September 17, 2021 - Alberta implements mandatory work-from-home measures - Faced with a daunting health crisis, the Alberta government is requiring all employers to turn to mandatory work-from-home measures unless the physical presence of workers is required for the business to function. For anyone who has to go into the workplace, masks are mandatory indoors unless the person is working alone, in an office or safely distanced from others, or where an appropriate barrier is in place. This also applies to delivery personnel and contractors. (Full Story)

September 17, 2021 - Alberta's Recovery Plan is working - Alberta continues to see more proof that their recovery plan is working. On Sept. 10, the government announced that for the second consecutive month, Statistics Canada confirmed that approximately 20,000 jobs were added in Alberta. This follows the 20,000 jobs that were added in July. Alberta's unemployment rate is the lowest it has been in 18 months. The rate has decreased to 7.9 percent. (Full Story)

September 10, 2021 - Alberta makes some gains in 'booming' employment market, but unemployment rate remains high -  Alberta is continuing to gain back some of the thousands of jobs lost during the pandemic, but the provincial unemployment rate remains high. New job numbers show Alberta's unemployment rate fell to 7.9 per cent in August, down from 8.5 per cent in July. Nearly 20,000 positions were added in the month, led by gains in the transportation and warehouse sectors. (Full Story)

September 7, 2021 - Alberta urged to review employment practices on PWDs - Advocates for persons with disabilities (PWD) are calling on Alberta to re-evaluate its employment standards to be more inclusive in hiring practices for PWDs. The recommendation comes after the advocacy group, also known as Radical Inclusion, unveiled in its report several violations to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and other Human Rights Treaties. (Full Story)

September 2, 2021 - Here's how Canada's new statutory holiday on September 30th works in Alberta - As many of you may already be aware, In an effort to give Canadians a day to reflect on the legacy of residential schools, the Canadian government recently established A Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a national holiday that will fall on September 30th all over the country. However, the Alberta Government has decided not to recognize this as a stat, instead, giving employers the choice of whether or not they'd like to offer the day off - so what exactly does this mean? (Full Story)

Aug 27, 2021 - Alberta leaves National Day for Truth and Reconciliation stat holiday up to employers - While the government of Alberta "encourages all Albertans to reflect on the legacy of residential schools" on Sept. 30, it's leaving the implementation of a statutory holiday up to individual employers for provincially-regulated industries. In June, Ottawa declared Sept. 30 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation  - a federal statutory holiday that is meant to give public servants an opportunity to recognize the legacy of residential schools. (Full Story)

Aug 26, 2021 - Back to office this fall? Canadian employers roll out back-to-work policies - As Canada enters the delta variant-driven fourth wave, businesses are rolling out back-to-work policies with a focus on mandatory vaccinations. London Drugs announced on Tuesday that it will introduce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all employees, effective Nov. 1, as a condition of employment. Mahlman said employees will be required to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status, but that the documentation will not be retained by London Drugs. Employees who cannot be vaccinated for medical or religious reasons will be accommodated. (Full Story)

September 17, 2021 - Will BC enact a robust paid sick days plan, or will corporate power derail it? - British Columbians are on the cusp of winning a meaningful right to paid sick days - if the powerful corporate lobby doesn't get its way. Paid sick days are common sense and already a right of workers in many advanced democracies around the world. The idea is simple. If you're sick, you stay home and you get paid by your employer as usual. This means not only taking care of yourself, but also avoiding the spread of illness to co-workers, their families and the community. (Full Story)

September 17, 2021 - Why no workplace closures during B.C.'s 4th wave? Ministry says they haven't been necessary - B.C.'s Ministry of Health says officials still have the authority to order businesses to close when there is evidence of COVID-19 transmission between employees, they just haven't had a reason to issue such an order in more than three months. That's how long it's been since the last time a workplace in the Lower Mainland was ordered to close due to COVID-19 transmission. (Full Story)

September 11, 2021 - Government offices, schools to close for Sept. 30 holiday, but businesses undecided - Students won't be in class and federal and some provincial employees will get a day off, but the new Sept. 30 holiday in honour of National Truth and Reconciliation Day won't be mandatory in all B.C. workplaces. Sept. 30 has traditionally been known as Orange Shirt Day in remembrance of Indigenous peoples across the country who suffered in residential schools. (Full Story)

