Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

April 18, 2008

Province Introduces International Labour Co-Operation Agreements Implementation Act

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First Agreements Signed By Canada With Chile and Costa Rica

Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan has introduced the International Labour Co-operation Agreements Implementation Act which would allow Manitoba to participate in international labour co‑operation agreements recently signed between Canada and the governments of Chile and Costa Rica.
 
The agreements help to improve working conditions in the participating countries and to protect, enhance and enforce workers’ basic rights.  Under the agreements, participating jurisdictions are committed to enforce their labour laws, co-operate on labour matters and promote fundamental labour principles.
 
“Labour co-operation agreements are signed in parallel with trade agreements as a way of helping ensure basic labour standards are maintained in the participating countries,” said Allan. “By helping ensure minimum standards in other countries, such agreements not only safeguard workers there but also contribute to the level playing field we need to protect our domestic industries.”
 
In addition to ensuring Manitoba’s participation in the Chile and Costa Rica agreements, the act would also provide a mechanism for Manitoba to participate in similar future agreements between Canada and other countries.
 
Canada has enjoyed a positive relationship with Chile including formal information sharing on workplace safety and health, elimination of child labour and collective bargaining, said the minister. Canada is also working with Costa Rica on co-operative technical assistance to modernize that country’s labour administration and practices.
 
Allan noted that implementing agreements with Chile and Costa Rica would demonstrate the province’s leadership and commitment in promoting contemporary labour protection and would  reflect Manitoba’s commitment to its Reaching Beyond Our Borders policy.
 
 “Whether it is welcoming record numbers of immigrants, initiatives like the Fair Registration Practices legislation or the Worker Recruitment and Protection Act, the ‘no sweat’ procurement policy requiring government goods to be manufactured under acceptable labour standards or this most recent initiative regarding labour co-operation agreements, Manitoba continues to show leadership in ensuring people benefit from economic development at home and abroad,” said Allan.
 
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