Debates of October 21, 2004 (day 25)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Labour Standards Act lays out employment standards for non-unionized businesses in the territory. It was first enacted in 1968 and was based on legislation in effect across Canada. It has been amended over the years on a piecemeal basis and now the act is disjointed and at times difficult to interpret.

The Department of Justice has initiated a review of the legislation and later today, at the appropriate time, I will table the document: Renewing the Labour Standards Act of the Northwest Territories: A Consultation Paper.

Mr. Speaker, in this consultation paper, the department has identified proposed directions for reforming the act. Employers or employees are directly affected by this legislation and will be impacted by changes that might be made. This consultation is an opportunity for all who are interested to participate in the review of this important legislation.

The consultation paper contains a brief summary of the major components of employment standards legislation, proposes directions for change and poses questions for discussion.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Justice wants to hear from employees, employers and interested residents on the specific proposals and questions raised in the consultation paper. As well, any other comments or suggestions about employment standards in the Northwest Territories will be welcomed.

Copies of the consultation document are available by contacting the Department of Justice or visiting the website at www.justice.gov.nt.ca. Copies of the consultation paper are also being sent to unions, chambers of commerce and employers’ groups.

Mr. Speaker, after the consultation process is completed, the Government of the Northwest Territories will review the comments and decide whether to proceed with reform of the legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause