Reservists' leave focus of New Brunswick consultations

Definitions, notice requirements, protections in spotlight

Employment and education leave protection for Canadian Forces reservists is in the spotlight as New Brunswick holds consultations to review current legislation.

The consultation process is looking for ideas on how to provide further clarity to existing rules; to support the ability of the Canadian Forces to plan deployments; and to incorporate best practices implemented in other Canadian jurisdictions.

"New Brunswick is dedicated to supporting our men and women in the Canadian Forces and we want to ensure they receive the necessary employment and educational leave protection when they are called upon to serve their country," said Martine Coulombe, post-secondary education, training and labour minister.

Specific topics to be reviewed include: definitions of reservists and service; leave for annual training; notice requirements; extensions and return to work; postponement of annual vacation; and leave protection for student reservists.

“I look forward to working with our stakeholders to further enhance our employment and educational leave protections," said Brian Macdonald, legislative secretary for military affairs.

The most recent changes occurred in 2007 when amendments were made to the Employment Standards Act to provide employment leave protection to members of the Canadian Forces Reserves who were called to military service. In addition, under the authority of the Post-Secondary Student Financial Assistance Act, full-time student reservists in New Brunswick are provided with an interest-free, no-payment benefit on student loans while participating in designated military operations.

The public is invited to contribute to the consultation and a discussion paper is available on the government website at Canadian Forces.

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