Chamber Says Overtime Exemption Should Stay

Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 14:43

 

 

The president of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce says he hopes the provincial government leaves well enough alone when it comes to the issue of the northern overtime exemption.

 

Ralph Boychuk says if it isn’t broken don’t fix it.

 

Boychuk says his group recently tabled a resolution of support for the controversial legislation.

 

He notes the exemption was initially created to encourage business growth, and new companies might shy away from the area without it.

 

Boychuk adds the North doesn’t have as big a labour pool to draw on compared to most southern areas, and employers may find it tough to gather all the workers they need.

 

He says the government would be well served to leave things the way they are.

 

MLA Ron Harper is holding public meetings across northern Saskatchewan, gathering feedback about the exemption.

 

Harper is due to report his findings to cabinet this fall, but says it appears most northerners want the legislation done away with — including a few businesspeople.