Federal, provincial and territorial ministers of labour discuss the new workplace realities

SASKATOON, SK, Sept. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for labour met to discuss key issues affecting workers and employers. The annual meeting was co-hosted by the Honourable Dr. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, and the Honourable Don Morgan, Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety for Saskatchewan.

"Creating jobs and strengthening the Canadian economy continue to be at the top of all of our Governments' agendas. Promoting safe, healthy and productive workplaces is central to this goal," said Minister Leitch. "By working closely together on shared issues, we can ensure that Canada remains competitive on a domestic and global scale as we address the reality of the modern workforce."

"One of our top priorities is to ensure a better quality of life for Saskatchewan people in our competitive and growth-oriented labour environment. We want to foster economic growth and meaningful employment while ensuring a safe work environment," said Minister Morgan. "These meetings are a great way to share best practices and also discuss our common challenges."

The two-day conference focused on exploring the new realities of the workplace and covered a number of shared labour concerns. Specific items discussed included labour cooperation agreements, temporary foreign workers, pension reform and workplace psychological health. The ministers also followed up on several items that were discussed at last year's meeting in Toronto, including the extension of the "It's Your Job!" contest that challenges youth across Canada to raise awareness about the importance of workplace safety by creating and posting videos to YouTube.

The meeting of ministers responsible for labour provides a forum for discussion of key public policies and exploration of opportunities for cooperation on joint projects and labour initiatives. Throughout the year, work continues through the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation (CAALL). Established in 1938, CAALL is an association of federal, provincial and territorial departments of labour and heads of occupational health and safety agencies.

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

For further information (media only):

Jan O'Driscoll
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Leitch
819-953-5646

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
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Rikki Boté
Executive Director, Communications Branch
Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, Government of Saskatchewan
306-787-4156