June 15, 2023 - Students struggle to land summer employment in current job market - As students wrap up the spring semester, many struggle to find work for the summer months. A Statistics Canada report revealed that the youth unemployment in Alberta was 11.3 per cent this May, which is double the overall provincial unemployment rate of 5.7 per cent. Nationally, youth ages 15 to 24 have lost 77,000 jobs while those that are 25 to 54 gained 63,000 jobs. (Full Story)

May 31, 2023 - Working Interviews in Alberta: What employers and job seekers need to know - There's a growing trend in Canada for employers to conduct "working interviews" as part of their hiring process. This involves an employer asking an applicant to perform actual work tasks without receiving payment, as part of the interview. Some people argue this practice allows employers to better assess an applicant's skills and fit with the company. But others have raised concerns about the legality of working interviews and their potential for exploiting workers. (Full Story)

May 29, 2023 - Alberta workers had worst increase in real wages - Although Alberta workers enjoy the highest wages in the country, they haven't been keeping up with inflation. And it's worsened over the last 4 years. Earlier this month, Statistics Canada released April 2023 labour market data for the country and its provinces. One of the datasets included in the update was employee wages by industry. (Full Story)

June 20, 2023 - BC must ensure on-demand digital platforms stop denying protections to workers - The last decade has seen the rapid expansion of new business models in numerous industries, which engage workers to provide services through on-demand digital platforms. Details of these models vary, but typically they compensate workers on a per-task basis, offer no guarantee of continuing work, require them to provide tools and capital equipment and classify them as ‘contractors' not employees. (Full Story)

June 13, 2023 - Employer-employee disconnect frustrates job market conditions, survey finds - At the height of the global financial crisis in 2008, more than half of British Columbians identified the economy and jobs as the most important issue facing the province. A decade and a half later, that proportion has dropped to 12 per cent. The fact that British Columbians are not as stressed about the economy as they used to be might lead us to believe that everything is proceeding smoothly. (Full Story)

June 12, 2023 - B.C. international students are the new temporary foreign workers, stuck without work in their fields: survey - British Columbia has the lowest rate of offering permanent residency to international students in Canada despite attracting the second highest number of students to stay in the province after graduating, highlights new research. The results of a three-year project that surveyed 1,300 international students in Vancouver and Prince George, and noted a number of challenges faced by international students when it came to obtaining employment in their field of study and staying in Canada after graduating. (Full Story)

June 9, 2023 - Pay Transparency Act: Major changes coming into effect in 2023 - Pay transparency means different things to different people. At the most extreme end of the spectrum, pay transparency demands that employers list the salaries of employees within their organization - a practice which could lead to animosity but would inevitably help the gender pay gap. On the other end of the spectrum, pay transparency could mean disclosing salaries in job adverts or fostering open conversations regarding pay rises with existing staff. (Full Story)

June 9, 2023 - New requirements to protect asbestos workers become mandatory January 1, 2024 - The provincial government announced that asbestos abatement contractors who operate in B.C. must be licensed by January 1, 2024, making B.C. the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement a licensing requirement for this work. To further ensure the safety of asbestos abatement workers, amendments to the Workers Compensation Act were made in spring 2022 to require contractors who perform this work to be licensed, and to ensure those contractors must only use trained and certified workers to perform asbestos abatement work. (Full Story)

June 9, 2023 - Return-to-work requirements will protect injured workers - Injured workers will be better supported to return to their job, or other suitable employment, through new requirements under the Workers Compensation Act. Effective Jan. 1, 2024, an employer and injured worker will be required to co-operate with each other and with WorkSafeBC to ensure the worker can return to their pre-injury job, a comparable job or, where the worker is not fit to do their pre-injury work duties, to other suitable work. (Full Story)

June 9, 2023 - B.C.'s minimum wage is going up, but some say workers need more - B.C.'s minimum wage will jump by more than a dollar an hour starting Thursday. The boost to the general minimum wage will increase it to $16.75 per hour on June 1, up from $15.65. The province says it reflects 2022's average annual inflation rate, which was nearly seven per cent. But even though the increase is tied to inflation, Advocate McMillan says her wage is not enough. (Full Story)

June 7, 2023 - Report questions B.C.'s employer health tax, but Eby says no plans for change - Premier David Eby has rejected calls for reforming the employer health tax following the release of a report that raised questions about the costs of doing business in British Columbia. The employer health tax replaced what Eby called the "unfair" medical services premium, which he said "increased regularly and penalized regular people." (Full Story)

