SIPP Public Policy Papers 18

Abstract

In recent years governments across Canada have tried to deal with the issue of the provision of essential services through new or amended legislation. More specifically, the attention has been focused on whether strikes should be permitted and if so, whether certain employees should be designated as essential. This has not been a smooth process as every attempt by politicians (regardless of party stripe) to “change the rules of the game” has been met with resistance and hostility by labour unions. The latter have been generally opposed to any legislation that would diminish or compromise their bargaining power.