 |
|
VICTORIA
– British Columbia will protect
the jobs of reservists while they are on active service with the Canadian
Forces, Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Olga Ilich announced today.
“Many of the hundreds of reservists in British
Columbia take time out from their civilian jobs to serve our country,” said
Ilich. “We want to make sure that they don’t have to worry about having a job
to return to after they fulfil their difficult and dangerous assignments with
the Canadian Forces.”
Amendments to the Employment Standards Act will
provide job protection for reservists who temporarily leave their civilian
employment in order to serve with the reserve forces.
The unpaid leave would apply to reservists
deployed for overseas missions, including pre- and post-deployment duties
related to the operation, or domestic emergencies. During those periods,
reservists are paid by the Canadian Forces. Employers will not be required to
continue benefit and pension contributions while the employee is on leave.
The new provisions apply to all employers
covered by the Employment Standards Act.
“British Columbia employers have a long history
of supporting military reservists, and some employers already include job
guarantees for reservists in their collective agreements,” said Port
Moody-Westwood MLA Iain Black, who initiated the change by introducing a motion
during the last legislative session to support the reserves. “This legislation
recognizes the vital role of reservists and makes sure all of them enjoy
protected leave when they are called on to serve.”
“The
Canadian Forces Liaison Council strongly endorses this support by the
government and people of British Columbia,” said Scott Shepherd, chair of
Canadian Forces’ Liaison Council in British Columbia. “It honours our young men
and women who selflessly commit to protect our country and help others abroad.
These are our neighbours, friends and relatives who volunteer part time to serve.
It is a welcome endorsement of their commitment by showing employment
support for the reservists while they deploy in theatre or serve our
country in emergencies, peacekeeping and peacemaking.”
There are about 2,700 reservists in British
Columbia.
Earlier this year, British Columbia eliminated
the waiting period for Medical Services Plan coverage for members of the
Canadian Forces and their families who are transferred to British
Columbia.
-30-
|
contact: |
Communications Director 250 387-3134 |
|
|
|
||
|
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
||
