Released on February 2, 2009
The Government of Saskatchewan has approved and will sign protocols to the national Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) that will amend the labour mobility and dispute resolution chapters.
The protocols will make it easier for Saskatchewan to attract skilled workers from across Canada and will ensure a more effective dispute resolution process under the AIT.
The protocols follow a directive made by the Council of the Federation and were endorsed by all of Canada's First Ministers in mid-January.
The changes to labour mobility ensure the qualifications of workers who have been certified in an occupation in one province or territory are recognized as equivalent by all other provinces and territories. As a result, workers will not face mobility barriers within Canada. The amendments affect all regulated occupations, including (but not limited to): health professionals, engineers, accountants and people working in the skilled trades.
"Agreement by all jurisdictions on labour mobility is a significant victory for Saskatchewan," Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Bill Boyd said. "It will help our province attract much needed skilled workers and, together with our investments in skills training, these changes will lead to a more secure and prosperous Saskatchewan."
"The AIT compliance processes needed improvement," Boyd said. "Bluntly, too many provinces were ignoring panels' rulings. The protocol adds monetary penalties and the suspension of dispute resolution privileges for the non-compliant. These and other changes will make the process credible and fair, and - most importantly - more effective."
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Intergovernmental Affairs
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-5193
Cell: (306) 537-7051