Minister Leitch renews Canada-Brazil Memorandum of Understanding on labour cooperation

SAO PAULO, Brazil, May 18, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, and Manoel Dias, Brazil's Minister of Labour and Employment, renewed the Canada-Brazil Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the area of labour and employment.

This MOU facilitates and encourages cooperation on labour issues and addresses themes such as labour relations, labour inspections and standards, workplace health and safety and the promotion of decent work. It provides both countries with an excellent opportunity to learn about each other's labour priorities, legislation, and services and programs for workers and employers, as well as compare best practices and share lessons learned.

The renewed MOU will be in effect for three years and implemented through a program of cooperative activities designed to enhance labour cooperation between the two countries.

Quick Facts

• MOUs are non-binding agreements Canada signs with emerging economic powers that are not Free Trade Agreement partners. Canada currently has MOUs on labour cooperation with Argentina and China as well.
• Canada and Brazil entered into an MOU in 2001 and subsequently renewed it in 2004, 2007 and 2010.
• Activities under the MOU have mainly focused on labour inspection, inter-jurisdictional labour issues in federal systems and health and safety issues in the workplace.
• Canada's Strategy for Engagement in the Americas identified Brazil as a priority partner country.

Quote

"The renewal of this Memorandum of Understanding underscores Canada's commitment to further strengthen our working relationship with Brazil. It is a key instrument that will allow Canada and Brazil to exchange knowledge on important labour issues that are of mutual interest and to share best practices to promote safe working conditions and the well-being of workers."
– The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada