✘ C-345 (Canada Labour Code)

Bill

C-345:  An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (pregnant and nursing employees)

Second reading.

Vote

Nay.

Rationale

This bill would create an uneven playing field for federally regulated workers across the country, as legislation in the provinces varies in each jurisdiction. It may have the negative effect of allowing employers to shirk their responsibility to accommodate pregnant workers. Preventive withdrawal provisions already exist in the Canada Labour Code (sections 132 and 204-205.2) to allow a pregnant or nursing employee, if there is a risk to her health or that of her foetus or child, to be reassigned or have her job functions modified without loss in pay or benefits, or if this is not reasonably practicable for her employer, to take a leave of absence without pay for the duration of the risk. This bill does not identify which, or how provisions in provincial legislation would apply to federally regulated workers in those provinces.

Result

Defeated.