Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Legislative Update

The Ontario government recently passed the sixth installment of its working for workers legislation, Bill 229, Working for Workers Six Act, 2024. Here are some notable changes.

1. Employment Standards Act

Placement of child leave – An employee who has been employed for 13 weeks or more is entitled to 16 weeks unpaid leave if a child is placed in their care, custody, or control through adoption or surrogacy.
Long term illness leave – An employee who has been employed for 13 weeks or more is entitled to an unpaid leave of up to 27 weeks due to a serious medical condition, conditional upon the employee providing a note from a qualified health practitioner.

2. Occupational Health and Safety Act

Increased minimum fine – A $500,000 minimum fine will be imposed on a company found guilty of a second or subsequent offense under the OHSA that results in serious injury or death of a worker in a two-year period.
Appropriate PPE – Employers must ensure that PPE provided, worn, or used is a proper fit and appropriate in the circumstances for diverse bodies. This addresses the need for better PPE for women. Regulations will be provided to help employers determine what constitutes appropriate PPE.

Legislative Update

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