Canada's Bill C-39 Sparks Concern Over Exemption Powers and Worker Rights
The Canadian government's Bill C-39 has been criticized by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) for expanding exemption powers and limiting workers' bargaining rights. Introduced on September 21st, the bill is touted as necessary to build a stronger economy, but it actually pits economic goals against Charter rights.
The bill expands the existing exemption powers introduced last year under Bill C-5, giving Cabinet unfettered discretion to identify 'regions of national interest' where federal laws can be overridden. The previous five-year time limit has been removed, allowing exemptions to become a permanent power grab by Cabinet.
The CCLA also warns that the bill's amendment to the Canada Labour Code would empower the Minister of Labour to direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board to end a legal strike that affects the national interest. The bill does not define 'national interest', leaving it open to the Minister's discretion.