May 29, 2023 - B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest-paid workers - On June 1, 2023, B.C.'s lowest-paid workers will get a pay boost when the general minimum wage increases from $15.65 to $16.75 an hour. The 6.9% increase on Thursday, June 1, 2023, also applies to minimum-wage rates for resident caretakers, live-in home-support workers and live-in camp leaders. The increase will positively affect approximately 150,000 workers who currently earn less than $16.75 per hour. (Full Story)

May 19, 2023 - New supportive employment services help people in recovery - People recovering from mental-health and addiction challenges will benefit from a new pilot program that integrates employment services within treatment and recovery centres. Through a $4.9-million grant, the Canadian Mental Health Association - BC Division (CMHA BC), will provide people undergoing treatment at bed-based recovery centres access to employment services as part of their recovery process, gaining the skills and support needed to enter and thrive in the labour market. (Full Story)

May 15, 2023 - Youth get opportunity to explore manufacturing careers - Secondary school students and recent graduates will soon have access to short-term, paid work placements at local manufacturers through a new program designed to help build a future workforce. As part of the Future Ready Action Plan, the Province is providing $3 million to the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) to deliver the new Youth in Manufacturing Initiative. Starting in fall 2023, this initiative will provide short-term, paid work placements for as many as 500 B.C. youth aged 16 to 21. (Full Story)

May 11, 2023 - Province unveils new process for skilled trades certification - A new process will identify potential trades to be designated for skilled trades certification in the next step to strengthen the skilled trades for workers and businesses. SkilledTradesBC will evaluate applications based on specific criteria that will align with existing regulatory frameworks and similarities to existing certified trades. SkilledTradesBC will then make recommendations to the Province for trades to be considered for skilled trades certification. (Full Story)

May 9, 2023 - People will train for more hospitality-sector jobs - More people in the Lower Mainland will be able to train for job opportunities in the high-demand hospitality sector. This year, eight participants will each receive 22 weeks of work experience at Easter Seals House in Vancouver. The program includes skills development and certification training, job-search techniques and followup support, which will prepare participants for employment in the hospitality industry in the Lower Mainland. (Full Story)

May 2, 2023 - New action plan helps people get skills for in-demand jobs - The Province's new StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan will help thousands of people get the skills they need to succeed in the changing economy and help close the skills gap many businesses are facing. The $480-million action plan is highlighted by a future skills grant of up to $3,500. This grant will cover the cost of training for in-demand jobs. (Full Story)

June 20, 2023 - Summit tackles immigration employment - Manitoba is a trailblazer when it comes to attracting and retaining newcomers, but there are still challenges that many workers and their employers face, an expert in immigration employment said during an immigration summit in Brandon. Westman Immigrant Services (WIS) recently created the Rural Manitoba Immigrant Employment Council (RMIEC) to support employers that want to hire and keep immigrants long-term, which will fill the gaps in the labour market. (Full Story)

June 14, 2023 - Seasonal jobs going unclaimed, Manitoba businesses say, as students break for summer - Businesses offering seasonal jobs say staffing shortages persist coming out of the pandemic, even as students break for summer. Melissa Schlichting has been working in food service for most of her career, but since the pandemic, fewer applicants are signing up to work at the Goldeyes ballpark. Among the students and youth who do - job flexibility is a top demand, she said. (Full Story)

May 29, 2023 - Stay-interviews: Manitoba experts say they're a great way to retain workers - You've heard of quiet quitting. You've heard of quiet firing. But have you heard of stay-interviews? The term isn't new. Described as the process where employers sit with their staff to ask if they're satisfied with their jobs and what they want to see changed, it's a practice that has been around since before the pandemic. Tory McNally, vice president of human resources consulting firm Legacy Bowes, said businesses are in need of retention and they're more able to achieve it through stay-interviews. (Full Story)

May 9, 2023 - WCB 2022 Annual Report Reveals Strong Finances and Benefits of Return to Work Program - The Workers Compensation Board's (WCB) 2022 Annual Report and Five Year Plan was tabled in the Manitoba Legislature. The report highlights the role that safe return to work and prevention programs can play in supporting key metrics and the importance of sound financial stewardship in maintaining a healthy reserve. Key metrics such as days lost to injury and average days paid showed improvement in spite of challenges in the broader economy. (Full Story)

