Minister of Labour underscores Canada's commitment to protecting vulnerable workers at International Labour Conference

GENEVA, Switzerland, June 10, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, commended the International Labour Organization today for its efforts to eliminate forced labour worldwide. She made these remarks in her plenary speech at the 103rd Session of the International Labour Conference. This year's discussions provided an opportunity to take stock of current labour issues, identify successful initiatives and consider future directions.

In her plenary speech, Minister Leitch acknowledged the challenges facing the world of work and underlined the importance of supporting enterprises, workers and families.

The Minister also spoke about Canada's interest in exploring ways for governments to ensure safe and orderly labour migration. She reinforced the need for ethical recruitment of migrant workers by combatting exploitative practices, such as charging migrant workers excessive fees.

Quick Facts

• The International Labour Conference is an annual meeting attended by ministers, ambassadors and representatives of governments, workers and employers from the International Labour Organization's 185 member states.
• Each member state is represented by a delegation consisting of two government delegates, an employer delegate, a worker delegate and their respective advisers.
• The Labour Funding Program is a grants and contributions program that supports Canada's commitments in workplace health and safety, workplace equity and international labour affairs. It came into force on April 1, 2012. The budget for fiscal year 2014-2015 is $1.7 million.
• Since 2004, the Labour Program has funded and administered 96 country-specific or regional technical assistance projects in approximately 30 countries. Total funding to date exceeds $20 million.

Quote

"The Government of Canada is committed to working with our international partners to ensure fair and safe working conditions. Canada is proud to work closely with the International Labour Organization in ensuring that fundamental workers' rights are respected and that vulnerable workers are protected."
- The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

Associated Links

Labour Program
International Labour Organization

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada

Andrew McGrath
Press Secretary
Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
819-953-5646
[email protected] 

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
[email protected]
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