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New workplace legislation in place in Alberta

Jan 2, 2018 | 4:09 PM

EDMONTON –  New workplace regulations to protect Albertans are now in effect.

The Fair and Family-friendly Workplaces Act, passed by the Alberta Legislature in June 2017, officially took effect in the province on Monday, and also saw the Employment Standards Regulation in Alberta updated to better protect workers.

“Albertans deserve fair and family-friendly workplaces that support a strong economy and ensure they can take care of their loved ones,” said Christina Gray, Minister of Labour, in a statement. “After nearly 30 years of inaction by the previous government, Alberta’s laws were out of date and out of step with the rest of Canada.

“I’m proud that our government brought forward these modern, fair and balanced laws that protect the rights of hard-working Albertans, support their families and help businesses stay competitive.”

The new standards include job-protected sick leave, long-term illness and injury leave care for critical adult or child leave, bereavement leave, domestic violence leave, death or disappearance of a child leave and citizenship leave, as well as expanded compassionate care, maternity and parental leave to align with federal Employment Insurance benefits.

The new regulations also features a new penalty system for employers found to be contravening the code or regulation.

The news release says new rules for youth employment are in development and expected to be in place May 1, 2018. It adds the changes to youth employment will have no effect on youth activities such as 4-H, casual work or branding parties.