GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN DEBATE ON YOUNG WORKER PROTECTION ACT
NDP MLA Steve Cardiff says he is deeply disappointed the Fentie government used its majority in the legislature to shut down debate on his private member’s bill, the Young Worker Protection Act.
"This bill deserved to be debated at length and in detail," Cardiff said. "But by voting to end the debate prematurely, this government prevented even my own caucus colleagues from making the case this legislation is much needed and long overdue."
The bill puts rules on the age young people can be employed and on the types of work they can do. It also provides for proper training and job orientation for the young worker and prevents them from being exploited by unscrupulous employers.
"After the NDP introduced and debated its Smoke-Free Places Bill, the government struck a legislative committee to take it out for public review and comment," said the MLA for Mount Lorne. "It could have -- and should have -- done the same with this bill."
In 2007, the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board reported 10 incidents for workers under the age of 14 and 306 incidents for workers aged 15 to 24.
"If this government is truly serious about protecting young people from working in dangerous situations or handling dangerous substances and equipment, it has failed to convince me," Cardiff said. "Its inaction speaks volumes and means children and adolescents will continue to be at risk at many Yukon workplaces and job sites."