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Province Takes Action to Assist Vulnerable Workers

The provincial government's response to the Report and Recommendations of The Commission on Improving Work Opportunities for Saskatchewan Residents was presented by the Honourable David Forbes, Minister of Labour, on June 27, 2007.

The response outlines programs and initiatives the province has undertaken to help address challenges faced by Saskatchewan's vulnerable workers, such as: chronic low pay; limited access to benefits, safe affordable housing, or child care; and a lack of education and training. Information on programs and initiatives addressing issues faced by these workers are included under five categories: low income workers; Aboriginal employment; education; training and employment; work and family balance; and labour legislation.

News Release

Mandate

The mandate of the Commission on Improving Work Opportunities for Saskatchewan Residents is to conduct a review of Saskatchewan Legislation and Government Policy and make recommendations related to work in Saskatchewan to the government.

Terms of reference for the Commission, as outlined by the government, are to:

Develop a demographic and labour market profile of individuals working in part-time, non-standard and/or low-paid work arrangements. This will include identifying the issues faced by part-time and other employees employed in non-standard working arrangements including but not limited to: the changing nature of work, current working conditions, wages, access to training and availability of social supports.
Examine existing government policies and programs, including the application and enforcement of employment standards, that address these issues and that assist workers in making a transition out of non-standard or low-paid work.
Invite and consider a broad range of perspectives with respect to the issue, including employers (government, public, private and academic sectors), employees, organized labour, community-based organizations and the public.