September 10, 2021 - B.C. gained 14,400 jobs in August; employment above pre-pandemic levels for 3rd month - For the third month in a row, Canada's Labour Force Survey showed B.C. was the only province in the country with employment above pre-pandemic levels, the provincial jobs ministry said. In a news release Friday, Labour Minister Ravi Kahlon said B.C.'s job recovery rate last month was 101.1 per cent. According to the federal survey, B.C.'s unemployment rate was at 6.2 per cent in August, down from July's rate of 6.6. (Full Story)

September 10, 2021 - Employers can ask for vaccine status of staff, according to B.C. lawyer - A B.C. workplace lawyer says employers and business owners are well within their rights to ask for the vaccination status of staff, ahead of the proof-of-vaccination card coming into effect. From Monday, non-essential businesses in B.C. will be required to check customers' vaccine status, using the app system. (Full Story)

September 10, 2021 - Preliminary annual rate notices available online - WorkSafeBC has enhanced their online services to help employers access their rate information sooner. This enhancement enables employers to go online to view their preliminary annual rate notice, including their preliminary 2022 experience rating and net rate. Please note you're your preliminary 2022 experience rating and net rate may change when the WorkSafeBC Board of Directors approves the final rates in October 2021. (Full Story)

August 30, 2021 - B.C. only province back to pre-pandemic employment levels, report says - Canada needs to add 650,000 jobs next year to return to the same employment-to-population ratios that existed pre-pandemic, a new CIBC Economics report suggests. According to the report released Monday, British Columbia was the only province to see employment back to its February 2020 level. (Full Story)

August 19, 2021 - Forestry retirement program concludes, job placement supports continue - After helping more than 1,000 forestry workers transition to retirement, the Bridging to Retirement Program is coming to a close. The job placement program will continue to support affected forestry workers through an online platform and three Interior offices. In addition to the retirement program, funding has been provided to assist forestry workers with accessing government services, training and job placements. (Full Story)

August 5, 2021 - Investing in skills training for B.C.'s workers - British Columbians whose jobs have been affected by COVID-19, and people facing barriers to employment, can get new skills training and job opportunities through new training projects. This investment is part of B.C.'s Economic Recovery Plan to help thousands of people upskill or reskill and find their place in the post-COVID economy. Funding of $95 million is being allocated to organizations around B.C. to provide skills training and employment services and supports for over 9,000 British Columbians. (Full Story)

September 20, 2021 - Hiring an Apprentice in Manitoba - Employers play a vital role in the apprenticeship and certification system. This section provides employers who are currently engaged in apprenticeship and prospective employers considering apprenticeship with information on the benefits of apprenticeship, employer responsibilities, tips and tricks to ensure success, and what to do once you have hired an apprentice. (Full Story)

August 18, 2021 - Province invests in skilled trades training for indigenous women, supports post-pandemic job growth and economic recovery - The Manitoba government is investing more than $600,000 to partner with the Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC) to deliver a multi-faceted, skilled-trades training initiative for Indigenous women in four northern and remote communities. This targeted training initiative provides an opportunity for Indigenous women to acquire valuable skills in a supportive environment, and includes ongoing mentorship during training and throughout their careers in the skilled trades. (Full Story)

August 13, 2021 - Government of Canada invests in training to help workers in Manitoba become certified in the skilled trades - Today, the government announced close to $1.4 million, over four years, to Manitoba Building Trades for a project funded under the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP). This project, which is funded under the Investments in Training Equipment stream of the UTIP, will help electrician apprentices progress toward becoming certified journeypersons. This funding is part of the Government of Canada's $62-million investment over five years to help develop a highly qualified skilled trades workforce, and prepare Canadians to fill available jobs as our economy continues to recover. (Full Story)

September 10, 2021 - Employment Rises Nationally, Falls Slightly In N.B. - Statistics Canada says employment rose nationally in August for the third consecutive month. The latest labour force survey shows the country added 90,000 jobs and the unemployment rate fell to 7.1 per cent. Gains were concentrated in full-time work and the services industry, led by accommodation and food services. In New Brunswick, employment fell by 500 and the unemployment rate held steady at 9.3 per cent. The province gained 1,500 full-time jobs but lost 2,000 part-time positions. (Full Story)

