Minister Hajdu invites Canadians to share their input on modernizing federal labour standards

January 11, 2018          Ottawa, Ontario           Employment and Social Development Canada

The Government of Canada knows that as workplaces evolve, so too must the labour standards in those workplaces. Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced that Canadians will have the opportunity to share their views on how federal labour standards should be updated to better reflect and respond to the new reality.

Federal labour standards establish the basic rights (e.g. hours of work, wages, leaves, and holidays) of employees in federally regulated industries, such as banking, telecommunications and interprovincial and international transportation. Labour standards also help create a level playing field for employers by requiring them to meet these standards.

All Canadians are invited and encouraged to participate in the online consultation, which includes a survey and a space to share stories about what it’s like to work in Canada today. The consultation is open until January 31^st, 2018. Input gathered will help ensure that federal labour standards reflect today’s workplace realities and protect Canadians across the country.

Quotes

“Ensuring that Canadians can continue to count on a robust and modern set of federal employment standards is critical to their success. I encourage all Canadians to participate in this consultation so that we can develop modern employment standards that work for everyone.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada has already taken steps to modernize the Canada Labour Code, including more modern compliance and enforcement provisions, the right to request flexible work arrangements; new leaves; and the limiting of unpaid internships in federally regulated sectors. These amendments to the Code, which recently received Royal Assent, will come into force as soon as the necessary regulations are in place.
• In addition to the online consultation, stakeholders are being consulted through a series of roundtables that bring together representatives from key sectors and groups. Academics and other experts are being consulted via an online discussion forum.

Associated Links

• Modernizing Federal Labour Standards: Online Consultation
• Federal Labour Standards

Contacts

Matt Pascuzzo
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
matt.pascuzzo@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
819-654-4183

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

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