Updates from Consult Carswell
Distracted driving legislation may come to New Brunswick
During the recent provincial election in New Brunswick, both the winning Conservative Party and the outgoing Liberal Party indicated they would introduce distracted driver legislation if elected. New Brunswick is the only province that has neither passed nor proposed such a law but it is expected the new Conservative government may introduce the legislation in 2011. Employers should be prepared to change safe driving policies to comply with the new law, if it passes. Because of the danger involved with driving while using a cellphone, it is already considered a best practice to include this requirement in a safe driving policy.
New funding for Newfoundland and Labrador female apprentices
To support women in the skilled trades, $424,000 in new funding is going to subsidize wages for female apprentices. Employers wishing to apply for wage subsidies can visit the Office to Advance Women Apprentices’ website at www.womenapprentices.ca.
Ontario looks to tighten tobacco laws
A report from the Tobacco Strategy Advisory Group recommends amending the Smoke-Free Ontario Act so smoking would be prohibited in all unenclosed restaurant and bar patios, hotels, motels and inns, playgrounds, doorways and entrances, and windows and air intakes. The report also calls for increased enforcement activity and fines for non-compliance. The Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport has endorsed this report and employers should expect stronger anti-tobacco legislation to be tabled in the near future. The full report is online at www.mhp.gov.on.ca/en/smoke-free/TSAG%20Report.pdf.
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