Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government introduced the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 on Wednesday, with several measures to protect the health and wellbeing of workers, bring more people into the skilled trades and keep costs down for Ontario workers.
New rules would support workplace safety by cracking down on bad actor employers, with mandatory minimum fines of $500,000 for corporations convicted of repeated offences within a two-year period under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The government is also proposing to expand existing roadside safety laws under the Highway Traffic Act to require motorists to slow down and move over for roadworkers, such as highway maintenance workers.
According to Labour Minister David Piccini, the legislation includes “game-changing measures” to attract more women into the trades, cracking down on employers exploiting newcomers and harming workers.
Regulatory changes would include:
- Expanding requirements for drivers to slow down and move over when passing emergency vehicles and tow trucks under the Highway Traffic Act to also include prescribed work-related vehicles at roadside with flashing amber lights activated (excluding construction zones with posted speed limits).
- Creating a new parental leave for parents through adoption and surrogacy and 27-week job-protected long-term illness leave for workers with a serious medical condition which would be one of the longest provincial leaves in Canada; and require properly-fitting PPE for women in all sectors to bring more women into the trades.
- Unlocking $400 million to invest in worker health and safety, including mental health and recovery, through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
- Funding $1.4 billion through the Skills Development Fund to train over 1 million workers in every corner of the province, and attract more health care workers to Ontario by expanding immigration pathways for qualified health care workers.
- Returning more than $2.5 billion through rebating WSIB surpluses to hundreds of thousands of safe employers, reducing business premium rates to the lowest average level in half a century, and waiving the fee for apprentices taking their first Certificate of Qualification exam.
What construction industry leaders are saying:
“The introduction of Working for Workers 6 is a significant step forward in elevating the safety of Ontario’s frontline road workers. These measures demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting those who work tirelessly to build and maintain our province’s critical infrastructure.”
– Walid Abou-Hamde – CEO, Ontario Road Builders Association
“The importance of properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) can be easily overlooked when you can go to virtually any retailer and easily find PPE that fits your body and keeps you safe. The Working For Workers Six Act and the requirement of properly fitting PPE for women is poised to create a transformative ripple throughout the construction industry and marketplace. By prioritizing safety inclusively, we not only encourage more women to join the sector but also clearly communicate they are not merely present in construction—they are essential and embraced.”
– Jennifer Khan – Vice-president, Inclusive Diversity, EllisDon
“For years, women like me have had to adapt to tools, equipment and policies that weren’t designed with us in mind. When we make the trades more inclusive—through properly fitting PPE, clean facilities, and parental leave—we’re not just supporting women, we’re transforming the entire industry.”
– Natasha Ferguson – founder, A Woman’s Work
“The Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario appreciate the progressive steps forward announced today to improve the lives of working people. From clean washrooms and proper fitting PPE, to parental leave and a notable investment in mental health over the next five years, we look forward to working with the government to implement these changes in a way that makes a real impact on workers.”
– Marc Arsenault – Business manager of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario
“These proposed measures are critical in recognizing the contributions of skilled trades professionals and addressing the challenges they face, particularly for women. We fully support Ontario’s efforts to create safer, more inclusive workplaces where no parent has to choose between their career and their family.”
– Candice White – CEO and Registrar, Skilled Trades Ontario
“The strength and future of Ontario relies on a skilled, safe and productive workforce. These are the men and women who power our energy sector, build public infrastructure, connect communities and move our economy forward. The new Working For Workers Six Act continues to exemplify a commitment to investing in Ontario’s skilled workforce with a focus on policy that impacts LiUNA members and their families.”
– Joseph Mancinelli – Vice President and Canadian Director, LiUNA International
“The Working for Workers Six bill is a testament to the Ontario government’s commitment to a fair and just workplace. By strengthening protections for vulnerable immigrants, expanding leave options, prioritizing worker safety, and reforming pre-employment practices, Premier Ford and Minister Piccini are leading the way in creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all of Ontario’s working class.”
– Nole Coutrouzas – VP & Business Representative, UBC Millwright Local 1916
Statements above were gathered by the government for its news release.