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Ontario Introduces Working for Workers Act, 2021

The government of Ontario, Toronto aims to do their part in making migration and finding jobs easier for immigrants by introducing some legislative changes. In October, they put forward “Working for Workers Act, 2021” which, if passed, will help migrants who have years of skilled work experience but still find it hard to find a suitable job in Canada. The policy’s main aim is to make it easier for immigrants to get licensed and work in professions that match their potential and work experience. If this legislation is passed, Ontario will possibly become the first jurisdiction to adopt such a law.

The contents of Working for Workers Act, 2021 are:

  • Employers having 25 or more employees must have a policy (written) relating to employees disconnecting from their job at the end of the workday to help them spend more time with their families.
  • There shall be a ban on non-compete agreements which currently, prevents people from exploring other work opportunities to advance in their careers.
  • Drawbacks such as Canadian experience requirements will be removed for internationally trained workforce to get licensed in a regulated profession. It will also aid them in getting access to the jobs that fits their qualifications and skills.
  • To help protect the newcomers and vulnerable employees, recruiters and temporary help agencies will require a license to operate in the province.
  • Business owners shall allow delivery workers to use a company’s washroom if they are delivering or picking up items. This includes delivery drivers, couriers and truck drivers.
  • Allow surpluses in the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s Insurance Fund to be distributed over certain levels to businesses, helping them cope with the impacts of COVID-19. 
  • Enable the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to work with entities, like the Canada Revenue Agency, to streamline remittances for businesses, enabling a way to give them an efficient one-stop-shop for submitting premiums and payroll deductions.
  • Allow the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to collect information related to the agri-food workforce to ensure the government can enhance the coordination of services such as vaccination and testing, and respond to issues that may arise.

 

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