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Soumission
Pregnant workers are a vulnerable group of Canadians, and their needs should be addressed specifically in the review of the Federal Labour Standards. Working conditions can pose increased risk to the health of a mother and her unborn child, i.e. preterm birth, miscarriage, low birthweight, and birth defects. The long term costs to all levels of society is enormous. Prevention makes sense! Changes to existing legislation should exemplify "gold standards" for developed nations. Ensuring that all families have the opportunity to care for their child at home for a minimum of one year enhances child health and development, and supports optimal infant nutrition through breastfeeding. Currently it is not financially feasible for many families to take their entitlement of one year of Maternity/Parental Leave. All pregnant workers (i.e. full-time, part-time, casual, contract, and self-employed) should be eligible to receive Maternity and Parental Benefits at 100% of the worker's wage. Safe working conditions should also be a priority for pregnant women. If a work place is not safe, then the pregnant worker must be accommodated by eliminating the danger, modifying the work, adapting the work, or reassigning the worker to other work (Commission de la sante et de la securite du travail du Quebec Legal Deposit, 2002). Working conditions which can pose risk to a pregnant woman include:
(Healthy Beginnings, Society of Obstetrics and Gynecologists of Canada; Occupational Health Clinics of Ontario Workers Inc, Ergonomics & Pregnancy; Best Start 2004, Work & Pregnancy Do Mix!) If a pregnant worker cannot be accommodated in a safe working environment, she must be able to exercise the choice of preventive withdrawal, and still receive 100% of her wage.
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