Alberta Introduces New Labour and Employment Legislation

Last year, the new UCP Government introduced a number of positive changes to the Labour Relations Code and Employment Standards Code through Bill 2 (An Act to Make Alberta Open for Business). It was part of an effort to undo changes by the previous Government, reduce regulatory burden and expense, and make it easier to do business in Alberta at a time it was needed. We reported on those changes here.

The Government announced there would be further changes. These changes were initially anticipated in the fall of 2019, then the spring of 2020, then COVID-19 hit changing the Government’s priorities. Now, as the focus turns to re-igniting the economy, the additional changes we have been waiting for were introduced this afternoon as Bill 32, Restoring Balance in Alberta’s Workplaces Act, 2020. These changes are again intended to improve the Labour Relations Code and Employment Standards Code, reduce regulatory burden, and give a lift to employers as they generate employment in the wake of COVID-19.

There will be many ramifications of this new legislation, which hopefully will include new employment opportunities for Albertans. We will be conducting a webinar on July 22 about the new legislative changes.

There are numerous proposed changes.

For a summary of the Employment Standards Code changes,  click here.

For a summary of the Labour Relations Code changes,  click here.