By Christian Codrington, CHRP

On March 30, 2012, BC HRMA hosted its second Government Relations Forum, this time over lunch with the Honourable Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid, the Minister responsible for Labour, Citizens’ Services and Open Government.  Her portfolio includes the Employment Standards Act, the Labour Relations Code, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy and Workers Compensation.

Minister MacDiarmid hosted 15 senior leaders from a variety of companies and industries at the BC HRMA boardroom where the discussion touched on such topics as a review of the Employment Standards Act, the HST, replacement worker provisions under the Labour Relations Code, and Open Government initiatives. By far and away however, the topic of most interest to the group was Bill 14 – the proposed amendments to WorkSafeBC’s legislative framework recognizing the cumulative effects of stressful events in the workplace as grounds for compensation.

Minister MacDiarmid brought many of her experiences as a family physician to bear as she acknowledged the difficulties faced by BC workers who may be in an emotionally unhealthy work environment. She was also quick to acknowledge the challenges to proper diagnosis and cause drawing a comparison to soft tissue injuries where it is often difficult to determine if there are any preexisting conditions. The Minister was unequivocal in stating that everyone must recognize their role in reducing workplace injuries, whether physical or emotional.

As the forum evolved there was no shortage of observations and suggestions posed by those in attendance. These included the creation ‘super panels’ to hear issues of aggrieved workers whose complaints may touch a variety of pieces of legislation thereby reducing tribunal shopping. And as the discussion moved to the upcoming change to minimum wage, the Minister was clear that any future examination of minimum wage must occur on a more regular basis to avoid the long time gaps in between possible increases.

“I am very interested in opportunities where I can hear from stakeholders,” said Minister MacDiarmid. “Engagement as distinct from consultation is important as we refine the context for the working relationship in the 21^st century.” Minister MacDiarmid also said that in the future she is interested in getting input and feedback from BC HRMA on proposed legislative changes. You can expect to hear more on this in coming months.

The Minister closed with appreciation for the key role that senior executives and human resources practitioners play in the current economic climate and especially the provincial government’s Jobs Plan.

BC HRMA is organizing Government Relations Forums for May and June.

Christian Codrington, CHRP, is the senior manager of operations at BC HRMA. He has had the good fortune to contribute to the success of a number of organizations over his career in human resources including Human Resources Development Canada, Children’s and Women’s Health Centre of BC, Best Buy Canada and Starbucks Coffee Canada. Christian earned his business undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University, specializing in organizational behavior.