Minister of Labour meets with stakeholders in Timmins to discuss new and upcoming labour initiatives Français
TIMMINS, ON, March 2, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour, was in Timmins, Ontario, where she kicked off a Northern Ontario tour to meet with stakeholders to discuss a number of new labour policy initiatives. The Minister talked about mental health in workplaces, employees' "right to disconnect" and perspectives on economic development in the region.
During the day, Minister Tassi led a Chamber of Commerce roundtable discussion and announced a FedNor repayable contribution of $606,827 to DJB Mining Products and Service Ltd. The funding will help the local company increase its productivity and production capacity. Minister Tassi made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.
While in Timmins, Minister Tassi also met with EACOM Timber Corporation and Northern College to speak about the important work the Government is doing to keep workers safe and healthy.
The Minister sought stakeholder views on three new initiatives the Government is piloting to help develop a modern, balanced approach to labour policy. One of these initiatives is to make mental health a core part of occupational health and safety policy. She also sought views on the development of a "right to disconnect" so that employees can achieve a better work-life balance. Finally, the Minister sought feedback on how to better protect digital platform workers, who are often not covered by basic labour standards and instead treated as independent contractors, even though they may depend on a particular platform to carry out their work.
Quote
"The conversations we had today are important in order to understand the labour policy challenges and issues that our government intends to move forward on. I am committed to working toward objectives that keep workers safe and healthy, and that take into account the changing world of work."
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour
Quick Facts
- FedNor is the Government of Canada's economic development organization for Northern Ontario. It works closely with businesses and community partners to build a stronger Northern Ontario. FedNor offers programs and services, as well as financial support of projects that lead to job creation and economic growth.
- Important changes to the Canada Labour Code have recently been made to provide flexible work arrangements and new leaves and strengthen labour standards protections in workplaces in the federally regulated private sector. Some of these amendments and the related regulatory changes have already come into force or will come into force in 2020.
Associated Links
DJB Mining Products and Services Ltd poised to boost production and create jobs
Government of Canada to provide better work-life balance for middle-class families
Minister of Labour Mandate Letter
Historic proactive pay equity legislation receives Royal Assent
Federal anti-harassment and violence legislation receives Royal Assent
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
For media enquiries, please contact: Dustin Fitzpatrick, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, P.C., M.P., Minister of Labour, 819-654-5611, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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