EDMONTON - Alberta has taken steps to ban employers from requiring people to wear high heels at work.
Labour Minister Christina Gray says the province is amending the occupational health and safety code that currently allows employers to make high heels mandatory.
"Our government has the back of every worker and today we are also looking out for your feet," Gray said Friday.
Ontario and British Columbia banned mandatory high heels in 2017 and Manitoba did the same this year. Alberta's changes are to come into effect Jan. 1.
Get the full story. No credit card required. Cancel anytime.
We hope you have enjoyed your trial! To continue reading, we recommend our Read Now Pay Later membership. Simply add a form of payment and pay only 27¢ per article.
For unlimited access to the best local, national, and international news and much more, try an All Access Digital subscription:
Thank you for supporting the journalism that our community needs!
Your free trial has come to an end.
We hope you have enjoyed your trial! To continue reading, we recommend our Read Now Pay Later membership. Simply add a form of payment and pay only 27¢ per article.
For unlimited access to the best local, national, and international news and much more, try an All Access Digital subscription:
Thank you for supporting the journalism that our community needs!
*Introductory pricing schedule for 12 month: $0.99/month plus tax for first 3 months, $5.99/month for months 4 - 6, $10.99/month for months 7 - 9, $13.99/month for months 10 - 12. Standard All Access Digital rate of $16.99/month begins after first year.
*Introductory pricing schedule for 12 month: $0.99/month plus tax for first 3 months, $5.99/month for months 4 - 6, $10.99/month for months 7 - 9, $13.99/month for months 10 - 12. Standard All Access Digital rate of $16.99/month begins after first year.
*Introductory pricing schedule for 12 month: $0.99/month plus tax for first 3 months, $5.99/month for months 4 - 6, $10.99/month for months 7 - 9, $13.99/month for months 10 - 12. Standard All Access Digital rate of $16.99/month begins after first year.
*Introductory pricing schedule for 12 month: $0.99/month plus tax for first 3 months, $5.99/month for months 4 - 6, $10.99/month for months 7 - 9, $13.99/month for months 10 - 12. Standard All Access Digital rate of $16.99/month begins after first year.
Your free trial has come to an end.
We hope you have enjoyed your trial! To continue reading, we recommend our Read Now Pay Later membership. Simply add a form of payment and pay only 27¢ per article.
For unlimited access to the best local, national, and international news and much more, try an All Access Digital subscription:
Thank you for supporting the journalism that our community needs!
Alberta is taking the step to end policies that allow for mandatory high heels at work. Party members, including MLA Christina Gray, cheer during Rachel Notley's speech at the Alberta NDP Convention in Edmonton on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. Gray announced today that they are closing the gap in the occupational health and safety code that allows employers to require high heels. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken
EDMONTON - Alberta has taken steps to ban employers from requiring people to wear high heels at work.
Labour Minister Christina Gray says the province is amending the occupational health and safety code that currently allows employers to make high heels mandatory.
"Our government has the back of every worker and today we are also looking out for your feet," Gray said Friday.
Ontario and British Columbia banned mandatory high heels in 2017 and Manitoba did the same this year. Alberta's changes are to come into effect Jan. 1.
Gray said she heard from servers who said high heels were causing them pain and putting them at risk of tripping and falling.
Lisa Caputo, co-owner of Cibo Bistro in Edmonton, said her previous experiences in the restaurant industry included wearing two-inch heels.
"Working almost half my industry career in a workplace that demanded unsafe and uncomfortable footwear has left my feet in the shape of diamonds from the shoes that I wore eight to 10 hours," she said.
She hasn't had to wear heels for eight years, but still feels pain in her feet, she said.
"Working in an environment where looks and clothing trump service and food, you kind of lose your self worth as a woman," Caputo said. "You are pretty much an object and that's what we felt like."
Gray said no one should be forced to wear any type of footwear that may cause health or safety problems. She said the amendment will prohibit all employers in every sector to require workers use footwear that may pose risks.
"Women still have the choice to wear high heels but they cannot be forced to, especially in unsafe working environments," she said.
You can comment on most stories on The Winnipeg Free Press website. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or digital subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective January 2015.
You can comment on most stories on The Winnipeg Free Press website. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or digital subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Have Your Say
Comments are open to The Winnipeg Free Press print or digital subscribers only. why?
Log in SubscribeHave Your Say
Comments are open to The Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?
SubscribeThe Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective January 2015.