August 21, 2021 - New immigration stream for international graduates of private career colleges - Opportunities NB is piloting a new immigration stream to help support the province's increasing labour needs. Starting April 1, 2022, international students who graduate from one of four long-standing New Brunswick private career colleges, and who have studied in one of 19 identified occupations, will be able to apply to the Provincial Nominee Program, allowing them to work and live in the province while they wait for permanent residency. (Full Story)

August 12, 2021 - WorkSafeNB releases 2022 assessment rates - WorkSafeNB set its 2022 provisional average assessment rate at $1.69 per $100 of assessable payroll, a 22% reduction from the 2021 rate of $2.17. The 2022 assessment rate is based on the 2020 year-end audited financial statements, a year in which the COVID-19 virus swept in and dramatically changed how we live and interact with others. (Full Story)

August 6, 2021 - Full tuition costs to be covered for personal support workers and human services counsellors - New Brunswickers who wish to become personal support workers (PSW) or human services counsellors (HSC) can now have their tuition costs paid in full. The guidelines have been changed for the two programs in order to get more personal caregivers working at adult residential facilities, special care homes and in the homes of those who need their services. the changes are being made to encourage students to choose a career in these occupations. (Full Story)

September 20, 2021 - Soft-tissue injuries account for the majority of all workplace lost-time injury claims in the province - Over the past five years, musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs), or soft-tissue injuries, have accounted for 68 per cent of WorkplaceNL lost-time injury claims and $96 million in annual claim cost. MSIs such as sprains, strains, and inflammation may be caused or aggravated by work, but can be prevented. September 19-25 is Move Well - Work Well Week; an annual event aimed at raising awareness of these injuries and finding practical solutions for preventing them. (Full Story)

September 17, 2021 - Provincial Employment Centres and Apprenticeship Services Open to Public - The Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills is reminding people that front-line services offered by the department, including its 19 employment centres throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and apprenticeship services, are currently open for in-person visits. Services offered at employment centres work to match job seekers with employers, serving both the career and employment needs of people looking for a job, and the labour demand challenges of employers. (Full Story)

Aug. 24, 2021 - Restaurant jobs abound in Newfoundland and Labrador as food service industry scrambles to hire staff - Restaurateurs hiring immigrants and international students to get enough workers to operate during massive labour shortage partially caused by the pandemic lockdowns and federal financial incentives. That means there is plenty of opportunity for anyone who wants a job in the restaurant sector in the province. (Full Story)

August 10, 2021 - 'Big Reset' would result in loss of 9,000 jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador - The 'Big Reset' spending cut recommendations in the Premier's Economic Recovery Team (PERT) report would result in the loss of nearly 9,000 jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador if implemented, finds new research. "The 'Big Reset' is meant to stimulate the economy, create jobs and attract young people to the province. If the government thinks that the PERT plan will accomplish this goal it is sorely mistaken and workers will pay the price," says Unifor Economist and 'A Fair Reset' blog author Kaylie Tiessen. (Full Story)

September 16, 2021 - 'We are back to April 2020' say Yellowknife business owners - The NWT's minimum wage has surpassed $15 an hour. As of Sept. 1, the territory's minimum hourly wage increased by $1.74 - from $13.46 to $15.20 - becoming the second highest of any province or territory in Canada behind Nunavut. In a March 11 statement, Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Minister R.J. Simpson announced the wage increase would strike "a balance between maintaining fair and competitive wage rates while encouraging economic activity and supporting small businesses." (Full Story)

August 16, 2021 - Minimum Wage Increase - Effective September 1, 2021 - Effective September 1, 2021, the minimum wage will increase from $13.46 per hour to $15.20 per hour. The minimum wage rate in the NWT was last increased in 2018 and was set at a rate of $13.46 per hour. Since that time, the cost of living and the average hourly wage in the NWT have risen and minimum wage earners have fallen behind. The minimum wage increase strikes a balance between maintaining competitive wage rates and encouraging economic activity. (Full Story)

