Released on May 5, 2006
Premier Lorne Calvert announced today that the government will embark on a consultation process to examine impacts of the overtime exemption that is currently in place for Northern Saskatchewan.Premier Calvert appointed Regina MLA Ron Harper to lead the consultation process, which will include gathering input from various representatives of the north, including workers and business, First Nations and Métis leaders and community groups.
Harper will work in conjunction with the Departments of Labour, Northern Affairs and Industry and Resources.
"Mr. Harper is well suited to lead this important initiative," Calvert said. "His consultation abilities were soundly demonstrated in his efforts which effectively brought into place the recently announced tool tax credit for employed tradespeople. This analysis of the Northern Exemption will provide us with a better understanding of who is affected by the exemption and how that compares with Southern Saskatchewan. We will use that information to help frame our next steps."
"Working people, businesses and industry in Northern Saskatchewan are integral to our province's future," Harper said. "I look forward to undertaking these important consultations, gathering perspectives and providing recommendations to the government."
The Northern Exemption was enacted in 1953 to address the unique employment situation in Saskatchewan's North. The law exempts employees working north of Township 62, except La Ronge, Creighton, Uranium City and a 10-kilometre area surrounding each, from the hours of work and overtime provisions of The Labour Standards Act. The issue of the impacts of the overtime exemption was recently raised by the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Municipalities.
Consultations will begin in the coming weeks. A summary of the recommendations will be forwarded to the government this fall.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Natosha Lipinski Labour Regina Phone: (306) 787-3716 |