May 18, 2023 - New Brunswick to welcome up to 10% of PNP candidates through Critical Worker Program - Since its launch in November 2022, the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot program (NBCWP) has generated significant interest among skilled newcomers seeking a pathway to immigrate to Canada. The program is a joint effort between the New Brunswick provincial government and the federal government to attract newcomers who can fill gaps in the provincial labour force. (Full Story)

May 15, 2023 - How effective is your JHSC? - WorkSafeNB is pleased to share a new tool to help joint health and safety committees (JHSCs) excel in New Brunswick. JHSCs are critical in helping employers develop and maintain healthy and safe workplaces. They're an important communication link between employees and management and can help create and maintain a positive health and safety culture. Effective JHSCs can influence injury and illness prevention in our province. (Full Story)

May 12, 2023 - Extreme shortage of skilled workers in New Brunswick represents opportunities for those interested in the trades - Over the next five years, New Brunswick is going to see a major dip within the skilled trades workforce, which could impact everything from addressing affordable housing, updating school buildings and expanding hospitals. Currently, 2,000 job vacancies are available in the construction sector. That number is expected to jump to 10,000 by 2027. (Full Story)

April 21, 2023 - Increased investment for seniors, social assistance recipients and wages of care workers - The Department of Social Development's 2023-24 budget, tabled today in the legislative assembly, has increased by $166 million. The department's budget increased from $1.467 billion to $1.633 billion. It includes another increase to wages for special care homes and home care workers, as well as the first operating cost increase for home support agencies since 2012. (Full Story)

June 21, 2023 - WorkplaceNL Releases 2022 Annual Performance Report - WorkplaceNL remained fully-funded at December 31, 2022 and met all of its strategic objectives in the areas of client service, leadership in workplace injury prevention, financial sustainability and claims management. Its 2022 Annual Performance Report is now available. WorkplaceNL developed key performance indicators of the supports provided to workers as they transition back to the workforce - 2018-22 Labour Market Re-entry Activity results are now online. (Full Story)

May 15, 2023 - N.L. businesses say they're still struggling to fill jobs. Experts say there's a simple solution - Some businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador are still struggling to fill the jobs they're offering, despite having access to a relatively untapped demographic resource: retirees looking to rejoin the workforce. More than 110,000 members of the CFIB - small and mid-sized business owners - are collecting data on the ongoing shortage, and they're finding a tight labour market across the board. (Full Story)

May 1, 2023 - 'It's a matter of survival': Minimum wage not keeping up with inflation in Newfoundland and Labrador - The cost of living has been rising across the country, and Newfoundland and Labrador is no exception. From low wages to high food and housing costs, it's getting increasingly difficult for people to afford to live in the province and, if they do, to have a decent quality of life. The rising costs have impacted everyone, but the effect is felt deeper the lower you go down the income scale. (Full Story)

April 23, 2023 - Province Teams Up With Workplace NL for Injury Prevention Program - Workplace NL and the provincial government have launched a new six-year workplace injury prevention strategy. The plan aims to improve existing programs to address a changing workplace, and provide timely education, training and technology among other goals. Workplace NL says the rate of work-related injuries has remained relatively stable at historic low levels for the last five years and is one of the lowest rates in Canada. (Full Story)

April 19, 2023 - Job Creation Partnerships Program Opens with Increased Wages - The Provincial Government is calling for applications for the Job Creation Partnerships program. Municipalities and non-profit groups are eligible to submit projects that enhance community infrastructure and give participants the opportunity to gain new work experience that increases employment prospects. Wages for program participants have increased in step with recent changes to minimum wage and employment insurance rates. (Full Story)

June 7, 2023 - GNWT releases Skills 4 Success Annual Report 2021-2022 - The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released the first Skills 4 Success Annual Report, which highlights results from 2021-2022 on the Skills 4 Success Action Plan 2021-2025. The action plan outlines 17 actions to be completed by 2025 to bring about change to support adult and post-secondary education, training and skills building investments to 2025. (Full Story)