August 13, 2021 - Health worker shortage in N.W.T. comes despite 20% increase in pay - A shortage of health-care workers in the Northwest Territories that has forced a cutback in intensive care beds is coming despite a temporary 20 per cent increase in pay, offered by the government to out-of-town doctors in an effort to minimize shortages. The increase was offered through July and August, a time when the N.W.T. typically faces a shortage of health workers. (Full Story)

August 12, 2021 - Government of Canada Invests more than $3.1 million to Support Canadians Living and Working in Long-Term Care in the Northwest Territories - The Government of Canada committed up to $1 billion through the Safe Long-Term Care Fund, to help provinces and territories to improve infection prevention and control in long-term care, such as hiring additional staff and wage top-ups, new or renovated infrastructure and readiness assessments. (Full Story)

September 16, 2021 - Doctors Nova Scotia applauds province's big changes to recruitment - Doctors Nova Scotia is applauding quick changes implemented at the province's new health-care professional recruitment office after it locked in three young specialists who will move to Cape Breton. The physicians, who have ties to the region, approached the province about working in Nova Scotia 15 months ago when they were entering their final year of school. (Full Story)

September 16, 2021 - Some N.S. restaurants offering bonuses, higher wages in struggle to attract workers - Restaurant owners in rural Nova Scotia are turning to incentives like bonuses and higher wages to attract staff, but are still struggling to fill job openings in a competitive labour market. Restaurants across the province have been open for indoor dining since July 14, and capacity for indoor dining will increase when Nova Scotia moves into Phase 5 of its reopening plan, which is expected to happen on Sept. 15. (Full Story)

September 2, 2021 - A 4-Day Workweek In Canada Could Happen As Around 50% Of Companies Say They'd Try It - New research has found that around 50% of small, medium and large companies would consider implementing a four-day workweek in Canada. Research from global employment agency Indeed found that 41% of Canadian employers are considering alternative hybrid schedules and new work styles, following the COVID-19 pandemic. (Full Story)

September 1, 2021 - 2022 employer assessment rates now available on MyAccount - Today, WCB Nova Scotia announced employer assessment rates for 2022 on MyAccount, the online portal for employers. Overall, employer assessment rates will remain stable in 2022. The average assessment rate has been $2.65 per $100 of payroll for the past 18 years. Employers can access their 2022 rate and full experience rating statement by navigating to the Financials tab on MyAccount. (Full Story)

August 31, 2021 - Nova Scotia still needs paid sick days - Workplace infections have been the primary cause of COVID-19 outbreaks in hard-hit areas across Canada, yet 54 percent of Nova Scotian workers lack guaranteed access to paid sick leave; a benefit proven to help prevent the spread of illnesses and keep the public safe. In September 2020, the federal government implemented the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) to assist workers and self-employed individuals rendered unable to work due to the pandemic, or who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19.  (Full Story)

August 26, 2021 - Modernizing work with a four-day week - The pandemic, combined with working from home, has challenged our perceptions of how we work. People are now able to "work from home" from anywhere, and the concept of a disaggregated workforce is gaining acceptance. The idea that being employed means staying in one place and following the same rules that we have followed for generations is crumbling, and people are adapting to this new normal. (Full Story)

August 25, 2021 - Low wages, instability to blame for restaurant industry labour shortage, workers say - As restaurateurs across the country scramble to fill thousands of jobs, a common refrain has emerged: If the government wasn't paying workers to stay home, the labour shortage plaguing the restaurant industry wouldn't exist. But workers are telling a different story, pointing to low wages and gruelling work conditions as the biggest hiring obstacles. (Full Story)

September 17, 2021 - No holiday in Nunavut on first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Nunavummiut will have to wait until next year for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 to be recognized as a statutory holiday. Nunavut's minister of human resources, David Akeeagok, announced Thursday in the legislature that, due to insufficient time to amend existing legislations before Sept. 30, only Government of Nunavut public servants will be given the day off this year. (Full Story)

