The panel consulted with about 140 experts on how to revise labour standards for workers in federally regulated private industries. It concluded the government should set a minimum wage for such workers across provinces and territories. It also urged the government to clearly define “employee” and “contract workers,” a distinction that is often murky and varies based on the employer, and to grant stronger bargaining powers to non-unionized workers. (The Logic)

Talking point: The report follows sweeping changes to the Labour Code that became effective September 1, setting standards on things like breaks, paid time off and scheduling. But after intense backlash from industries including telecoms, airlines and agriculture, the federal government walked back the new rules for many classes of workers, pending further review of the changes. The expert panel’s recent report suggests even broader worker protections than those enacted in September. The report also notes that exemptions should only be offered in exceptional circumstances and shouldn’t apply to disadvantaged or precarious workers.