May 26, 2023 - Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission's Skills Canada Northwest Territories Support - The importance of workplace safety cannot be understated. The Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission, or WSCC, works to emphasize this message in many ways, like through partnerships with organizations that share similar audiences and values. One such organization is Skills Canada Northwest Territories, which the WSCC has an ongoing, multi-year partnership with. Their recent territorial Skills Competition and Career Expo provided an opportunity for direct engagement with NWT youth. (Full Story)

May 18, 2023 - GNWT releases 20-year forecasts for most in-demand jobs in the NWT - The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released 20-year forecasts (2020-2040) for in-demand jobs in the Northwest Territories (NWT). The forecasts enable the GNWT to make informed decisions and adapt our advanced education and training programs, supports and services to better link to the NWT's labour market needs today and in the future. (Full Story)

April 26, 2023 - Have Your Say on the Employment Standards Act - The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking public feedback on the Employment Standards Act (Act). The realities of work have changed since the last time the Act was comprehensively reviewed. A thorough review of the Act is needed to ensure efficiency, understanding and compliance, as well as to ensure that the legislation is on par with the minimum standards of employment in other Canadian jurisdictions. (Full Story)

May 11, 2023 - Province Making Progress on Improving Compensation for Early Childhood Educators - Nova Scotia has reached another milestone in its commitment to design employee benefits and retirement savings options this year for early childhood educators (ECEs) working in licensed child-care facilities and family home agencies. Nova Scotia is investing $100 million a year to deliver wage increases for ECEs of between 14 per cent and 43 per cent, retroactive to July 4, 2022, providing a wage scale that recognizes years of service and education. (Full Story)

May 8, 2023 - Workplace Safety Information App Now Available - Nova Scotians now have a new, easy way to access workplace safety information online. Nova SAFE is a mobile-friendly site that provides employers, supervisors and workers access to safety information and regulatory requirements on any device. The site was created to help workers and employers comply with occupational and technical safety regulations and remain safe at work. Nova SAFE is modelled after safety sites created in other jurisdictions and developed by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (Full Story)

May 1, 2023 - Nova Scotia passes bill to place limitations on requirements for sick notes - In one of many steps taken by the Nova Scotia government to reduce the administrative responsibilities of physicians, the government recently passed Bill 256. Schedule B of this legislation curtails an employer's ability to require a doctor's note from employees who miss work due to illness. Employers will now only be allowed to ask for a sick note if an employee is absent for more than five days or if the employee has already had two absences of five days or fewer in the previous 12 months. (Full Story)

May 1, 2023 - Printed Statements of Accounts for employers delayed; digital statements available online - WCB Nova Scotia is aware of a delay in the printing and mailing of the April Statements of Account issued to employers last week, due to the labour disruption impacting processes at the Canada Revenue Agency. Digital Statements of Account are available 24/7 through WCB's MyAccount, WCB's secure online services portal for employers. If you are already registered for WCB's MyAccount, sign in now to receive your statement. (Full Story)

May 1, 2023 - WCB Nova Scotia's Impact of Workplace Injury Report shows continued progress - Nova Scotia is making progress on reducing the impact of workplace injuries. Compared to 2021, 52,000 fewer days were lost to short-term disability due to workplace injury in 2022, according to the annual Impact of Workplace Injury Report released today by WCB Nova Scotia. That's the equivalent of about 200 people working full time for a whole year and demonstrates that efforts to improve safe and timely return to work are beginning to make a difference. (Full Story)

April 16, 2023 - N.S. workers' compensation claims for COVID-19 show spike in 2022 - Data obtained from the Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia shows the number of COVID-19 claims approved by the organization rose sharply last year. The claims cover instances where individuals contracted COVID-19 in the workplace and needed time off due to the "work-related injury." (Full Story)

June 12, 2023 - Nunavut Minimum Wage Survey - The Department of Justice is inviting Nunavummiut to take part in a review of Nunavut's minimum wage by responding to a survey for businesses and residents. The Minimum Wage Survey can be completed online or by submitting a paper copy. All information provided in the survey is confidential and will help the Department of Justice assess the minimum wage in Nunavut. The minimum wage was last increased on April 1, 2020, to $16 an hour. (Full Story)

June 2, 2023 - Payroll tax reminder for employers - The Department of Finance reminds employers that businesses are required to remit and pay the two per cent (2%) payroll tax on time. Remittance payments are due on the 20th day of the month following each remitting period. Employers should register their businesses with Nunavut Payroll Tax within 21 days of an employee's first paycheck. An employer is a person who has a business and pays themselves or an employee working in Nunavut. (Full Story)

