Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario is looking ways to create a portable health care benefits program for workers otherwise shut out.
Labour Minister Monte McNaughton says the new plan would provide workers with benefits such as health, dental and vision care, even if they change jobs.
Currently, millions of people, including those working in retail, the gig economy and hospitality have limited-to-no benefits coverage.
\To start, the government intends to create and appoint an advisory panel to recommend a system– making Ontario the first province in Canada to pursue such a comprehensive benefits program.
“Whether you’re bussing tables, working the cash, or giving rides, we are making sure necessities like dental care and affordable medication is within reach for more families,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “The future of work is here, and our government is working for workers to make sure no one is left behind.”
Establishing a panel was a key recommendation in the Ontario Workforce Recovery Advisory Committee’s final report.
Once approved and appointed by spring 2022, the up to five advisory panel members will conduct research and consultations on how to create a portable benefits strategy for Ontario, including providing a final recommendation to the government.
Currently, fewer than 25 per cent of the people in Ontario who work part-time or in precarious jobs have benefits and McNaughton says they often have to make difficult choices between their health and other necessities like food and shelter. Independent contractors, low-wage workers, newcomers, younger workers, and racialized people are also less likely to have workplace benefits.