Review of Employment Standards Act is underway

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

A three-person panel was established to complete the review, they are:

Chairperson – Andrew Thompson
Employer Representative – Isabelle Keeler 
Employee Representative – Hans Connor

“It has been approximately fifteen years since the last comprehensive review of the PEI Employment Standards Act, including the Youth Employment Act, and I look forward to working alongside the employee and employer representatives as we consult with stakeholders and the broader Island community to modernize these pieces of employment legislation to best reflect today’s society, workplaces, and employment relationships,” said chairperson, Andrew Thompson. “There will be an opportunity for public input which allows us to hear diverse perspectives as we strive to achieve a balance between the interests of Island employees and employers, and the development of fair and equitable terms of employment.”                            

    The panel will conduct the review in three stages:

• conduct background research and meetings with stakeholders, including employer and employee organizations, to identify issues related to the current employment standards;
• provide an interim report that identifies issues, to be used to help guide a larger public consultation process; and
• write a final report that makes recommendations to the Minister on changes to employment standards in the Province. 

“Our employment standards need to reflect the workplaces of today, and tomorrow. Last year, we committed to conducting a comprehensive review of the Employment Standards Act, and I’m pleased to announce we are moving forward with that process to ensure individuals are supported and treated fairly in workplaces across Prince Edward Island.”

-  Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Minister Matthew MacKay.

The last time the Act was reviewed was in 2006. Since then, calls to complete a comprehensive review 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. 

The chairperson was selected through an RFP process and side panel members were selected through Engage PEI. 

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

Backgrounder 

Panel member biographies 

Andrew Thompson has extensive experience with employment matters and the PEI Public Service Commission. His previous employment includes director of Human Resources with the City of Charlottetown and Health PEI, and CEO of the Public Service Commission. 

Hans Connor is a lawyer currently employed with the PEI Union of Public Sector Employees and has experience in dealing with employment matters on behalf of employees.
    
Isabelle Keeler is a lawyer currently employed with Cox & Palmer and has experience in dealing with employment matters on behalf of employers.