Ontario Ministry of Labour What’s New – April 2019
Ontario Budget: New Ministry of Labour vision statement
Ontario strives to be the best jurisdiction in North America to recruit, retain and reward workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow. The Province will create dynamic labour markets and safe workplaces, with fair and competitive labour and employment regulations. Learn the full details about the Ministry of Labour’s new vision statement.
Ontario passes legislation to cut red tape and create jobs
Ontario’s government is putting people first by taking another major step towards cutting red tape and reducing the regulatory burdens facing job creators by passing the Restoring the Ontario’s Competitiveness Act. The act will reduce regulatory burdens in 12 sectors, helping job creators thrive, create and keep good jobs.Read more | Join the conversation
Read more about the amendments to Ministry of Labour legislation
Ontario protecting jobs and investing in Northern Ontario
Ontario is putting people first by working to keep mine operations in Ontario and around the world safe and reliable for workers. The province is investing almost $2.6 million in a new, state-of-the-art, rope-testing machine.
Ministry of Labour continuing digital evolution
Ontario’s government is working for the people to help job creators by introducing a digital tool to help employers audit their compliance with the Employment Standards Act. The new digital self-audit tool can replace slow and cumbersome paper audits and will make it easier for businesses to comply with the act and pay workers faster.
Good Friday public holiday
Many employees will get the day off with pay on Good Friday, April 19. If you don’t qualify, you must work if asked by your employer. If you do, in most cases, you will be paid one-and-a-half times your regular pay rate. Check whether your job is eligible or if special rules apply to you.
Health and safety compliance plans
The ministry has posted its compliance plans for 2019-2020. Learn about the types of workplaces and hazards that will be targeted, and get resources to assist with complying with occupational health and safety laws. Read what to expect if an inspector visits.
Online feedback wanted!
Your feedback is needed for a new occupational health and safety strategy being developed for Ontario by the Chief Prevention Officer. Online consultations are being held to identify and address priorities for the five-year plan.
Small businesses: Health and safety resources
What responsibilities do you have as a small business employer? How do you get help to keep your workplace safe? The Ministry of Labour has updated information and resources.
New guidance for firefighters
New guidance notes will help fire service workers better understand potential health and safety issues in their workplace. Employers will also be able to identify hazards unique to fire services and determine how to prevent injury and illness to their workers.
Falls Awareness Week – May 6 to 10
Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries and deaths in Ontario. The ministry is working to prevent these tragedies by promoting an open dialogue. During Falls Awareness Week, workplaces are encouraged to stop work for 15 – 30 minutes to have a safety talk about fall hazards specific to their work environment.
National Day of Mourning – April 28
On April 28, we remember the thousands of workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness as a result of work-related incidents. We also honour their loved ones and others who have been deeply affected by these tragedies.
NAOSH Week – May 5 to 11
In early May, many people will participate in activities to raise awareness of workplace health and safety during North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week. The goal is to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Learn how to get involved.
Mental Health Week – May 6 to 12
Did you know one in five Ontario workers will experience a mental health problem this year? Health and safety organizations will provide employers with resources to better understand and prevent mental health problems during Mental Health Week in May.
Expiring collective bargaining agreements
Looking for information about collective bargaining agreements that are expiring in 2019 and 2020? Find and view online reports, displayed by sector, industry and time periods on the ministry’s Collective Bargaining Ontario website.
Video tutorials on collective bargaining reports
The ministry has posted four videos on how to view collective bargaining reports on the Collective Bargaining Ontario website. The videos educate users on various features and functions of the reports, including printing graphs, exporting data, filtering reports and close-up views of information.
WSIB monthly webinars
Learn about a new model for the setting of premium rates at monthly webinars offered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). The webinars provide updates, information on how to prepare for 2020 and an opportunity to ask questions about coming changes. View the schedule and register for the May session.
