OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – June 17, 2008) – The Honourable **>Jean-Pierre
Blackburn<**, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency
of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today announced the coming into force of
new regulations to prevent violence in federally-regulated workplaces.

"The Government of Canada believes that workers have every right to expect a
workplace that is healthy, safe and free of the risk of violence," said
Minister Blackburn.  "These new regulations will help to keep Canada's labour
force safe, healthy and competitive.  Canada is taking another step in its
efforts to build the model workplace."

Under the new regulations, employers must develop a policy to prevent workplace
violence, including bullying, teasing, or abusive behaviour, and provide
training for all workers who are exposed to or who are at risk of workplace
violence.  They are also required to assess and evaluate the risk and potential
for workplace violence, and put controls in place to prevent workplace hazards
and to investigate acts of violence.  As well, employers are required to assess
the effectiveness of their policy and measures at least every 3 years and
update them as necessary.

"These violence regulations represent the most comprehensive of their type in
any jurisdiction across Canada, added Hussan Yussuff, Secretary-Treasury of the
Canadian Labour Congress.  The Minister and the Labour Program should be
complimented on the energy and effort that was put into bringing these
regulations to fruition."

"FETCO believes that the Violence in the Workplace Regulations show once again
the value of tripartitism, said Mr. George Smith, President of the
Federally-Regulated Employers in Transportation and Communication (FETCO).
"The regulations themselves were developed in close collaboration with
employers, unions, and the Labour Program.  This has resulted in a more
effective regulation dealing with this serious social issue".

At the recent meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers
responsible for labour held in Quebec City in January 2008, all labour
ministers pledged to work together on the issue of violence prevention in the
workplace as an integral part of achieving healthy and safe workplaces across
Canada.

These regulations affect sectors under federal labour jurisdiction such as
banking, interprovincial and international transportation, broadcasting,
federal Crown corporations and the federal public service.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

– END RELEASE –  17/06/2008

For further information:
Office of Minister Blackburn
Michael Winterburn
819-953-5646
OR
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
Media Relations Office
819-994-5559
OR
Labour Program Web site:
www.Labour.gc.ca