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Legislation Watch
From Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia and all points in between. A national roundup of legislation employers need to know about.
You Make the Call
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A coast-to-coast look at key legislative changes that impact employers, sorted by jurisdiction.

Federal
Amendments to PIPEDA would protect job applicants but would allow use of personal information without consent for certain employment-related purposes
Revised policy allows testing for assessment and monitoring purposes in specific situations
New bill extends Employment Insurance coverage to people who work in their own business

Alberta
Two cancers added to list giving firefighters automatic workers' compensation benefits
Employers must report security breaches immediately and follow standards for handling employees’ personal information
New guidelines for employers outline when workers with the flu are eligible for benefits

British Columbia
New employment standards section opens files of province’s Director of Employment Standards
Requirements will be the same for providers inside and outside the province, consistent with TILMA
Violations are now only deemed repeat offences if proper notice was given of previous penalty

Manitoba
Thirteen weeks of unpaid time off work available to those who donate organs and tissue
Legislation completes gradual improvement in wages for construction workers and differentiates between sectors
Serious safety, health violations should have serious consequences: Labour Minister

New Brunswick
Labour relations amendment eliminates six-month waiting period to join union for casual and temporary government workers
Changes to nominee program make it easier for relatives with work skills to immigrate to province and encourages entrepreneurial immigrants to stay
Two increases in 2010 followed by two more in 2011 will hike rate to $10 per hour

Newfoundland & Labrador
New statute prohibits employers from factoring criminal offence unrelated to a particular job into hiring or firing decisions
New legislation supports labour mobility agreement signed by all the provinces in 2008
New legislation follows province’s signing of Agreement on Internal Trade with other Canadian jursidictions

Nova Scotia
Employers are legally obligated to report any signs of child pornography use by employers
Workers will be able to work on a limited basis while receiving pension benefits
Human Rights Commission initiative will replace affirmative action agreements and open dialogue between employers and different communities

Northwest Territories
First increase in minimum wage in more than six years recognizes higher cost of living
Employers in territory will be able to fast-track newcomers to meet skilled labour needs
Exemptions bring standards into line with exempt occupations in other Canadian jurisdictions

Ontario
Ministry of Labour providing material to ensure employers are aware of obligations, including written policies and domestic violence prevention
Private sector employers have until 2012 to comply with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
Use of special safety needles will be mandatory in all health facilities in the province

Prince Edward Island
Amendments coming into force in the fall include more options for paid leave
Employers in PEI must join those in most other jurisdictions in ensuring employees on the road don’t use cellphones
First review of legislation in more than 10 years leads to changes

Quebec
New bill gives Quebec employers until the end of 2010 to ensure equal pay for equal work
Fines will triple by mid-2011
Benefits to children of single parents, income indemnity to injured workers will increase under proposed legislation

Saskatchewan
Amendment lifts restriction on what trade unions workers can belong to
Testing now available for any bodily substance exposed to on the job, not just while giving emergency care
14- and 15-year olds can only work legally in province if they complete online course and receive written consent from parents

Yukon
Strict requirements place responsibility on everyone, including businesses that come into contact with children in any way
New workers’ compensation legislation sets out duties for re-employment and accommodation
New act aims to reduce costs with early recovery and return to work

Nunavut
New coverage includes several cancers believed to be caused by chemical and smoke inhalation
First raise in five years hikes wage more than 17 per cent
Raises, better benefits and bonuses part of recruitment and retention strategy