Gil McGowan's opening statement to NEB hearing order OH-1-2007, TransCanada Keystone Pipeline GP Ltd. - Application for Construction and Operation of Keystone Pipeline

After five years of revision and consultation, the Alberta government recently passed its first overhaul of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations in 20 years. The new rules will take effect on April 1, 2004. The changes are extensive and wide ranging. Below are some of the more important changes.

The changes arise out of recommendations from a Taks Force of employer, labour and government representatives, with some government alterations. The summary includes only major or significant amendments; administrative and minor changes have been omitted.

The Alberta/British Columbia Joint Expert Panel on Pension Standards was given a mandate by the governments of those two provinces to examine and report on ways to harmonize and modernize the pensions standards legislation of the two provinces and improve access to pension plans. This is a response to the panel's 240-page report issued November 14, 2008.

AFL presentation to standing committee April 2008