ACA Seeks Members Comments on New West Partnership Standard Exception Changes
On August 28, 2014 the Premiers of Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia announced a review surrounding the current list of exceptions to the New West Partnership agreement (NWP), with the goal being to reduce internal trade barriers where it is appropriate to do so.
The three governments are keen to understand regulatory irritants in complying with differing OHS standards and regulations across the three western Provinces. The governments cite as an example a recent change for industry was agreement on first aid kits. The potential benefits to industry are reduced costs for compliance and related training costs.
These changes however, may mean harmonization to use the highest level as the standard will not recognize acceptable alternative solutions.
The ACA is preparing for a presentation to the Alberta Government on December 1st. We would welcome your input on examples of irritants in complying with differing OHS standards between BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan and your thoughts on support or opposition for adopting the highest standard.
Email your input before November 26th to ken.gibson@albertaconstruction.net.