Alberta, Canada to Stop Child Labour & Create Stronger Protection Laws

Please sign and share this petition worldwide in an effort to get the province of Alberta to implement and enforce new, stronger child labour and protection laws that will defend the underage population. Recent studies show that too many young adolescents are working and many in dangerous positions! The laws are too lax in Alberta and better enforcement is needed to protect children.

Children need to be children! They will be grown quick enough, living adult lives with adult responsibilities. Alberta is known as the province with the most lenient and lax child protection laws when it comes to labour. Of the 797 adolescents in a recent survey, 49.7% had experienced at least one workplace injury in the previous year.

The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) is calling for changes to current child labour laws after the recent death of a 15-year-old worker on the job. An AFL spokesperson states that Alberta's child labour laws are among the most lax in Canada. The AFL has repeatedly made recommendations to improve working conditions and safety standards, specifically for young workers.

As Siobhan Vipond, AFL Secretary Treasurer, says, "Alberta needs targeted inspections of workplaces that employ 15-17-year-olds, especially in construction and other comparatively dangerous occupations. The AFL made urgent recommendations earlier this year, and this past weekend we are sadly reminded why these changes are so desperately needed in Alberta (more information on this issue can be found at http://nupge.ca/content/11772/alberta-remains-one-most-dangerous-places-canada-work-especially-young-workers).

Please sign and share this petition worldwide in an effort to get Alberta to implement and enforce new, stronger child labour and protection laws that will defend the underage population. Recent studies show that too many young adolescents are not only working but in jobs that could endanger their health and well-being.