Labour Standards
2004-2005 Annual Meeting Report
REPORT OF THE THIRTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING —
Held May 30–June 1, 2005 in Iqualuit, Nunavut
The 37th annual meeting of the Standing committee on Labour Standards was held in Iqualuit, Nunavut from May 30 - June 1, 2005. All jurisdictions except Prince Edward Island were represented. The meeting was chaired by Ken Clements of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Remarks by Host Jurisdiction
Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik, welcomed the participants to Iqaluit.
Inter-Jurisdictional Round Table on Recent Developments, Emerging Issues, and Upcoming Legislative Changes
A statistical report was provided which comprised data from each of the jurisdictions pertaining to administrative/application functions such as: pro-active activities; educational activities, inquiries and requests for information; complaints; and, prosecutions.
The Committee recommended that the Secretariat provide options for a new format for the recording of the statistical information. This will be in place for the next annual meeting.
Professional Development
Carole Dupéré from the Québec Commission des normes du travail led a presentation on the new Psychological Harassment legislation in Quebec.
Report on Best Practices in the Area of Appeal Mechanisms — Central Sub-Committee
Dave Dyson led the discussion on this issue. Survey of the appeal methods were all over the map and no one is particularly better or worse. A report was tabled on this item.
Several changes were recommended, and Dave indicated he would follow up with the changes and send to the Secretariat upon completion.
Election of officers and Other Administrative Matters
- The role of Chair of the CAALL-Labour Committee will be Myles Morris of Alberta
- Eastern Sub-committee Chair is Drew Simpson from New Brunswick
- Central Sub-Committee Chair is Brian Lemire
- Western Sub-Committee Chair Eric Greene
Work planning
The following work plan items were established for the upcoming year.
- Eastern Sub Committee: The Eastern Sub-Committee will conduct research and report back on the legislation or policies of each province concerning the payment for hours of work to those who are "On-Call", or are sleeping at their place of employment. We felt this was an emerging issue. This will be more of an information piece, showing how each province defines sleep time, on-call time, etc. We will also identify the factors that affect the decisions of the various Employments Standards Directors or Officers. There may be some pros and cons to each as well.
- Central Subcommittee: Stephen Loyd, Director Labour Standards and Workplace Equity will coordinate the dissemination of information to CAALL members on the Wage Earner Protection Program over the coming months.
- Western Subcommittee: Ways to increase the profile of Labour Standards in Canada. Lead is Karen Jackman Northwest Territories.
Next Meeting
Alberta has kindly agreed to hold the CAALL-Labour Standards meeting in 2006. The meeting will be held in Calgary, the week of June 1st.