LEGISLATION ENSURES EMPLOYERS, WORKERS BENEFIT FROM LABOUR MOBILITY

As part of a pan-Canadian initiative, Saskatchewan has introduced legislation that will help to ensure full labour mobility for workers seeking employment in Saskatchewan.

The Miscellaneous Statutes (Labour Mobility) Amendment Act, 2009 makes changes to professional regulatory legislation to ensure regulators recognize professional certification from other provinces and territories in Canada.

"This legislation will help to address our provincial 'talent challenge', a shortage of skilled labour that is projected to increase in the coming years," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "Enhanced labour mobility not only allows our employers to access a broader labour pool, it also makes it easier for skilled workers from other provinces to call Saskatchewan home."

The Act ensures that residency is not an issue to labour mobility and those workers certified in another province or territory are recognized in Saskatchewan. It also ensures that regulators continue to establish standards for certification and that workers must meet those standards.

"Saskatchewan's employers and industries as well as skilled workers from across the country have been asking governments to develop new and common-sense solutions to address long-term labour market issues," Norris said. "Together with our partners across Canada, we are meeting that challenge."

More information on labour mobility can be found at www.aeel.gov.sk.ca/labour-mobility.

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For more information, contact:

Chris Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106
Email: chris.jones-bonk@gov.sk.ca