Government of Canada Moves to Repeal Bill C-59 and Reaffirms Commitment to Fair Negotiations

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 5, 2016) - Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Today, the Government of Canada introduced legislation to repeal Division 20 of the Economic Action Plan 2015 Act, No.1 (also referred to as Bill C-59) that provided the Government with the authority to unilaterally override the collective bargaining process and impose a new sick leave system on the public service.

The Government of Canada is committed to bargaining in good faith with all federal public service unions. Repealing these provisions of Bill C-59 demonstrates the Government's commitment to working towards fair and reasonable agreements in full respect of the collective bargaining process.

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"The Government has made a commitment to restore a culture of respect for and within the public service. We will bargain in good faith with the unions and look for opportunities to modernize the disability and sick leave management system. We will work with them to reach agreements that are fair and reasonable for employees and Canadians."

The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board

Quick Facts

Bill C-59 was a Budget Bill introduced in the House of Commons on April 21, 2015, and was enacted as the Economic Action Plan 2015 Act, No.1. The Bill received Royal Assent on June 24, 2015.

The Bill provides authority for the Government to establish and modify terms and conditions of employment related to the sick leave of employees, establish a short-term disability plan outside of collective bargaining, and modify the long-term disability programs in the core public administration.

On January 21, 2016, the President of the Treasury Board advised bargaining agents that the Government would not exercise the powers contained in Division 20 of Bill C-59 and that it would take steps during this session of Parliament to repeal the legislation.

Negotiations are continuing between the Government of Canada and most bargaining agents, including the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada.

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