October 5, 2011 – YPSWA supports the latest initiative by NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice, who on October 3, 2011 tabled a bill to protect the rights of young and pregnant professionals or skilled workers, who must leave their jobs to protect their health and health of their children.  

As an association that advocates on behalf of young professionals, we welcome this bill because it will help young women establish their professional careers, while jagging family life and raising children.

Soon YPSWA will compile its research on this topic and send it to all stakeholders involved in this matter.

For more information, please read below the press release by NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice.  To read the text of a bill, please visit: http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Docid=5151398&file=4

October 3, 2011 – OTTAWA – MP Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie) today tabled in the House of Commons a bill to protect the rights of pregnant and lactating women who must leave their jobs to protect their health or health their children.

 The Canada Labour Code currently provides incentives for the employers to offer alternative work if the work of a pregnant or lactating women causes health risks. If the employer cannot reassign the employee, it can protect itself from a leave without pay.

 The bill introduced by Mr. Boulerice is designed to allow all Canadian workers to benefit from preventive reassignment under the provisions applicable in their province. In Quebec, workers in employment covered by the Labour Code of Quebec are eligible for benefits under the Workplace Health and Safety (CSST). This bill would end the unequal treatment of women in work governed by the Labour Code of Canada and the Quebec Labour Code.

 “It is time to stop penalizing women working under the Canada Labour Code. It is unacceptable to have two categories of workers. For the NDP, the health of workers is a priority. We think they should not be penalized when conditions related to their work entail risks to their health or the health of their children, “says Alexandre Boulerice.