Province Gathering Information on Protections for Reservists

Nova Scotia, the first jurisdiction to pass legislation to protect reservists' interests while they are in training, is considering improvements to the protections.

A discussion paper released today, June 21, asks Nova Scotians for their thoughts on the matter. Under current Nova Scotia legislation, the Canadian Forces Reservists Protection Act, reservists may take up to 18 months' unpaid leave over a three-year period.

"Nova Scotia has a long-standing tradition of supporting our men and women in uniform, and we want to know whether our legislation meets the needs of reservists," said Labour and Workforce Development Minister Marilyn More.

Reservists who take unpaid leave for military training or active service must be allowed to return to their job at the end of their leave. If that job is no longer available, the reservist must be given comparable employment.

When students leave school temporarily for military training or active service, their institution must hold any tuition or fees the student has paid for when they return to studies.

The province wants to know if the amount of leave provided in the act meets the needs of reservists and whether the provisions for student reservists are sufficient.

A discussion paper, in English and in French, is available on the Department of Labour and Workforce Development website. Responses should be mailed, e-mailed, phoned or faxed by July 19.

Reservists, their employers or educational institutions, and all other interested parties are encouraged to participate.

There are an estimated 2,700 reservists in Nova Scotia.