News release from the Govt of Manitoba website (www.gov.mb.ca)
April 5, 2007
MANITOBA INTRODUCES LEGISLATION THAT WOULD PROTECT RESERVISTS' JOBS WHILE THEY SERVE
Legislation that would protect the jobs and benefits of civilians who are in the reserves and leave for extended periods to serve their country was introduced by Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan today. Amendments to the Employment Standards Act would ensure reservists’ civilian jobs and benefits would be waiting for them when their service is completed.
“We commend those employers who honour informal commitments and support their workers who serve in the reserves,” said Allan. “Reservists who leave their jobs to serve their country should feel secure knowing that their right to return to their civilian jobs is protected by law.”
The demand for reservists is growing with Canada’s commitments abroad. Up to 20 per cent of some overseas deployments consist of reservists. Since 2000, more than 4,000 primary reservists have been deployed for Canadian Forces operations in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Croatia, Haiti and other international hot spots. Manitoba has approximately 700 reservists, about half of whom are employed in civilian jobs.
The minister noted the Labour Management Review Committee, made up of business and labour representatives, was consulted on the issue and gave unanimous support to the proposal.
The Employment Standards Act already provides unpaid leave and job protection in the areas of maternity, parental and compassionate-care leave. Recent amendments to the code that take effect April 30 will provide unpaid leave and job protection for family responsibilities, illness and bereavement.
I have sent an email requesting further clarification on the issue, and the actual wordings of the act. They can be contact at the fol:
Telephone: 204-945-3352 or
Toll free in Manitoba 1-800-821-4307
Fax: 204-948-3046
E-mail: Employmentstandards@gov.mb.ca
Lets hope this doesn't prove to be "essentially useless to the soldier".
Those in Provinces with similar act already in place, should take the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the acts, no sense having soldiers make foolish mistakes based upon misleading or misguided information.