May 25, 2023 - MLA calls on GN to adopt 4-day workweek - It's time for the Government of Nunavut to switch to a four-day work week, according to Iqaluit-Manirajak MLA Adam Arreak Lightstone. At the opening of the spring legislative session Wednesday, Lightstone delivered a nearly 10-minute speech calling on the GN to modernize its working model, and panning the current system as outdated. (Full Story)

May 9, 2023 - Employment opportunities for summer students - The Summer Student Employment Equity Program (SSEEP) is offered every year to secondary and post-secondary students to encourage continuous learning and foster skill and career development. Employment through the SSEEP runs from April 1 to September 30. Applications can be submitted between April 1 and July 14. Those who apply sooner will have a better chance at securing employment, so students are encouraged to apply promptly. (Full Story)

June 24, 2023 - Ontario adds training dollars for Personal Support Workers - Ontario has stepped up with more money to train Personal Support Workers (PSWs) across the province. The additional funding of $16.5 million to train 600 news PSWs was announced this week by the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care. The province said this is a move toward ensuring that residents in LTC homes get the care they need. (Full Story)

June 21, 2023 - Ontario Launches New Fund to Build Skilled Trades Training Centres - The Ontario government is working for workers by investing $224 million to build and upgrade training centres and help tackle the province's historic labour shortage. Applications for the new Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream open on June 30. It will help unions, Indigenous centres, and industry associations with funding to build new training centres, or upgrade and convert existing facilities into new training centres with state-of-the-art equipment and technology. (Full Story)

June 21, 2023 - Ontario Issues 1,000 Canada Immigration Invitations Through Employer Job Offer Streams - Ontario has issued 1,000 invitations in new Expression of Interest draws through two streams of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The June 20 draws featured invitations through the Employer Job Offer streams for Foreign Workers and In-Demand Skills. In a Foreign Workers draw targeting skilled trades occupations, 426 invites were issued to candidates scoring 36 and above. (Full Story)

June 20, 2023 - Ontario Providing Free Training for Electricians - The Ontario government is investing $2.7 million to support an innovative project to help 65 electrical workers upgrade their skills and meet the demand for qualified electricians in eastern Ontario. Led by KE Electrical, the free program will provide participants with the training needed to progress from labourer to apprentice, apprentice to journeyman, and journeyman to foreman. (Full Story)

June 13, 2023 - Ontario Attracts Historic Number of People to Skilled Trades - The Ontario government has increased apprenticeship registrations by 24 per cent in the last year - from 21,971 to 27,319 - as more people decide to pursue rewarding, well-paying careers in the skilled trades. In addition, the second year of the province's highly popular skilled trades career fairs for students will be expanding to even more cities around the province. (Full Story)

June 8, 2023 - Ontario boosting wages for early childhood educators - The province is giving early childhood educators (ECEs) a raise, as advocates sound the alarm about a staffing crisis in Ontario schools and daycares. Education Minister Stephen Lecce says he's planning to boost wages, but he didn't get into specifics. Documents show Ontario held a series of consultations on child care workers earlier this year. Summaries of those talks show an overwhelming demand for higher ECE wages. (Full Story)

June 6, 2023 - Skilled trades: 'Looming crisis' for Ontario, 'opportunity' for workers - Amid an historic skilled trades shortage, Ontario's Progressive Conservative government has promised money for projects and programs designed to tackle stigma, spark interest in parents and lure students into what they say are "exciting and lucrative careers." Labour Minister Monte McNaughton says while his government is making inroads - even taking on university recruiters head on - there is "still a long way to go" to deal with shortage of 100,000 construction workers during the next 10 years. (Full Story)

May 31 2023 - Worry over pending WSIB changes - Labour and injured workers groups are speaking out against potential changes to the Workers Safety and Insurance Board. A consultant's review of the appeal process suggests reducing the amount of time a worker can appeal a decision. They now have six months. The report recommends reducing it to 30 days and using an online method to file the appeal. (Full Story)

May 31, 2023 - Wage theft prosecutions declining in Ontario as 'suffering' workers request meeting with Labour Minister - An Ontario group of immigrant workers and international students is asking to meet with the province's Minister of Labour to discuss what it calls a problem of "rampant wage theft." The request comes as new data reveals a steep drop in the number of employment standards prosecutions by the Ministry of Labour with an increase in millions of dollars in wages going uncollected from employers. (Full Story)

