For Immediate Release
Dec. 3, 2007

Government introduces legislation originally proposed by Martiniuk

Queen’s Park – The McGuinty government has introduced legislation to protect the civilian jobs of military reservists ­– an idea first proposed by Cambridge MPP Gerry Martiniuk last spring.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Labour Minister Brad Duguid and his government for recognizing the importance of protecting the civilian jobs of our military reservists,” Martiniuk said. “It is time that reservists’ contributions to world peace are recognized by our province.”

Last May, Martiniuk introduced the Military Service Leave Bill which would require employers to secure the civilian jobs of reserve force members for a period of up to two years. The bill passed first reading during the last session of Parliament.  

With the Ontario legislature back at work, Martiniuk proposed that Duguid introduce similar legislation aimed at protecting the civilian employment of military reservists.

Today, the government introduced legislation to provide military reservists with job-protected leave. The act passed third reading and will become law upon receiving royal assent.

“If passed, this legislation will be welcome news for the thousands of military reservists who leave their jobs and their families to serve our country,” Martiniuk said.

-30-

For more information, call Carol-Ann Nugent at 519-623-5852.