Ontario Enacts Fifth Working for Workers Act
The Ontario government has announced that the Fifth Working for Workers Act has received Royal Assent. This legislation introduces several changes aimed at supporting workers across the province. Key provisions include reducing the required service duration for firefighters and investigators to qualify for certain health coverages, enhancing workplace conditions for women in trades, and increasing penalties for employers violating employment standards.
The Act also mandates the availability of menstrual products on larger construction sites and requires all workplaces to maintain clean and sanitary washrooms. Additionally, it introduces measures to improve transparency in job postings and restricts the use of sick notes for certain leave entitlements.
These changes are part of a series of legislative efforts by the Ontario government to address worker-related issues since 2021.