LEgislative Updates
On October 25, 2021, the Ontario government introduced Bill 27, Working for Workers Act, 2021 ("Bill 27"). Bill 27 proposes numerous amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 ("ESA"), the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 ("WSIA"), the Occupational Health and Safety Act ("OHSA"), and other employment-related legislation.
On October 25, 2021, the Ontario government introduced Bill 27, Working for Workers Act, 2021 ("Bill 27"). Bill 27 proposes numerous amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 ("ESA"), the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 ("WSIA"), the Occupational Health and Safety Act ("OHSA"), and other employment-related legislation.
The Federal Pay Equity Act is coming into force (becomes law) on August 31, 2021. The Act will require federally regulated employers, including Federal Crown corporations, banks and railways, to create a workplace pay equity act within three years of becoming subject to the Act. The Act requires federally regulated employees to receive equal pay for work of equal value.
On April 29, 2021, Ontario’s Covid-19 Worker Income Benefit came into effect and the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) was amended. Employers are now required to provide eligible employees with up to three days of paid infectious disease emergency leave because of certain reasons related to COVID-19. Eligible employers must also make their application for reimbursement to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board within 120 days of the date the employer paid the employee
The Bill, the Support Workers Pay Act, 2021, will increase the amount support workers will be compensated for work performed. The Act also requires those who employ support workers to provide travel payments for each kilometer traveled between worksites. The Act also details responsibilities for the Minister of Long-Term Care, specifically the Minister will develop training, education and professional development programs for support workers and long-term care staff. Support workers will be paid for their participation in these programs. The Act also establishes the Support Worker Wage Review Commission