8) shot Vern - thanks for sharing.
For what it's worth, here's the latest on job protection for Reservists, from the Minister of Human Resources & Social Development - in spite of media coverage saying "Canada wants to protect jobs of Reservists," I'm not exactly reading that in
the news release (highlights mine - maybe the third highlighted bit commits a bit) .....
Canada's New Government stands up for the Canadian Reserve Force
Minister Blackburn engages in national dialogue towards reintegration strategy
Sep 28, 2007 13:00 ET
MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketire - Sept. 28, 2007) - The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, visited New Brunswick today to
continue Canada's New Government's dialogue to ensure that reservists are successfully reintegrated into the Canadian work force.
"Canada's New Government is committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the men and women of the Canadian Reserve Force who serve our country are well supported when they return to civilian working life. They deserve it," said Minister Blackburn.
There are over 33,000 reservists living in hundreds of communities across Canada. Approximately 2,500 of these reservists are on active duty at any given time, and many are students. However, those who are employed in full-time jobs elsewhere comprise the largest segment of the Canadian Reserve Force.
Minister Blackburn addressed members of the Gagetown Canadian Forces Base as part of
his national dialogue tour with stakeholders. Later in the day, Minister Blackburn attended a press conference at the Hildegard Fire Station in order to recognize the City of Moncton for its exceptional support to members of the Canadian Reserve Force.
Canadian Reserve Force personnel play a vital role in protecting Canada's interests at home and abroad. Reservists have been called upon frequently to contribute to international peace, stability and human security throughout the world. They have also come to the aid of Canadians in times of crisis, such as the Winnipeg and Saguenay floods, and the Ice Storm of 1998. In doing so, reservists take time away from not only their jobs and careers but also from their families and friends.
"Let's do everything we can to ensure that no one who wears our military uniform should ever have to go directly from the front line to the unemployment line," added Minister Blackburn.
Canada's New Government is engaging in a dialogue to hear the perspectives of other jurisdictions and interested stakeholders before moving forward on implementing a strategy to ensure that reservists reintegrate into the Canadian work force successfully.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.