Ontario Unveils Sixth Working for Workers Act

TORONTO — The Ontario government introduced the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 on Wednesday, unveiling a sweeping package of proposed measures aimed at enhancing worker safety, boosting the skilled trades workforce, and reducing costs for workers and businesses across the province.

The legislation builds on the previous five Working for Workers acts and includes new parental and long-term illness leaves, expanded cancer coverage for firefighters, and strengthened workplace safety regulations.

Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development David Piccini emphasized the government’s commitment to worker wellbeing and economic growth. “Our government’s proposed sixth Working for Workers bill will introduce game-changing measures to grow Ontario’s workforce, bring more women into the trades, crack down on bad actors, and provide nation-leading protections for firefighters,” he said.

Today, I’m proud to introduce our government’s sixth Working for Workers Act, a bold step forward to protect workers, grow our skilled trades workforce, and lower costs for families and businesses. Let’s keep building a brighter future for Ontario workers. #WorkingForWorkersSix pic.twitter.com/6H71s4oMQX

— David Piccini (@DavidPiccini) November 27, 2024

Key Highlights of the Proposed Act

Enhanced Roadside Worker Safety

The government plans to expand the Highway Traffic Act to require motorists to slow down and move over for roadworkers with flashing amber lights, beyond the existing rules for emergency vehicles and tow trucks. This measure excludes construction zones with posted speed limits.

Support for Families and Workers’ Wellbeing

The proposed act includes the creation of new job-protected parental leave for parents through adoption or surrogacy, and a 27-week long-term illness leave for workers with serious medical conditions—the longest of its kind in Canada. It also mandates properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) for women in all sectors to encourage greater participation in skilled trades.

Additionally, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) will invest $400 million to bolster worker health and safety, including mental health resources and recovery support.

Improved Cancer Protections for Firefighters

New measures will remove age restrictions for colorectal cancer diagnoses and reduce the required years of service for primary-site kidney cancer from 20 to 10 years, setting the lowest duration of service requirement in Canada.

Investment in Workforce Development

The province aims to train over one million workers by allocating $1.4 billion through the Skills Development Fund. Immigration pathways for healthcare workers will also be expanded to attract more qualified professionals to Ontario.

Cost Reductions for Workers and Businesses

The WSIB plans to return $2.5 billion in surpluses to safe employers and lower premium rates to their lowest level in 50 years. The province will also waive the fee for apprentices taking their first Certificate of Qualification exam, saving them $330 each—a benefit already enjoyed by nearly 11,000 apprentices.

Honoring Skilled Tradespeople

The province will introduce Skilled Trades Week during the first week of November to celebrate the contributions of experienced tradespeople and encourage the next generation to follow in their footsteps.

Crackdown on Exploitation of Newcomers

The proposed act includes lifetime bans and new penalties for fraudulent immigration representatives who exploit newcomers.

Building on Previous Successes

Since 2021, Ontario’s Working for Workers acts have been instrumental in growing the workforce, cutting costs for businesses, and improving worker protections. The sixth iteration continues this momentum, reflecting the government’s ongoing focus on making Ontario a leader in worker wellbeing and economic opportunity.

The proposed measures now await legislative approval. If passed, the act promises to bring significant benefits to workers and employers across the province, ensuring Ontario remains a top destination to live, work, and raise a family.