Bill C-4, the federal government’s 302-page budget implementation bill contains several proposed amendments to Canadian occupational health and safety law. Tabled October 22, 2013, the proposed amendments:

 

• change the definition of “danger;”
• remove mention of health and safety officers and give their power to the Minister (who may delegate this power);
• change the process for the right to refuse unsafe work.

 

Federal health and safety law includes Part 2 of the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and apply to workplaces in sectors with national scope—generally those crossing provincial and/or national boundaries. Examples of these sectors include: air, water and rail transport, banking, broadcasting, energy and mining, grain elevators and federal public service.
 
Clearly the budget Bill will significantly alter law designed to safeguard federal workers. WHSC is reviewing the Bill and will provide detailed analysis in short order.
 
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Current Canada Labour Code (Part 2 Occupational Health & Safety)
 
Specific changes in Bill C-4 that will impact the Canada Labour Code (Part 2 Occupational Health and Safety)
 
Bill C-4 (in its entirety)