Minister to attend labour ministers� meetings

Labour Minister Anna Thistle will participate in federal-provincial-territorial meetings of ministers responsible for labour in Halifax from January 31 to February 1.

Minister Thistle says she is pleased with the opportunity to discuss various issues relating to labour and occupational health and safety with ministers from all over Canada. "I intend to take this opportunity to raise the profile of many labour and occupational health and safety initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador. In particular, I will inform my counterparts of recent changes to our Labour Standards Act and Regulations and the consultation process involving business and labour which lead to consensus on all 30 amendments."

Minister Thistle will also highlight the province�s position on the protection of employees� wages in the event of a business bankruptcy. Other issues of common concern to be addressed include occupational heath and safety for youth, promotion of labour standards in international trade agreements and the balance of work with family and personal life.

Media contact: Rebekah Winsor, Communications, (709) 729-1741.

2002 01 30                        11:30 a.m.