NB 1532
Nov. 28, 2007
FREDERICTON (CNB) - The Province of New Brunswick introduced legislation today to protect the civilian jobs reservists' leave behind when they are serving their country either at home or overseas. Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Ed Doherty made the announcement today.
"It is important that our workers do not fall behind and have less protection than other workers in Canada. This legislation will provide job leave protection in the same fashion as maternity, child care or sick leave," Doherty said. "By protecting reservists' jobs we are also helping to ensure a healthy and stable economy for the future as we move towards self-sufficiency."
Amendments to the current legislation would allow reservists to be away on unpaid leave for up to 18 months and return to their previous position or to a position at a similar level. In order to meet eligibility requirements, the applicant must have at least six months of employment with their employer and provide them with the notice of the length of their leave. In addition, documentation from the Canadian Armed Forces and from the employee requiring leave will be provided upon the request of the employer.
The Province of New Brunswick will join Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, who have already amended their respective employment standards legislation to protect reservists' jobs.
The minister said it is important to do everything possible to ensure that Canada's reservists have their jobs protected and are not worried about being penalized for serving their country.
"As elected officials, we have a moral obligation to our country's reservists who risk their lives to protect our rights and freedoms," Doherty said. "They deserve meaningful job protection, and anything we can do to facilitate this process honours their commitment to our province and our country."
07/11/28
MEDIA CONTACT: Shawn Hearn, communications, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, 506-453-2568.
07/11/28