Manitoba proposes new workplace safety legislation

WINNIPEG – The Manitoba government is introducing proposed legislation to re-establish a safety advisory council that was repealed by the previous government.

Bill 17 would amend the Workplace Safety and Health Act and re-establish the Advisory Council on Workplace Safety and Health, which was repealed in 2018 by the Progressive Conservatives.

“Our government knows the best way to grow our economy is with good, safe jobs for Manitobans. Every Manitoba worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and to have a safe workplace. The previous government clawed back worker protections, going against the advice of the labour and business community by getting rid of the Advisory Council on Workplace Safety and Health,” said Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino in a statement.  

The proposed legislation would re-establish the 13-member advisory council including representation from workers, employers and technical and professional bodies, the release said. The advisory council would advise the minister on occupational health and safety issues as well as legislative and regulatory changes.