May 29, 2023 - Ontario Launches Free Job Training for People with Disabilities - The Ontario government is investing $6.5 million to support five innovative projects to help more than 3,770 people with disabilities find meaningful jobs with businesses in their communities. These projects will connect jobseekers to careers in a variety of sectors, including health care, information technology, retail and hospitality. (Full Story)

May 23, 2023 - Ontario Removing Unfair Work Barriers for Skilled Newcomers - The Ontario government is leading the country with changes to help internationally-trained immigrants work in the fields they've studied in. After introducing historic legislation that banned regulated professions from requiring Canadian work experience in more than 30 occupations, Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) are the first association to remove it from their application criteria. (Full Story)

May 17, 2023 - Ontario Expanding Safety Training and Resources to Keep Workers Safe - The Ontario government is investing an additional $12.5 million in Ontario's six health and safety associations, which provide safety training and resources to businesses and workers across the province. The investment will support organizations like Workplace Safety North, and strengthen worker safety in critical industries from manufacturing to forestry. (Full Story)

June 20, 2023 - Assessments & Treatment - Here is how the WCB helps - To reduce the impact of work-related injuries or illnesses, the WCB provides workers with coverage for injury assessments and treatments from direct access health care providers. A direct access provider is a health care provider that can assess a work-related injury or illness at no cost without pre-approval from the WCB. (Full Story)

June 19, 2023 - P.E.I. planning phased approach for Temporary Foreign Workers Protection Act - More than a year after P.E.I.'s Temporary Foreign Workers Protection Act received royal assent it has still not been proclaimed. The act aims to provide additional protection for the workers, beyond those outlined in the provincial Employment Standards Act. Temporary foreign workers are considered uniquely vulnerable, because the work permits they receive through the federal program tie them to a single employer. (Full Story)

June 14, 2023 - Express Entry category-based draws: Which categories have the most job vacancies? - On May 31, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced which categories will be targeted in the category-based Express Entry draws that are expected to begin this summer. The category-based draws will happen along with the general draws and the program-specific draws. In general draws, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. (Full Story)

June 12, 2023 - Getting back is part of getting better campaign highlights recovery from work-related injuries - Staying active and connected to the workplace is an important part of recovery following an injury at work. The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of PEI is reminding workers and employers that getting back is part of getting better. Some workers may need time away from work as part of their recovery, but many workers are able to continue working in some capacity after an injury. (Full Story)

June 9, 2023 - P.E.I. jobs edge down in May, but up over last year - including in health care - Prince Edward Island's unemployment rate edged up in May, as part-time jobs in the province dropped by 1,500 compared to April. The jobless rate was 7.2 per cent, up 0.1 percentage points from the month before, according to the Labour Force Survey. However, the number of full-time jobs rose by 900, bringing the total number of jobs on the Island to 88,600. That's down only 0.6 of a percentage point. (Full Story)

May 29, 2023 - The WCB launches multi-hazard safety campaign to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses - The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of PEI is launching a multi-hazard safety campaign on May 29 to remind workers and employers to always take time to work safely around asbestos, when excavating and trenching, and when working at heights. From May 29 to July 31, Islanders will see and hear about the WCB's "Don't become the worst-case scenario" campaign on the radio, on posters, on social media, on public transit and on the WCB website. (Full Story)

May 26, 2023 - Government introduces changes to income tax - Today during the Legislative Assembly, Government introduced amendments to the Income Tax Act that will result in more than $14 million remaining in the pockets of Islanders beginning this year. The bill implements income tax changes announced in the 2023-24 operating budget. Starting in 2023, the basic personal amount will rise to $12,750. and in 2024, the amount will rise again to $13,500. (Full Story)

June 14, 2023 - Violence and Harassment Prevention in Saskatchewan workplaces - Based on changes to the law in May 2023, every workplace in Saskatchewan must have a written violence policy statement and prevention plan (PSPP) in place by May 17, 2024. Employers must develop a written policy statement and prevention plan (PSPP) in consultation with the occupational health committee, occupational health and safety representative, or where there is no committee or representative, the workers. (Full Story)

