FREDERICTON (CNB) – A consultation process began today regarding employment and education leave protection for Canadian Forces reservists.
“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 Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Martine Coulombe. “We are consulting with stakeholders to ensure that we are meeting the current and future needs of our reservists.”
The consultation process is designed to seek 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.
“I know first-hand how important reservists are in supporting the role the Canadian Forces play in meeting our global military commitments,” said Brian Macdonald, legislative secretary for military affairs. “I am proud to be part of a government that recognizes the value and dedication of our reservists and I look forward to working with our stakeholders to further enhance our employment and educational leave protections.”
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.
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 are 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.
A discussion paper is available on the government website. The public is invited to contribute to the consultation. Submissions will be accepted until May 27 by e-mail at labour-travail@gnb.ca; by fax at 506-453-3618; by regular mail at: Review of Canadian Forces Reservist Employment and Education Leave Protection, Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, P. O. Box 6000, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5H1; or online.
LINK:
Review of Canadian Forces Reservist Employment and Education Leave Protection: www.gnb.ca/consultations
