Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers responsible for Labour

Toronto,  Ontario, September 10, 2012—Today, federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers  met to discuss current and emerging labour issues and share best  practices on the continued well-being of workers and  employers. The annual meeting was co-hosted by the Honourable Lisa Raitt,  Canada’s Labour Minister, and the Honourable Linda Jeffrey, Ontario’s  Labour Minister.

“The Government of Canada remains focused on creating jobs, growth  and long-term prosperity, and we understand the vital link between healthy and  productive workplaces and our economy,” said Minister Raitt. “By coming together at events like  today’s to share insights and best practices, we will continue to build on our  successes and maintain Canada’s reputation as a great place to work and do  business.”

“Workplace  practices and policies are strengthened by collaboration and dialogue between  all levels of governments, employers and unions,” said Minister Jeffrey. “We  are engaging with our counterparts and cooperating to better address today’s  issues and to prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.”

As part  of a commitment made at the 2011 meeting to directly engage youth about their  workplace safety and rights, the labour ministers have jointly launched a national  social media video contest. The “It’s Your Job!” contest aims to raise awareness  by challenging secondary school students and young people  from 18 to 24 years of age to create videos demonstrating the importance of  workplace safety and rights. For more information on the contest, including  rules and prizes, please visit www.youtube.com/yourjobvotretravail or www.labour.gc.ca.

The ministers also participated in  presentations and roundtable discussions regarding today’s workplaces and labour  policy. Specific topics included workforce diversity; international labour  issues; worker protection; and occupational health and safety, including the  need to address psychological health and safety in the workplace.

The  labour ministers’ meeting provides an annual forum for discussion of key public  policies and exploration of opportunities for cooperation on joint projects and  labour initiatives. Throughout the year, ongoing work  continues through the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour  Legislation (CAALL). Established in 1938, CAALL is an association of  federal-provincial-territorial departments of labour and heads of occupational  health and safety agencies.

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This news release is available in alternative  formats on request.                            

For  further information (media only):

Ashley  Kelahear                                                      
Media  Relations
Office  of Minister Raitt                                                                    
819-953-5646

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development  Canada
819-994-5559
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Bill Killorn
Director, Communications
Office of Minister Jeffrey
416-326-7708

Media Relations
Ontario Ministry of Labour
416-326-7405