Introduced as a private member’s bill. (These don’t often become law.)
Status
Report stage (House), as of Dec. 11, 2024 (This bill did not become law.)
Summary
This is from the published bill.
This enactment amends the Canada Labour Code in order to provide a former employee with more time to make a complaint relating to an occurrence of harassment and violence in the work place after they cease to be employed.
Elsewhere
All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.
Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-378s:
C-378 (2017)
An Act to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs Act (fairness principles)
C-378 (2013)
Prohibition on Importing Goods Produced by Sweatshop Labour Act
C-378 (2011)
Prohibition on Importing Goods Produced by Sweatshop Labour Act
C-378 (2010)
An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (increase of maximum number of weeks: combined weeks of benefits)
Votes
Sept. 25, 2024Passed 2nd reading of Bill C-378, An Act amending the Canada Labour Code (complaints by former employees)
This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below.
Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Bill C-378 seeks to amend the Canada Labour Code to extend the time frame for former employees to file complaints regarding workplace harassment and violence. Currently, former employees have three months to file a complaint, but this bill would extend that period to two years. The aim is to provide more time for victims of workplace harassment and violence to come forward and seek justice.
Conservative
Supports extending the deadline: The Conservative Party supports extending the deadline for former employees to file workplace harassment or violence complaints under the Canada Labour Code from three months to two years, as proposed in Bill C-378. They argue that the current three-month limit is insufficient, given the time it takes for victims to realize and address the trauma they have experienced.
Based on Quebec's experience: The bill is based on the sponsor's experience as Quebec's labour minister, where similar legislation has proven effective. The Conservatives believe that the federal government should follow Quebec's lead and provide former employees with a more reasonable time frame to file complaints.
Criticizes government inaction: Several Conservative MPs highlight the NDP-Liberal government's failure to protect workers' rights. They point to several Conservative bills that address worker protections, contrasting them with the government's alleged inaction.
Seeks unanimous support: The Conservatives express hope for unanimous support for the bill, emphasizing its importance in protecting vulnerable workers. They highlight existing legislation that allows the government to extend the deadline, and note that this bill would remove the need for a victim to justify the extension.
NDP
Supports extended timeline: The NDP supports extending the time frame for former employees to file complaints about workplace harassment and violence to two years after their employment has ended. This would give individuals the space and safety to report incidents when they are ready, without the immediate threat of losing their livelihood.
Holds employers accountable: The bill would hold employers accountable for their actions and the environment they cultivate, even after an employee has left. It encourages employers to address problems promptly and thoroughly, fostering a safer and more respectful workplace for everyone.
Gaps in the bill: The bill lacks specified support mechanisms for former employees who have come forward with complaints. It should outline access to counselling, legal advice, or other support services to assist former employees through the complaint process. The NDP also wants to ensure real enforcement mechanisms to hold employers accountable and clear penalties for non-compliance.
Broader scope needed: The NDP feels the bill should be broadened to include other potential grievances that former employees might have, such as racial discrimination, wage theft, and unfair dismissal, in addition to harassment and violence.
Bloc
Supports extending complaint timeframe: The Bloc Québécois supports Bill C-378, which seeks to amend the Canada Labour Code to allow former employees two years, instead of three months, to file complaints regarding workplace harassment and violence. Members emphasize that this extension recognizes the time needed for victims to heal and gather the courage to come forward.
Quebec as a leader: Several members highlighted Quebec's progressive labour laws and its proactive approach to addressing workplace harassment and violence. They noted that Quebec's Act respecting labour standards already provides a two-year timeframe for filing complaints, positioning Quebec as a model for federal legislation.
Canada Labour Code needs updates: Members expressed concern about the Canada Labour Code lagging behind Quebec's standards and emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms. They view Bill C-378 as a necessary but incremental step towards modernizing the Code and ensuring better protection for workers under federal jurisdiction.
Protecting vulnerable workers: The Bloc Québécois emphasizes the importance of protecting workers in federally regulated sectors, particularly in light of concerning statistics on harassment and violence. Members argue that extending the complaint timeframe demonstrates kindness, understanding, and concern for victims who may experience psychological and physical pain and need more time to take action.
Liberal
Supports Bill C-378: The Liberal party supports Bill C-378, emphasizing the importance of healthy and safe workplaces. They highlight the government's previous actions, such as Bill C-65, to protect workers from harassment and violence and emphasize the need for ongoing improvements through monitoring, independent investigations, and partner-led initiatives.
Commitment to worker protection: The Liberal speakers underscore the government's commitment to worker protection through various legislative measures and initiatives. They aim to create a standard that encourages other jurisdictions to adopt similar protections.
Importance of awareness: Speakers stress the importance of raising public awareness of workers' rights and available support networks. They advocate for a holistic approach to the working environment, ensuring workers know their rights and feel empowered to report harassment and violence.
Further workplace improvements: Liberals recognize that there's more work to be done to ensure safe, healthy, and respectful workplaces. This includes training programs, reducing stigma around reporting incidents, and improving resolution processes.
The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-378 under Private Members' Business.
Before the Clerk announced the results of the vote:
Before getting the Table to compile the results of the vote, I want to thank our caller for such a great job but also to wish him a very happy birthday: our clerk Robert Benoit. I know I am going to pay for that.
Links & Sharing
(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)
Accordingly, the bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
(Bill read the second time and referred to a committee)
