The sixth instalment of the Ontario Government’s series of “Working for Workers” Acts has received royal assent as of December 19, 2024. However, while the Working for Workers Six Act has received royal assent, certain portions act is not yet in effect pending proclamation by the Lieutenant Governor. So, what are the latest changes?
Changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000
The Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”) is amended with a new “Placement of a Child Leave” will permit employees with at least 13 weeks of consecutive service to take up to 16 weeks of unpaid leave because of the arrival of a child in the employee’s care through adoption or surrogacy.
The ESA is also amended to provide a new “Long-Term Illness” Leave also for employees with at least 13 weeks of consecutive service. The Long-Term Illness Leave will be for a duration of up to 27 unpaid weeks. It applies in situations where an employee will not be performing their duties due to a serious medical condition suffered by the employee.
Note that changes to the ESA are not yet in effect.
Changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) is also amended to authorize the Chief Prevention Officer to establish criteria for workplace safety training programs delivered outside of Ontario for the purpose of establishing that such a program meets the equivalency criteria to those of already approved programs already delivered in Ontario. In addition, the OHSA will enable the Chief Prevention Officer to establish policies regarding training requirements under the OHSA.
Where employees are required to wear personal protective equipment (“PPE”), the OHSA will now require that all such equipment that is provided must be a proper fit and appropriate to the safety circumstances for which it is provided. The Lieutenant Governor in Counsel will also now have the authority to make regulations relating to assessments of PPE.
Changes to the OHSA stemming from this legislation are already in effect.
There are also additional changes to the Highway Traffic Act, the Ontario Immigration Act, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. The Working for Workers Six Act further includes the enactment of the Skilled Trades Week Act, 2024 which establishes that the first full week each November will be a “Skilled Trades Week”.
At Bridge Legal & HR Solutions, we specialize in providing expert legal advice with up-to-date knowledge of legislation. With our support, organizations can navigate these legal changes with confidence and integrity. To learn more about how we can support you, contact Bridge Legal & HR Solutions – (647) 794-5442 or at admin@bridgelegalhr.ca
