The Changing Workplace

Alfonso Gagliano, the federal Minister of Labour, is spearheading the Collective Reflection on the Changing Workplace.

This is a process to explore the issues emerging from the changing workplace, to initiate a dialogue with Canadians, and to identify options and possible approaches to addressing those issues. The three main themes being explored are new forms of employment, the innovative workplace and work arrangements.

Minister Gagliano recognizes that equity is a core value intrinsic to Canadian identity, and that jobs and promotions must be accessible to all, including persons with disabilities. He reaffirms that Canadians with disabilities want to work, they are willing to work, and are able to work.

In order to engage Canadians in discussion of workplace issues, Minister Gagliano set up and chairs an Advisory Committee on the Changing Workplace, made up of six parttime members. It is scheduled to complete its work by the end of March, 1997, and issue a report later in the spring.

The committee would like to hear from anyone who would like to contribute to their areas of study.

Under the three main themes, the committee is pursuing 19 points of discussion. These 19 points are listed and described on an interactive website. The website includes a conference area, to provide an opportunity for Canadians to share their experiences, make their views known, and openly discuss matters relating to the changing workplace.

The information gathered through the website and by the committee will be an important resource for partners in the workplace, all levels of government and anyone who must develop dynamic policies and practices to respond to change.

To participate in the discussion or to obtain more information on the Collective Reflection, visit the website at http://www.reflection.gc.ca, or write to: Lorenzo Leban, Executive Secretary, Advisory Committee on the Changing Workplace, 10th floor, Phase II, Place du Portage, Hull, QC, K1A 0J2; tel.: (819) 997-7478; fax: (819) 953-7636; e-mail: secretariat@reflection.gc.ca.