Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil was in Alberta yesterday to sign a deal with new Alberta Premier Jim Prentice that will allow apprentices to move more freely between the two provinces. Nova Scotia and Alberta have agreed to recognize training and trade-hours reciprocally. The benefit to the apprentice is that he or she will not be cut off from work and training opportunities in either jurisdiction because they are indentured in the one province. "Once you were enrolled in Alberta," Premier McNeil said, "what we effectively did is we locked our sons and daughters into Alberta's apprenticeship program for six or seven years." It remains to be seen whether this development will encourage the many Nova Scotia apprentices who have headed West for work during the oil sands boom to return. Over the three years ending on June 30, 2014, the net migration to Alberta from Nova Scotia was almost 9,000 people.

Each year IBEW First District (Canada) reports on recent IBEW activities, initiatives, and on news relevant to IBEW members. This fall's newsletter includes an update on federal Bill 377 (now in the Senate), news on public criticism of Alberta's deregulated electricity system, and recognition of women in trades initiatives and women's leadership within the IBEW. Read the whole newsletter below.

The Nova Scotia Utility Review Board has issued its decision with respect to the review of Nova Scotia Power's preparedness for post-tropical storm Arthur, a review ordered by the McNeil Liberal government in July 2014. The UARB makes several findings (paragraphs 70-81 in the report) that will require further reporting/implementation from Nova Scotia Power. As well, the Board outlines a new process for vegetation management and storm-hardening. To read the UARB's 41-page public decision, visit the UARB database of cases page and search on case "M0621." The link to the PDF document is in the "Exibits" list near the bottom. Click on "Board Decision."

The Liberal government will be introducing legislation later today that Health Minister Leo Glavine has said will dictate to health care workers to which union they will belong. This is a violation of the Trade Union Act which gives workers the right to a union of their choice, not their employer's choice. Nova Scotia's health care unions are united against this legislation and are calling on the government to accept a deal to create a bargaining association for health care, a model that has been employed successfully in British Columbia.

The Nova Scotia Federation fo Labour is encouraging all union activists and members and our social justice allies to come to a rally starting at 4 pm on Monday, September 29th at Province House in support of our health care workers and free collective bargaining. The House will beginning sitting at 7 pm and we want to be there as the politicians begin to arrive. This could be a late night depending on how long the House sits, so dress warm.

When: Monday, September 29th beginning at 4 pm
Where: Province House on Hollis St in Halifax
Why: To stand up for free and fair collective bargaining

IBEW International First District (Canada) VP Bill Daniels sees the Harper government's reintroduction of the anti-worker bill C-377 (see next news story) as a pre-2015-election strategy to solidify fincancial support from right-wing organizations, and as punishment for union activism in the recent provincial election in Ontario. He's asking for all IBEW members to educate oursleves about Federal issues, particularly bills C-377 and C-525 and for all of us to get involved where we can in protecting workers' rights from American-style right-to-work legislation. Please read Brother Daniels letter here, and use this list of contact information for Nova Scotia and PEI Senators to register your displeasure with the Harper government's move to fast-track Bill C-377 through the Senate.