The federal government will hold consultations on giving Canadian employees more flexibility in their work hours, part of a broader overhaul of employment rules.
The consultation, launched Monday by MaryAnn Mihychuck, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, aims to bring the right to request flexible working arrangements to Canada.
“It’s time we gave Canadians the flexibility they need to balance their busy lives at home and at work,” said Mihychuck. “Our plan will do just that, and I’m looking forward to hearing from Canadians about how flexible work arrangements could help them.”
Read: 75% of global employers offer flexible working
Flexible working can take a variety of forms, but usually involves giving someone the right to change where they work or the time they begin or finish work to help balance other responsibilities. According to the government, reasons might include allowing someone to pick up or drop off their child at day care or school, to take care of a loved one, enrol in training or education program or participate in traditional Indigenous practices such as hunting or fishing.
Canadians can share their view with the government through online and in-person consultations. Anyone can submit their views through an online survey open until June 30, 2016. The government also said it will hold roundtables across Canada in the coming weeks to hear from employers, workers, academics and others.