Bill 26: An Act to Amend the Public Service Act

This bill primarily affects the Government of the Northwest Territories and public health authorities like the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority, rather than private businesses. Nurses working in NWT public health care settings — doing day-to-day clinical work in hospitals and health centres — gain the ability to vote to have a separate association bargain collectively on their behalf. Existing employment terms and conditions for nurses who are currently Union of Northern Workers members stay in place until a new collective agreement is reached. This is largely a public sector labour relations matter with minimal direct impact on private businesses.