September 14, 2021 - Apprenticeships to resume at Nunavut's energy corp. - The Qulliq Energy Corp. is looking to bring back apprenticeship programs that have been cancelled for the last few years, said the minister responsible for the corporation Monday. The apprenticeships were cancelled three years ago and it is "troubling" because they are important to increasing Inuit employment. (Full Story)

September 74, 2021 - Nunavut's fly-in workers see their share of earnings rise - Nunavut's mines have driven a big growth in the territory's total earnings in recent years - and a growing share of those earnings is being collected by fly-in, fly-out workers who live outside the territory. That's according to a new report by the Conference Board of Canada that looks at the earnings of non-resident workers in Canada's three territories over a decade. (Full Story)

September 14, 2021 - Minimum wage in Ontario is about to go up and this is what you need to know - Starting next month, Ontario employees working for minimum wage will see an increase in how much they are paid. This increase will be the second in as many years for the province, after hourly minimum wage was frozen at $14 from 2018 to 2020. As of Oct. 1, Ontario's minimum hourly wage will increase by ten cents - from $14.25 to $14.35. (Full Story)

September 10, 2021 - Ontario Supports Businesses and Workers as they Return to the Job Safely - Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, issued the following statement in response to today's monthly employment release by Statistics Canada: "Employment in Ontario increased by 53,000 in August as more businesses re-open and more people return to work. And as our #TeamOntario vaccine campaign continues, starting September 22, proof of vaccination will be required to access certain businesses and settings. (Full Story)

September 15, 2021 - Salaries expected to rise in Canada, but real wages of workers could edge down after inflation - Wages are expected to go up in Canada next year, but workers may not feel the difference if salary gains are eroded by rising inflation, according to a new survey and data released Wednesday. A LifeWorks survey on the salary plans of Canadian employers showed a projected average annual pay increase of 2.5 per cent for 2022. (Full Story)

September 14, 2021 - Canadian employers' hiring intentions soar to among highest in the world - Hiring intentions in Canada jumped dramatically over the past quarter, making the country among the most active in labour recruitment in the world. More than 50 per cent of those surveyed said they plan to increase their staffing levels in the fourth quarter of 2021, while 11 per cent anticipate cutbacks. Just over a third of the employers surveyed expect their current staffing levels to remain unchanged, with only 4 per cent unsure of their hiring intentions. (Full Story)

September 13, 2021 - New WSIB poll shows Ontarians are interested in workplace safety - A recent poll conducted by the WSIB found 62 per cent of Ontarians agree they have become more interested in workplace health and safety since the COVID-19 pandemic and 82 per cent would want to check out the health and safety information of a workplace before starting a new job there. The WSIB's Safety Check allows anyone to search for and compare the health and safety statistics of WSIB-registered businesses across Ontario. (Full Story)

September 9, 2021 - Who actually gets Sept. 30 off this year in Ontario? - With Ontario confirming that Sept. 30 will not be a provincial statutory holiday, many people are wondering if they get the day off work. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be observed in Ontario only has a federal holiday, which means provincially regulated businesses are not required to give employees the day off work. The federal government established the new statutory holiday in July to commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada.  (Full Story)

September 9, 2021 - WSIB adds COVID stats to Safety Check tool - Employers take note: Curious parties can now check the COVID-related health and safety stats of Ontario employers through an online tool. Any business registered with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) can now be assessed by how many COVID-19 claims businesses have had each year. The tool will be useful considering that 62 per cent of Ontarians say they have become more interested in workplace health and safety since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a WSIB survey. (Full Story)

September 7, 2021 - Webinar series explores mental health in the workplace - Workplace Safety North (WSN) is hosting a series of webinars through October that focus on mental health in the workplace. Timed to coincide with the celebration of Healthy Workplace Month, the sessions will explore mental health leadership, self-care, resilience, and empathy. The workshops are designed for workers, supervisors, and employers. (Full Story)

September 1, 2021 - Efforts underway to recruit hundreds of mine workers in the Timmins, Ont., area - The Mining Industry Human Resource Council says Canada's mining sector will experience a great need for workers in the next few years, especially those skilled in the trades. In northern Ontario, officials said hundreds of mining jobs will be need filling in the next two years. An immigration support officer with the TEDC said the COVID-19 pandemic has also made it harder for employers to find employees. (Full Story)

