Ontario Proposes New Act to Protect Workers during Economic Uncertainty
Last month, the Ontario Government introduced the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 to bolster Ontario's workforce against economic uncertainties and U.S. tariffs. If passed, significant changes will be made to workplace policies.
Workplace Safety: Introduction of new safety rules for construction sites, requiring AEDs and recognition of CPO-accredited HSMS.
Administrative Penalties: New penalties for non-compliance, replacing potential charges if fines are paid.
Defibrillator Reimbursement: Employers may receive reimbursement for defibrillator costs.
Safety Systems: Accredited systems will be recognized as compliant where applicable.
Skills Development: Acceleration of Skills Development Fund centers and funding for mobile training units.
Worker Protection: Crackdown on exploitative practices and systemic abuse.
Job Posting Platform Rules: Platforms must allow users to report scams and maintain a visible policy on fraud prevention.
False Statements: Prohibits false claims about benefits, with penalties.
Wage Record Penalties: Fines for inaccurate wage records.
Premium Payment Penalties: Offences for unpaid premiums, with possible restitution.
Increased Fines: Up to $750,000 per conviction for repeated offences.
Aggravating Factors: Prior and multiple convictions may increase penalties.
Support for Laid-off Workers: Enhanced job search and training support.
Job Seeking Leave: Employees notified of mass termination can take three unpaid days to find new jobs, unless severance pay is provided.
Extended Temporary Layoffs: Non-union employees can be temporarily laid off for up to 35 weeks within a year, with mutual consent and approval, while unionized employees follow specific agreements.
Wenchao Dong
Senior Director and Leader, HR Policy Global, HR Policy Association
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