Thank you, Madam Chairperson. The main purpose of these amendments to the Labour Standards Act is to provide for a new method of calculating overtime payable to workers who are paid by commission or other incentive pay in whole or in part. In making this change, we will be departing from the method of calculation which is still in use in at least one other jurisdiction. This change in legislation will introduce a simplified method for calculating overtime for commissioned workers which is similar to the method used in a number of other jurisdictions.

The previous method of calculation almost always resulted in an order for overtime and was viewed as unfair by employers. When this bill was reviewed by the Standing Committee on Social Programs, the Members expressed concern with another aspect of the bill which would have provided for the calculation of general holiday pay for commissioned workers based on the minimum wage. Later today, I will be moving amendments to the bill to address the concerns addressed by Members of that committee. Madam Chairperson, I will be available with my officials to answer any questions that there may be from yourself and Members.