August 31, 2021 - Ontario extends paid sick leave program until end of year - Ontario's Worker Income Protection Benefit, which mandates three paid sick days, will be extended until the end of the year. The program, which was initially set to expire on September 25, 2021, will now remain in place until December 31, 2021. In a statement, Minister of Labour, Monte McNaughton, said the decision to extend the program comes in response to "new data showing the Delta variant is spreading faster and is more transmissible." (Full Story)

August 23, 2021 - Ontario Further Extending Temporary Wage Increase for Personal Support Workers - The Ontario government is investing an additional $169 million to extend the temporary wage increase for personal support workers and direct support workers for the third time since its initial investment last year. This increase will continue until October 31, 2021 and will help stabilize staffing levels and support our frontline health care workers to ensure the province is prepared to respond to any scenario as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. (Full Story)

September 18, 2021 - Why there is a labour shortage on P.E.I., and yet so many unemployed - The number of job vacancies on P.E.I. soared in the second quarter of this year, while the unemployment rate climbed into double digits for the first time since last summer. It's a frustrating situation for P.E.I. businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector. A surprising number of tourists arrived on the Island when the provincial border reopened in July, but restaurants found themselves having to reduce hours and hotels were shuttering rooms due to a lack of staff. (Full Story)

September 16, 2021 - P.E.I. labour shortage predated pandemic but was made worse by it - The labour shortage on P.E.I. has been developing for years, but as the provincial economy emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, it may seem as if the problem has come about all of a sudden. As the province re-opens, labour shortages are being felt in industries across the Island, with employers unable to find the workers they need. The latest Statistics Canada labour force survey found that of all the provinces, the employment gap, when compared with February 2020, was largest in Prince Edward Island (-3.4%). (Full Story)

September 1, 2021 - Revised WCB Policy - The WCB Board of Directors has approved amendments to the policy, POL-82, Support for Personal Independence, previously titled Support for Independent Living. Information about the changes can be found in the History section of the policy. The WCB thanks all stakeholders who participated in the consultation process. (Full Story)

September 19, 2021 - SFL launches the 'Ready for Work' app - As technology changes, students are expected to keep up with knowing all the ins and outs of personal growth, social expectations and future on-the-job etiquette. But knowing their health and safety rights is vital in achieving a healthy career. A new mobile application is being launched to help young workers understand their rights. In cooperation between Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) and grant funding provided by the Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board (WCB), the new app is designed to help young workers understand their rights while on the job. (Full Story)

September 11, 2021 - More People Working In Saskatchewan - The unemployment rate in Saskatchewan, seasonally adjusted, dropped from 7.9 percent in August of last year to 7 percent last month. This is according to the latest numbers from Statistics Canada, released Friday. The news came as the provincial economy saw 10,100 more people working when compared to July. The increase in jobs came almost strictly from full-time work, with 10,800 more full-time jobs, while there were 700 fewer part-time jobs. Despite the large increase in the number of people working, the unemployment rate remained at seven percent. (Full Story)

September 10, 2021 - Saskatchewan Leads Nation In Job Growth - Today, job numbers released by Statistics Canada for August 2021 show Saskatchewan's unemployment rate fell to 7.0 per cent from 7.9 per cent a year ago, and below the national average of 7.1 per cent (seasonally adjusted). Month-to-month seasonally adjusted employment increased by 10,100 (+1.8 per cent) from July 2021 and ranked first among the provinces in terms of percentage change, well above the national increase of 0.5 per cent.  Saskatchewan gained 16,800 jobs compared with the same period last year.  This represents an increase of 3.0 per cent. (Full Story)

September 10, 2021 - Saskatchewan gains over 10,000 jobs in August, most in Canada - Numbers released by Stats Canada show Saskatchewan gained over 10,000 jobs in August, the most in the country. Saskatchewan's unemployment rate fell to 7.0 percent from 7.9 percent a year ago, which is below the national average of 7.1 percent. Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison says the job gains are a positive indicator that the province is leading the country's economic recovery. (Full Story)

