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By: Nick Liard

Sudbury could have an impact on changes to the workplace as public consultations rolled through town today.

The province wide public consultations to strengthen labour laws is led by Ontario Labour Minister Kevin Flynn, who heard from a number of speakers on issues like student wages, replacement workers, and changes in the modern workforce.

Flynn says there is no specific focus for the sessions, and is open to any and all suggestions.

Flynn says major changes to the Labour Relations Act and Employment Standards Act haven’t happened in 15 to 20 years, and people are starting to take notice.

The sessions are led by special advisors Michael Mitchell and the honourable John C. Murray.

Flynn hopes to have a preliminary report from the special advisors by late this year or early 2016.

One of the speakers at the consultations sessions was Nicole Beaulieu with Sudbury Workers Education and Advocacy Centre.

She says the labour laws have not kept up with changing employment relationships and continues to get weaker.

Beaulieu did say however these sessions are a step in the right direction.

Beaulieu says this is a perfect opportunity to band together to send a clear message to the government.