Ontario passes Working for Workers Act

Legislation includes new rules for job postings, sick notes, WSIB coverage

BY Jim Wilson 30 Oct. 2024

The Ontario government has just passed its fifth Working for Workers Act.

“Our government continues to lead Canada by strengthening supports for frontline heroes, growing Ontario’s workforce, and cutting red tape to help more workers get better training, for better jobs, with bigger paychecks,” says David Piccini, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development.

These changes expand on “groundbreaking measures” included in the four previous Working for Workers Acts since 2021, he said.

Under the legislation:

Employers are required to disclose whether a vacancy truly exists in publicly advertised job postings and respond to interviewees within a specified period.
The government is prohibiting sick notes as evidence of entitlement to the three job-protected unpaid sick-leave days.
Firefighters, investigators and volunteers will be eligible for presumptive Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage for primary-site skin cancer after 10 years in service, down from the previous 20 year-requirement.
The government is also requiring menstrual products be made available on, cracking down on virtual harassment, and requiring all workplaces to have clean and sanitary washrooms and records of cleaning.
The maximum fines that can be issued to individuals convicted of violating the Employment Standards Act (ESA) is increasing.

Currently, Ontario is progressing further towards the implementation of Bill 190 – the Working for Workers Four Act, 2024 – which will impact hiring practices in the province.

Stakeholders welcome Working for Workers Five Act

Several stakeholders welcomed the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 receiving Royal Assent.

“The Ontario Medical Association appreciates Minister Piccini’s commitment to cutting red tape by eliminating unnecessary sick notes,” said Dr. Dominik Nowak, president of the association. This important step reduces administrative burden, freeing doctors to focus on patient care and easing the strain on the health-care system. We look forward to collaborating with the Minister to streamline processes that improve health-care delivery and access for all Ontarians.“

UNITE HERE Local 75 also supports the changes introduced under the legislation.

“The bill brings improvements and protections for Ontario’s workers and job seekers and breaks down barriers for a safe and inclusive workforce,” said Guled Warsame, president of the group. “By enhancing safety prevention and compliance requirements, hiring and employment standards and accessibility to the labour market, we recognize the Government of Ontario’s work to support and protect workers.”

“Working for Workers Five shows this Government’s, and Minister Piccini’s, commitment to the skilled trades,” said Andrew Pariser, vice president, RESCON.

“This bill highlights that Ontario is a global leader when it comes to the recruitment and retention of top talent. By focusing on health and safety, workers rights, and workers protections, Ontario is investing in Ontario’s workers and Ontario’s economy.”

Previously, Ontario proposed changes to ensure fair hiring practices and impose stricter penalties on violators of the ESA.