Yellowknife (Oct 20/03) - New legislation protecting workers from unsafe conditions must also protect those who complain, says MLA Sandy Lee.

MLAs had concerns during a standing committee meeting recently that the names of those reporting unsafe working conditions would be less protected than under the existing act.

"When the committee was reviewing it (the act), whether intentional or not, it provided less protection to the worker," noted Lee.

But now revisions to the new legislation indicate the name of anyone reporting concerns will not be disclosed except under strict guidelines required to enforce the act.

Tu Nedhe MLA Steven Nitah said Northern conditions are harsh and compromising safety should not be an issue.

"If someone's identity gets compromised, people can get harassed...there are always ways. The biggest challenge is indifference. It's worse than open discrimination," Nitah said of compromising a whistleblower's identity.

Under the new legislation, workers will be protected by using safe equipment and proper training for use of such equipment.

It will also provide for the establishment of safety programs.

"I think the wording is very strong and understood by those who might have concerns. It says they will be protected," Nitah said during an interview. While he said Northern industry generally has a good safety record, "at the same time, the world is not perfect and I hope safety does not get compromised."