August 16, 2021 - Engagement Begins On Occupational Health And Safety Provisions Of The Saskatchewan Employment Act - The Government of Saskatchewan is engaging the public to help ensure health and safety legislation meets the needs of employers and workers in the province. From August 16 to October 18, 2021 citizens can provide input on part III (occupational health and safety) of The Saskatchewan Employment Act. This review focuses on serval key aspects of the occupational health and safety part of the Act, including violence and prevention programs, right to refuse unusually dangerous work, roles of occupational health committees, and other relevant matters. (Full Story)

August 6, 2021 - Employment falls for second straight month in Saskatchewan - Saskatchewan lost 4,500 net jobs from June to July, and slipped further down the national rankings as its unemployment rate ticked up slightly to seven per cent. That's now near the middle of the pack, behind Quebec, B.C. and Manitoba. July was the second straight month that employment fell in Saskatchewan, after a loss of 6,500 from May to June. (Full Story)

September 24, 2021 - Workers in the Yukon and across Canada reporting more mental health injuries - When you think of workplace injuries, you might imagine physical ones caused by operating heavy and dangerous machinery. But worker's compensation boards across Canada are seeing increases in invisible workplace injury claims. In the Yukon, the amount of submitted "psychological injury" claims nearly doubled from 2016 to 2018 - and last year the Yukon Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board accepted more than ever before. (Full Story)

September 20, 2021 - Yukon expands cancer coverage for firefighters - This fall, the Yukon is looking to introduce legislation that it claims will be "the most progressive workers' compensation bill in the country." The new Workers' Safety and Compensation Act will cover a broad array of presumptive cancers - including thyroid and pancreatic cancer - for full- and part-time and volunteer firefighters. If passed, the Workers' Safety and Compensation Act will replace the Workers' Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. (Full Story)

September 17, 2021 - List of presumed cancers for firefighters to be included in proposed Workers' Safety and Compensation Act - This fall, the Government of Yukon will table the most progressive Workers' Compensation Bill in the country. The legislation will include the broadest array of presumptive cancers in the country to protect full- and part-time and volunteer Yukon firefighters who, through their valiant work, are often placed at higher risk of illness. This list will also include thyroid and pancreatic cancer, which makes it the most comprehensive coverage in the country. (Full Story)

September16, 2021 - Yukon governments will see largest increase in worker's compensation board rates in 2022 - Yukon employers shouldn't expect to see much change in their workers' compensation board rates next year. The Yukon Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board announced the 2022 industry classification and assessment rates Wednesday at its annual general information meeting. The biggest increase will go to governments - with rates in that group going up 6.3 per cent. (Full Story)

September 15, 2021 - Assessment rates announced at YWCHSB annual information meeting reflect Yukon's performance in workplace safety - Yukon Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board (YWCHSB) held its annual information meeting today. The Board discussed operational highlights and the financial performance from the previous year, as outlined in the 2020 Annual Report. The report was released in May of this year. The Board also announced industry classifications and assessment rates for 2022. (Full Story)

August 27, 2021 - Changes to Occupational Health and Safety Regulations come into force to improve workplace safety cultures - Last year the Government of Yukon approved changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations that come into force on September 4, 2021. These changes provide Yukon workers and employers with the tools they need to prevent workplace violence and harassment as well as to support the psychological injuries that result from these kinds of incidents. (Full Story)

August 9, 2021 - Record number of young people in jobs boosts NWT employment - In a monthly update, the NWT Bureau of Statistics said 24,400 of the territory's residents were employed in July, a level the bureau said was "last seen in August 2016." The NWT's employment rate in July, 72 percent, was a three-percent increase on June and the best in Canada, comfortably exceeding the nationwide employment rate of 59.7 percent. Only the Yukon, at 68 percent, has a comparable employment rate at present. (Full Story)

August.8, 2021 - Minimum wage just one part of the puzzle - The Liberal-NDP alliance raised the Yukon's minimum wage, effective Aug. 1, to $15.20 per hour. This is in the range of minimum wages in B.C. and Alberta. The minimum wage is now up almost a third since 2018, when it was $11.51 per hour. That suggests a major cost increase for employers in tourism, hospitality and restaurants. Those are the sectors where most minimum-wage employees work, and also among the sectors hit hardest by the pandemic. (Full Story)