Fairness for Military Families Act

Mr. Gerry Martiniuk: I want to take this opportunity to thank the Premier and congratulate Labour Minister Brad Duguid for recognizing the importance of protecting the civilian jobs of our military reservists. It’s time that our reservists’ contribution to world peace is recognized by the citizens of this province.

I originally introduced a similar bill last May, and a revised private members’ bill was ready to be presented for first reading in this Parliament. The intent was that employers be required to secure the civilian jobs of our reserve force members. Our reservists deserve the opportunity to return to their civilian jobs.

I am personally aware of one reservist, who is my constituent, who lost his civilian employment while serving as a peacemaker. This is simply not acceptable.

I want to thank Lieutenant-Colonel John Selkirk, executive director of Reserves 2000; Brigadier-General Alan J. Howard; and the Honourable Senator Hugh Segal for their support and assistance in the development of my private member’s bill. I also would like to thank the thousands of Legion comrades from across Ontario who signed a petition calling on the government to protect the civilian jobs of our military reservists.

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

Hansard-Official Historical Record of
Debate in the Legislative Assembly of
Ontario – 39th Parliament
Presented by: GERRY MARTINIUK, MPP
Dec. 3, 2007