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'Every election, we draw on issues identified by you, the membership, to develop questions for the registered political parties.' - NSGEU.
Halifax (5 June 2009) - Nova Scotians go to the polls next Tuesday – June 9 – to elect a new provincial government.
The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) is urging all members to exercise their right to vote. To obtain complete details, click on this graphic or the link at the bottom of the page.
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"Every election, we draw on issues identified by you, the membership, to develop questions for the registered political parties," the union says.
"This year, we asked the leaders of the four registered political parties the following questions on your behalf and have received the following unedited responses. We hope you find the answers helpful to you. Most importantly, make sure to Vote on Election Day, June 9 – it is your right."
NSGEU is reminding all members that the Nova Scotia Elections Act requires employers give employees time to vote. Here is the pertinent section of the act:
Time to employee to vote
(1) An employee, who is an elector, shall, while the poll is open on ordinary polling day, have three consecutive hours for the purpose of casting his vote.
(2) If the employment of an employee does not permit the use of three consecutive hours of his own time for voting, the employer shall allow the employee such additional time with pay from the hours of his employment as may be necessary to provide the three consecutive hours, but the additional times for voting shall be granted to the employee at the time of day that best suits the convenience of the employer.
(3) This Section does not apply to an employee who is engaged in the operation and dispatch of scheduled railway trains, buses, motor transports, ships, and aircraft, and to whom the three consecutive hours mentioned in subsection (1) cannot be allowed without interfering with the scheduled operation or dispatch of the trains, buses, motor transports, ships or aircraft.
(4) An employer who refuses, or by intimidation, undue influence, or in any other way, interferes with the use by an employee of the three consecutive hours for voting, or fails to pay the employee, as provided in this Section, is guilty of an offence. R.S., c. 140, s. 133.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information:
NSGEU Nova Scotia Election Information - pdf
Elections Nova Scotia Website - www.electionsnovascotia.ns.ca