How Does Canadian Labour Law Fare in a Global Economy?

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of both the domestic and international dimen sions of Canadian labour law in the contemporary context of globalisation. The analysis of the origins and basic features of the domestic system, as illustrated by prevailing legislation in the federal and Quebec jurisdictions, highlights the overall stability of the 'Canadian model', with respect to both the legal framework of collective labour relations and employment standards. The possibility of globalising labour law through tbe insertion of international dimensions is also explored. An analysis of the North American Agreement on Labour Cooperation and other sources of inter national law relevant to tbe Canadian scene points to considerable deficiencies in the legal system's handling of transnational labour relations.