Press Release
March 12, 2024
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released a What We Heard Report that summarizes the results of engagement on the Employment Standards Act and regulations.
Between April and June 2023, a total of 323 individuals participated in the engagement, which included surveys, roundtable discussions, and written submissions. Employers and employees who are subject to the Act were represented, as well as labour, employer and non-governmental organizations, Indigenous Governments and Indigenous Organizations, GNWT employees, and Northwest Territories (NWT) residents.
The GNWT was seeking feedback on topics such as paid sick leave, flexible work arrangements, job-protected leaves, statutory holidays, and enforcement.
Some notable feedback from the engagement included:
The next step to update the Employment Standards Act is developing a legislative proposal for a bill that would amend the Act. The feedback will help inform the legislative proposal and will be considered by Members of the Legislative Assembly.
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“Thank you to all the participants who took the time to provide feedback and share their experiences. It is crucial that we consider all perspectives as we look to update the Employment Standards Act to bring it in line with other jurisdictions’ minimum standards of work and address the new realities of work post-COVID-19.”
Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
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ecepublicaffairs@gov.nt.ca
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
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