Businesses that operate in more than one Maritime province will see positive changes with amendments to the Labour Standards Code introduced today, April 27.

The changes will align the types of employment records employers are required to keep.

“Premier Stephen McNeil has said many times that we need to help, not hinder, business,” said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan. “That’s what these changes are about. We are committed to working with our Maritime partners to get rid of unnecessary rules, requirements and processes, which will help improve our region’s competitiveness.

“Businesses operating in more than one Maritime province shouldn’t have to waste time figuring out which records need to be kept in which province. They should be the same.”

While current record-keeping requirements are similar in all three provinces, there are some differences that can lead to confusion and more work. For example, the term pay is not clear. With these changes the code clearly describes information required under this term.

The changes will:
— align record-keeping requirements among the three Maritime provinces
— clarify language around record-keeping requirements
— eliminate unnecessary record-keeping requirements

The changes also give employers the option of providing electronic pay statements.

“We’ve been asking government on behalf of our members doing business across Atlantic Canada for more consistent labour standards between provinces,” said Jordi Morgan, vice president, Atlantic of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. “We’re very encouraged by the progress being made and hope this is just the beginning of a new era of greater co-operation to eliminate inter-provincial trade irritants throughout the region.”

Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick also introduced changes in their legislatures this spring. Changes will not take effect until Jan. 1, in all three provinces.

This initiative is one of several led by the three Maritime premiers who have committed to working together through the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness. The mandate of the office is to reduce red tape and foster business growth and expansion across the region.

Source: Release