The following is being distributed at the request of the Labour Relations Agency:

Report Released on Legislative Review of Special Project Order Provisions

The Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency, the Honourable Terry French, has released the consultant’s report regarding the review of the Special Project Order (SPO) Provisions of the Labour Relations Act. In December 2011, the Provincial Government announced the appointment of James Oakley, labour relations consultant, to undertake a review of the provisions.

“I want to thank Mr. Oakley for his work and for the observations and findings he has provided,” said Minister French. “Special Project Orders represent a positive opportunity for us to facilitate major construction projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we want to ensure that our legislative framework is both responsive and flexible in order to accommodate new developments as they come forward.”

The report includes a review of the legislative history of Special Project Order legislation in Newfoundland and Labrador, a description of the Special Project Orders issued in the province to date, and a summary of comments on Special Project Orders made in prior labour relations reports submitted to the Provincial Government. It also includes 20 recommendations that the consultant advises will provide enhanced flexibility to respond to any future major projects.

The minister has also invited further input from stakeholders within a two-week period.

“To support our review of the report, I am now asking interested parties to consider the findings and provide us with any views they may wish to offer,” said Minister French. “This input will be a valuable part of the process as we assess the information provided and consider whether any adjustments to our legislation and practices are warranted.”

A copy of the final report, stakeholder submissions and the consultant’s Terms of Reference can be found at: www.gov.nl.ca/lra/SPOR_LRA.html 

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Media contact:
Melony O’Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca 

2012 03 13             3:50 p.m.