Spring sitting of the legislature wraps up

EDMONTON- The Notley government has wrapped up the spring sitting of the legislature, passing new workplace rules while exchanging broadsides with the opposition.

Bill 17 — the first overhaul of Alberta’s labour law in three decades — will guarantee job protection for workers taking unpaid leave for illness, injury or serious personal and family issues.

Premier Notley says the bill, which also extends protection during maternity leave and raises the minimum work age, is long overdue.

Ric McIver, the PC leader in the house, warned the labour changes combined with minimum wage hikes will be expensive for businesses in the province.