June 9, 2023 - Saskatchewan's provincial auditor raises concerns over highest workplace death rate in Canada - Saskatchewan, Canada's provincial auditor, has expressed concerns about the province's high rate of workplace deaths, urging a closer examination of the funding allocated to safety associations. According to the auditor's report, Saskatchewan currently holds the distinction of having the highest workplace death rate in the country, with 4.4 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent employees. (Full Story)

June 1, 2023 - Saskatchewan updates health and safety laws - Expanded health and safety coverage in workplaces is the biggest facet of new legislation that recently came into force in Saskatchewan. A number of amendments to the Saskatchewan Employment Act became law on May 17, and they mainly focus on preventing workplace violence and harassment. The legislation brings the province's safety protections more up to date, according to an expert. (Full Story)

May 30, 2023 - WCB shares 2022 results in annual general meeting - Today, the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) shared its 2022 results at its annual general meeting (AGM), held today in Saskatoon. The WCB's CEO, Phillip Germain, and members of the WCB's executive team also provided attendees with an overview of the WCB's financial, strategic and operating highlights, including 2022 workplace injuries and fatalities statistics. (Full Story)

May 24, 2023 - Province Passes Amendments To Occupational Health And Safety Provisions - On May 17, 2023, amendments to occupational health and safety provisions of The Saskatchewan Employment Act came into force. All of the amendments are in force with the exception of the requirement to have a violence policy and investigate incidents. This provision will come into force in one year to allow employers the time and opportunity to create and implement policies. Guidelines and sample policies are available on saskatchewan.ca. (Full Story)

May 23, 2023 - Province makes changes to Saskatchewan Employment Act - Some Saskatchewan students are getting more protection under The Saskatchewan Employment Act. The government announced Tuesday it has made some changes to occupational health and safety provisions in the act, including clarifying the definition of a "worker" to include high school and post-secondary students. The change will ensure students are covered under aspects of the act. (Full Story)

May 18, 2023 - Saskatchewan Provides $24.1 Million to Support Essential Skills Programs - The Government of Saskatchewan is reaffirming its commitment to the development of a skilled workforce with over $24 million allocated to Essential Skills programs for residents across the province. Essential Skills programming, formerly known as Adult Basic Education, plays a vital role in improving education and employment potential for all learners, enhancing quality of life. (Full Story)

May 11, 2023 - Province Commits $1.5 Million to Expand Apprenticeship Training Seats in Saskatchewan - To support growth in demand of skilled tradespeople, the Government of Saskatchewan is investing $1.5 million to expand the number of apprenticeship training seats available to 4,450. This investment enables training institutions to expand their skills training programs, increase apprenticeship intake, and grow sector capacity in a time of record economic growth. (Full Story)

May 5, 2023 - Saskatchewan's Unemployment Rated Second Lowest Among Provinces - Newly released labour force numbers from Statistics Canada for April show strong, continued growth in Saskatchewan's economy, with 5,600 new jobs when compared to April 2022. All job growth was full time employment. Saskatchewan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reached 4.8 per cent, tied for the second lowest among the provinces, and down from 5.4 per year from April 2022. (Full Story)

June 11, 2023 - Workers' Safety and Compensation Board annual report shows increased claims registration - The 2022 annual report from the Yukon Workers' Safety and Compensation Board (YWCB) shows that more employers registered for claims in 2022 compared to the year before. The number of registered employers in 2022 was 4,035 compared to 3,933 in 2021. In 2022, the board received 1,022 claims for compensation compared to 966 in 2021. Of this number, however, 780 claims were accepted in 2022, down from 801 the year before. (Full Story)

May 14, 2023 - Navigating the labour shortage - Despite the best efforts of the Bank of Canada to slow down the economy, the Yukon's labour shortage seems to have reached new levels. The labour market is still suffering from the pandemic's after-effects. According to Statistics Canada, from April 2019 to April 2023, the working age population of the Yukon grew by 2,300 people. But the total number of people working or actively looking for work only went up 400 people. What economists call the "participation rate" went down from 76.5 percent to 72.5 percent. (Full Story)

April 28, 2023 - New paid sick leave program launched for Yukon workers - A new paid sick leave rebate program for Yukon workers has been launched. The program, which will provide workers and self-employed Yukoners with up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per 12-month period at no cost to their employer, was announced by Premier Ranj Pillai on April 25. The program covers all eligible workers earning less than or equal to the average Yukon private-sector wage of $33.94 per hour. (Full Story)