Federal,
Provincial, Territorial Ministers Meet to Discuss Jobs,
Economic Futures
Federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers
met in Ottawa, Ontario, on February 22, to discuss
Canada’s economic situation, the evolution of the modern
workplace, and steps to support Canadian businesses and
workers. The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of
Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister
Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency, attended
the annual meeting and roundtable discussions, chaired
by the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Minister of
Labour.
"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
co-operation 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 -
Media contacts: