mr. Kanee has also been a sessional instructor in labour law at the University of Alberta and has presented at a number of conferences. 

Quebec Conseil des ministres Appointments

On April 2, 2008, Mr. Ivan Bernier was appointed examiner for the purposes of the Agreement on Internal Trade.

On April 16, 2008, the Conseil des ministres appointed Ms. St-Georges Permanent Commissioner and Chair of the Commission des relations du travail. Mr. Jerry Touzel and Mr. François Vaudreuil were appointed new members to the Conseil consultatif du travail et de la main-d’œuvre. Mr. Michel Arsenault and Mr. Simon Prévost were appointed members of this committee.

On April 23, 2008, the Conseil des ministres appointed Mr. Edmund E. Tobin as member and Chair of the Conseil des services essentiels effective May 26, 2008. Mr. Tobin was Vice Chair of the Canadian Industrial Relations Board.

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Parliament/Legislatures/Assemblies

Adjournment date Resumption date
Alberta June 14, 2008 November 5, 2008
British Columbia May 29, 2008 October 6, 2008
House of Commons June 20, 2008 September 15, 2008
Manitoba April 9, 2008
New Brunswick February 13, 2008
Newfoundland-Labrador March 10, 2008
Northwest Territories March 10, 2008
Nova Scotia May 27, 2008
Nunavut May 22, 2008
Ontario March 17, 2008
Prince Edward Island May 22, 2008
Québec March 11, 2008
Saskatchewan May 15, 2008 October 22, 2008
Yukon May 15, 2008
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Upcoming Events

Event Date
Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) Congress
June 15-18, 2008
CAALL International Labour Affairs Committee
Gatineau, Quebec		 June 20, 2008
2008 International Safety & Health Exhibition
Seoul, Korea		 June 30-July 3, 2008
National Association of Government Labor Officials (NAGLO)
Omaha, Nebraska		 July 14-16, 2008
Association of Labor Relations Agencies (ALRA) Annual Conference
Burlington, Vermont		 July 19-23, 2008
CAALL 67th Annual Meeting
Regina, Saskatchewan		 September 30-October 2, 2008
IAIABC Annual Convention-2008-AWCBC Learning Symposium
Vancouver, British Columbia		 October 25-31, 2008
Federal/Provincial/Territorial Labour Minister’s Meeting
Banff, Alberta		 January 21-23, 2009
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