Federal, provincial, and territorial labour ministers discuss common goals post COVID-19
by CM Staff
Topics of discussion included the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, protections for gig workers and changes to leave provisions.
GATINEAU — Federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers met virtually on Friday to share information and advance work on priority issues in workplaces across the country.
Federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Reagan Jr. chaired the meeting and addressed challenges and opportunities for workers as Canada recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
A statement from the government of Canada indicated that the ministers discussed labour issues related to COVID–19 and the changing nature of work.
They also discussed paid sick leave and the importance of protecting workers to prevent illness in scenarios where several ministers are changing measures in their jurisdictions. Ministers across the country continue to discuss paid sick leave according to the statement.
Other topics of discussion included the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, protections for gig workers and changes to leave provisions.
The discussion also included updates on Canada’s ratification of the International Labour Organization Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019. In addition, officials shared progress on the implementation of the Pan–Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Reconciliation Agreement.
“When workers, employers and governments work together, we create safer and healthier workplaces. The COVID–19 pandemic has exposed gaps in Canada’s social safety net, including the lack of paid sick leave across the country. We have an opportunity to close them if we work together,” said O’Reagan Jr. in a statement.
