Discussion · Government Orders
Marcus Powlowski Liberal
“This bill helps the whole economy during labour disputes. Under the new rules, the minister must look at whether a strike hurts the economy or causes major problems before stepping in. Does the member agree this helps Canada?”
“Madam Speaker, the member talked about Bill C-39’s effect on labour negotiations, but it seems to me that section 107 of the Labour Code protects the greater economy as a whole as well. The act would create new conditions the minister must consider. Before using section 107, the minister must consider a mediator’s report but also must consider what is in the national interest. It goes on to further define the national interest as taking into account “whether the strike or lockout has...significant impact on the Canadian economy” or “may cause...serious social disruption”. I would have thought this would be of benefit to the greater Canadian economy as a whole. Am I right?”
Official Hansard
Madam Speaker, the member talked about Bill C-39’s effect on labour negotiations, but it seems to me that section 107 of the Labour Code protects the greater economy as a whole as well. The act would create new conditions the minister must consider. Before using section 107, the minister must consider a mediator’s report but also must consider what is in the national interest. It goes on to further define the national interest as taking into account “whether the strike or lockout has...significant impact on the Canadian economy” or “may cause...serious social disruption”. I would have thought this would be of benefit to the greater Canadian economy as a whole. Am I right?