Complete review of Employment Standards Act to benefit Island workforce and employers 

 A thorough review of the Employment Standards Act will take place to ensure it is current and meets the needs of Islanders across the province. 

The Employment Standards Act outlines rights and obligations of employees and employers and sets minimum standards to ensure individuals are treated fairly in the workplace. The last time the act was reviewed was in 2006.  

“Workplaces have changed over the years so our employment standards need to evolve too. Islanders have asked for a full review and today I’m proud to say that we are committed to doing exactly that, so together we can continue to create healthy and supportive workplaces in Prince Edward Island.”

- Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Minister Matthew MacKay

Calls to complete a comprehensive review of the act have been made by several interest groups and the Employment Standards Board. A review is also included as an action item in the Poverty Reduction Action Plan for Prince Edward Island. 

A panel will be set up to carry out the review of the act and its associated regulations. The panel will have a chair and two side panel members. One of the side-panel members will be a representative for employers and the other a representative for employees. 

The panel will do two phases of public consultations and write an interim and final report on what they heard from Islanders. The final report will make recommendations on changes to employment standards in the province. 

Media contact:
Hillary MacDonald
Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture
902-394-6368
hpsmacdonald@gov.pe.ca