Proposed legislation would allow people to work past 65
Proposed changes to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code would end mandatory retirement for those aged 65 and older.
"This legislation recognizes that our older citizens can continue to make meaningful contributions in the work force," said Justice Minister Frank Quennell.
"It also recognizes that senior, experienced employees are a valuable resource, especially in work environments where labour shortages are a current or future concern."
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code Amendment Act 2006, will change the definition of age in the code to include persons over 65 years, removing the protection for mandatory retirement policies.
Employers won't be able to require employees to quit working because they have reached a certain age and collective agreements will not be able to specify a retirement age.
However, occupations, such as firefighters and police, where age relates to the ability to perform job duties, will still be able to enforce mandatory retirement.
A number of other acts and regulations will also be amended, including the Public Employees Pension Plan Act, the Municipal Employees' Pension Act, the Superannuation Act and the Public Service Regulations 1999.
The amendments will come into force one year after the act receives royal assent.
"This legislation recognizes that our older citizens can continue to make meaningful contributions in the work force," said Justice Minister Frank Quennell.
"It also recognizes that senior, experienced employees are a valuable resource, especially in work environments where labour shortages are a current or future concern."
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code Amendment Act 2006, will change the definition of age in the code to include persons over 65 years, removing the protection for mandatory retirement policies.
Employers won't be able to require employees to quit working because they have reached a certain age and collective agreements will not be able to specify a retirement age.
However, occupations, such as firefighters and police, where age relates to the ability to perform job duties, will still be able to enforce mandatory retirement.
A number of other acts and regulations will also be amended, including the Public Employees Pension Plan Act, the Municipal Employees' Pension Act, the Superannuation Act and the Public Service Regulations 1999.
The amendments will come into force one year after the act receives royal assent.
