Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Labour

January 25, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario

Evolving workplaces and our changing society were at the heart of today's meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers of labour, chaired by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Canada's Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.

Today's discussion touched on workplace issues such as diversity and employment, mental health in the workplace, health and safety and potential initiatives to increase engagement with Indigenous workers. Ministers discussed workplace impairment and agreed on the importance of supporting employers and workers in preventing and responding to impairment by ensuring that supports are in place. The ministers also exchanged ideas and shared progress on key issues from their last meeting.

The ministers agreed on an approach for occupational health and safety harmonization, starting with personal protective equipment. Harmonization will help protect the health and safety of all workers, while removing barriers that exist between provinces and territories. It will provide much-needed predictability for employees and employers, as well as for regulators, and will also simplify compliance efforts for employers operating in different locations across the country. Ministers also discussed treatment disparities, including those based on pension plans and benefits.

During the meeting, Minister Hajdu provided an update on labour provisions in trade negotiations and on the recently renewed Federal–Provincial–Territorial Strategy on Canada and the International Labour Organization.

Minister Hajdu highlighted the Government of Canada's recent tabling of harassment and sexual violence legislation, which applies to federally regulated workplaces and federal Crown corporations, as well as the recently launched public consultations on updating federal labour standards to better protect vulnerable workers and address the challenges of the modern workplace.

Quote

“My colleagues and I had a productive discussion on what our governments can do to put Canadians and their families first in everything we do to build a stronger middle class and support those working hard to join it. The valuable insight that was shared today will certainly help us advance issues that are important to working Canadians.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

Quick Facts

• The meeting of ministers responsible for labour provides a key forum for the discussion of labour policy and related issues. It enables participants to explore opportunities for cooperation on joint projects and initiatives.
• The federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for labour meet regularly to discuss issues of mutual concern that they can work together to address. Throughout the year, their work is supported by the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation (CAALL).
• Established in 1938, CAALL is an association of federal, provincial and territorial departments of labour and heads of occupational health and safety agencies.

Associated Links

Joint Statement – Occupational Safety and Health Harmonization
Labour Program International Affairs
The Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation (CAALL)
International Labour Organization

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For media enquiries, please contact:

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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