Introduction

Key Studies    Introduction

Quick table of contents - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY     1. THE LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK     2. NON-LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES     3. EMPLOYER BASED INITIATIVES CHAPTER I - FRAMING THE ISSUE OF   WORK-LIFE BALANCE     1. PUTTING THE ISSUE IN CONTEXT     2. THE FACTORS OF INFLUENCE         A. The demographic factors              affecting the labour force         B. Labour market trends &              changing employment              relationships         C. Health and wellness         D. Other factors CHAPTER II - THE LEGISLATIVE   FRAMEWORK     1. LABOUR STANDARDS AND          EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION         A. Labour Standards Coverage         B. Leave and associated              employment protection         C. Legislated salary replacement              provisions         D. Work arrangements     2. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND          HEALTH     3. HUMAN RIGHTS AND          EMPLOYMENT EQUITY     4. EXTERNAL DEMANDS     5. DISCUSSION         A. Coverage         B. Facilitating flexible work              arrangements         C. The implications of other types              of legislation     6. OBSERVATIONS AND POSSIBLE          ACTION CHAPTER III - NON-LEGISLATIVE   INITIATIVES     1. WHAT'S OUT THERE?     2. THE PARTNERSHIPS:          CONSULTATION AND          COLLABORATION     3. ON THE RESEARCH FRONT     4. EDUCATION AND CULTURE          CHANGE STRATEGIES         A. Government-based activities         B. Non-governmental and              community-based activities     5. DISCUSSION         A. Developing partnerships         B. The research         C. The voluntary sector     6. OBSERVATIONS AND          POSSIBLE ACTION CHAPTER IV - WORK-LIFE PRACTICES   IN CANADIAN WORKPLACES     1. THE GOVERNMENT AS EMPLOYER         A. Maternity / Pregnancy / Adoption              / Parental Leave         B. Family / Dependent /              Compassionate / Bereavement              Leave         C. Education / Career              Development / Deferred Salary              / Personal Leave         D. Other Leave         E. Flexible Work Arrangements         F. Child-Care         G. Other Initiatives     2. PUBLIC, PARA-PUBLIC AND          PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVES         A. The Public and Para-Public              Sector         B. The Private Sector     3. DISCUSSION     4. OBSERVATIONS AND POSSIBLE          ACTION CHAPTER V - LOOKING FORWARD     1. A STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF          THE ISSUE     2. OPTIONS FOR FEDERAL /          PROVINCIAL / TERRITORIAL          ACTION         A. Demonstration of Leadership         B. Information sharing between              jurisdictions         C. Information sharing with              stakeholders         D. Networking and follow-up         E. Learning         F. Incentive Program NEXT STEPS APPENDICES -

INTRODUCTION

In February 2000, a meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for labour was convened. Following presentations on work-life balance, the ministers agreed to support and promote work-life balance in Canadian workplaces. They directed the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation (CAALL) deputies to gather information on the subject and report back to them in February 2001.

In May 2000, further to this request, the CAALL Deputies established an Ad Hoc Committee on Work-life Balance. The Committee's mandate was to collect data from each jurisdiction, identify examples of workplace practices, initiatives and trends related to work-life balance and prepare a report for the ministers summarizing the findings with recommendations for potential collaborative projects on work-life balance.

Presentation of the completed report was initially scheduled in February 2001. When that meeting was postponed, the completed report was forwarded directly to Ministers in March 2001. CAALL subsequently requested that the report be updated for presentation to ministers in February 2002.

This is the updated version of that report. It provides an overview of the issue as reported by CAALL member jurisdictions. It notes the context in which the issue of work-life balance is evolving, summarises the information received, includes a strategic analysis of the issue and provides suggestions as to possible directions for individual and joint action by jurisdictions, for CAALL's consideration.

Presentation

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Executive Summary