Human rights impact of statutory holidays probed by City of Winnipeg
The City of Winnipeg is investigating how statutory holidays fit in with its human rights principles.
A motion from the City’s Human Rights Committee says it is looking at how the legislative statutory holiday and days of observance align with the City’s principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. It says it will be gathering feedback from stakeholders.
“The majority of legislative statutory holidays and days of observance imposed by federal and provincial legislation represent only one culture and religion,” the April 22 motion says.
Of the eight legislative statutory holidays, the two religious holidays are Christian.
“It is clear that the ones that have been traditionally observed tend to be tied to either a particular culture or religion or background,” Pitblado Law Partner Todd Andres said in an interview with CTV News.
Andres says these holidays could be a human rights issue as an employer.
“They don’t have legislative authority over the statute, the employment standards code,” Andres said. "If the provincial employment standards code was to be amended, that is something that would have to be done by the provincial government.”
However, he says the City of Winnipeg can make holiday changes for its employees.
“The City of Winnipeg as an employer can make specific agreements with its unions to recognize certain holidays other than the ones set out in the employment standards code.”
Andres says holidays could be up for debate in the future.
“There is a tendency now to be perhaps more critical that. Just because things were a particular way at one point in time doesn't mean they don’t need to be re-examined and looked at again."
Feedback will be shared with the city's human rights committee on July 18.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.