The provincial government is proposing changes to the Employment Standards Act that would affect the employment status of athletes in New Brunswick.
Labour Minister Donald Arseneault says amateur sports teams contribute to the social fabric of its communities, which is why the provincial government is helping ensure the longevity of these teams for years to come.
Arseneault says these teams provide a lot of benefits to its players through scholarships and other kinds of contributions they make to players, and their families.
The proposed changes would exempt athletes from being part of the Employment Standards Act, meaning teams will not be required to provide a minimum salary and other benefits to its athletes.
Arseneault says the teams can face potentially over $380,000 a year and calls it a huge financial burden.
He says the Quebec Major Junior and Major Junior hockey leagues made it clear that if these changes were not made, it could possibly lead to some teams closing their doors for good.
Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan all have similar employment standards in relation to amateur athletes.
Prince Edward Island will also be seeking the same changes.
Members of the public can have their say on the matter for the next 30 days.
In a release, the provincial government states the proposed regulations would exempt amateur athletes from vacations, paid public holidays, minimum wage, weekly rest periods and protection from dismissal and termination of employment.
