Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers responsible for Labour

OTTAWA, Ontario, February 22, 2010—Today, federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers met to discuss Canada’s economic situation, the evolution of the modern workplace, and steps to support Canadian businesses and workers.  The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Minister of Labour, hosted the annual meeting and chaired the roundtable discussions.

“Canada has one of the most talented and dynamic workforces in the world, and today we discussed ways of ensuring that the country’s businesses and workers are ready to face the challenges of the future,” said Minister Raitt.  “This meeting was an opportunity to discuss how Canada’s economic recovery can be supported by healthy workplaces that foster innovation and productivity.”

Over the course of the meeting, the ministers participated in panel presentations and roundtable discussions.  Among the issues discussed were temporary foreign workers, emerging workplace trends, international labour activities, and occupational health and safety, including pandemic planning in the workplace. 

The ministers also had discussions on ways to support Canada’s economic recovery and future prosperity.  The ministers committed to examine opportunities for future collaboration in the following areas: the protection of severance and termination pay; health and safety programs, policies, tools, and research; and the use of technology in assisting businesses achieve compliance across Canada.

The ministers discussed the International Labour Organization’s Convention on Occupational Safety and Health, as well as the Convention on Forced Labour.

The ministerial meeting occurs every year, and an agreement was made to hold a teleconference in September 2010 to discuss next steps with regards to intergovernmental collaboration.  The labour ministers’ meeting provides a forum for discussion of key public policies and exploration of opportunities for cooperation on joint projects and initiatives.

Established in 1938, the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation (CAALL) is an association of federal-provincial-territorial departments of labour and heads of occupational safety and health agencies.

- 30 -

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

To view the official photo of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers responsible for Labour, please visit labour.gc.ca.

For further information (media only):

Jocelyne Turner
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt
Canada’s Minister of Labour
819-953-5646

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559