Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for Labour

Today,  federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for labour met to  discuss current and emerging labour issues and the evolution of the modern workplace. The annual meeting  was co-hosted by the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Federal Minister of  Labour and Minister of Status of Women, and the Honourable Kelly Regan,  Minister of Labour and Advanced Education for Nova Scotia.

The  ministers covered a number of shared issues related to young workers, including  options to better protect youth in the workplace and new approaches to connect  with youth. Our competitive labour market poses special challenges for young  workers entering the workforce. Continued collaboration between employers,  industry, training partners and governments are critical to providing safe and  healthy workplaces and meaningful employment for youth.

The  discussions showed links between safe and healthy workplaces, job creation and  economic development. Ministers recognized the profound impact psychological health  and safety issues have on Canadian workers, businesses and the economy. They  agreed to raise awareness of psychological health and safety issues in their  jurisdictions and to promote initiatives that address the psychological health  and safety of workers. Preventing injuries and illnesses in the workplace,  including psychological health and safety issues, is an essential component of  the health, well-being and economic success of Canadians. The Ministers also  discussed issues concerning International Labour Organization conventions and  labour provisions of trade agreements.

Quick Facts

   
• The  meeting of ministers responsible for labour provides a key forum to discuss public  policies and explore opportunities for cooperation on joint projects and labour  initiatives.

   
• Throughout  the year, work continues through 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.

Quotes

“Our Government is  committed to keeping Canada on the path towards long-term growth, economic  prosperity, and job creation. The well-being of workers and strength of  employers is integral to Canada’s economy. I’m confident that the constructive  discussions that took place today will benefit workers and employers and will  help ensure they are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s economy.”
– The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of  Labour and Minister of Status of Women

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"Government values the critical work of  employees and employers. They  are our most valuable resources, and key to growing our economy. I am happy to have had  the opportunity to meet with my federal, provincial and territorial  counterparts to discuss ways to better protect our workforces. Everyone has a role  to play in making workplace safety a priority - because every person who gets  up and goes to work has the right to come home safely at the end of the day.”
– The  Honourable Kelly Regan, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education for Nova  Scotia.

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Contacts

Andrew McGrath
A/Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
819-953-5646
andrew.mcgrath@labour-travail.gc.ca

Media  Relations Office
Employment  and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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Chrissy Matheson
Nova Scotia Labour and  Advanced Education
902-424-0281
mathescl@gov.ns.ca  
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