Monday, December 1, 2025

Building a Stronger Ontario for Every Worker

CLAC presents budget priorities to Ontario’s Finance Committee to strengthen support for healthcare and construction workers

News

CAMBRIDGE, ON—At prebudget consultations held in Vineland Station on November 27, Ian DeWaard, CLAC Ontario director, appeared before the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs to present key recommendations aimed at strengthening support for Ontario’s essential workers in both the healthcare and construction sectors.

Representing over 19,000 CLAC members across Ontario, DeWaard acknowledged the government’s ongoing efforts to “work for workers,” while emphasizing that more must be done to ensure fairness, safety, and opportunity across the province.

1. Extending WSIB Coverage to Retirement and Residential Care Workers

CLAC is calling on the government to extend Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage to all retirement home and residential care workers. These front-line caregivers face injury and illness rates comparable to those in hospitals and long term care homes, yet they are excluded from the public insurer’s protection. DeWaard notes that WSIB’s own 2020 review identified this gap as an “unjustified anomaly” deserving immediate attention. Ensuring full coverage would bring long-overdue fairness to a group that continues to provide vital care for Ontario’s most vulnerable residents.

2. Reforming Homecare Procurement and Pay Practices

Highlighting ongoing labour shortages in the homecare sector, CLAC is urging reforms to the province’s homecare procurement system. Many homecare workers earn roughly $6 less per hour than long term care workers, often using their own vehicles to travel between clients with little or no pay for travel time. CLAC’s submission emphasizes that fair mileage rates and paid travel time are essential to attracting and retaining workers in this critical sector.

3. Continuing Investment in the Skills Development Fund (SDF)

For Ontario’s construction workforce, CLAC is emphasizing the continued success of the Skills Development Fund and calling for ongoing investment in skilled trades training. DeWaard shares that CLAC programs supported through the SDF—such as the Construction Bootcamp, Supervisor Microcertification, and Group Sponsorship Program—have already helped thousands of new and current workers gain hands-on experience and upskilling opportunities.

The Group Sponsorship Program now supports over 1,500 apprentices across 9 trades and 125 small- and mid-sized construction employers, providing administrative support and mentorship while improving apprenticeship completion rates. “It’s a model of partnership that works—for workers, employers, and Ontario’s future economic success,” says DeWaard.

A Shared Vision for Ontario’s Workforce

CLAC’s submission underscores that healthcare and construction workers are both foundational to Ontario’s prosperity. Ensuring that they are protected, fairly compensated, and provided with opportunities to grow their skills will strengthen communities and the provincial economy alike.

Key Recommendations from CLAC’s Presentation

Extend WSIB coverage to retirement and residential care workers.
Reform homecare procurement to ensure fair mileage and travel pay.
Maintain investment in the Skills Development Fund to grow Ontario’s skilled trades workforce.

CLAC will continue working collaboratively with government and industry partners to advocate for practical solutions that improve work and life for Ontario’s essential workers in both the healthcare and construction sectors.

Hon Sam Oosterhof, Hon. Dave Smith, Scott Blodgett (moderator)

Ian DeWaard presents to the committee

Building a Stronger Ontario for Every Worker

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