From new safety rules to crackdowns on job ad scams, legislation looking to retrain workers hit by U.S. tariffs, and better protect jobseekers
To help protect Ontario workers amid growing economic uncertainty and the effects of U.S. tariffs, the provincial government has introduced the seventh Working for Workers Act, 2025.
The new bill, which builds on the previous Working for Workers Six Act—passed in 2024—includes 18 proposed reforms aimed at enhancing safety, job mobility, and economic resilience across the province.
“We’re proposing changes that will prepare workers and businesses for the jobs of the future, while helping workers facing impacts from U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
If passed, the legislation would introduce new safety rules for construction sites, including a requirement for automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) on projects that last more than 30 days and employ more than 20 workers.
The average cost of an AED, according to the government, is about $2,300. To help cover these costs, the province is proposing a reimbursement program through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
Additionally, the legislation would grant the government new powers to mandate equal treatment of accredited safety systems in public project procurement. Specifically, it would allow the Chief Prevention Officer to require public infrastructure project owners, constructors, and employers to recognize CPO-accredited Health and Safety Management Systems (HSMS) during procurement processes.
To support enforcement, the Act proposes the creation of a general Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) framework under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). This would enable regulators to issue financial penalties for non-compliance with the new HSMS requirements, reinforcing accountability.
According to data from the Ministry, 15 per cent of inspection reports in the construction sector have referenced “cardiac” or “heart attack” incidents.
“Our skilled workers are at the center of our government's plan to build highways, energy and key infrastructure. Ensuring lifesaving equipment is where it’s needed to keep them safe is one more way we create safer workplaces,” Piccini said.
In addition, the legislation proposes accelerating the development of Skills Development Fund (SDF) training centers to support workers affected by U.S. tariffs.
The legislation aims to leverage the $2.5-billion funding package announced earlier this month to help retrain Ontario workers and equip them for in-demand roles.
To speed up the development of new training centres, Ontario is proposing legislative and regulatory amendments that would exempt SDF Capital Stream projects from certain land-use planning requirements.
The move aims to cut red tape that often delays construction, without compromising safety.
To strengthen Ontario’s skilled trades pipeline, the Act also proposes:
Increased funding for mobile training units to give youth hands-on experience in the trades
Consultations on prioritizing apprentice hiring in public infrastructure projects to support job site learning
New powers for inspectors to require in-person interviews with Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) applicants, helping flag fraudulent claims
More responsive immigrant selection by allowing the government to withdraw applications that no longer align with labour market needs
Launching a new employer portal for the OINP in summer 2025, streamlining digital submissions and processing
The Working for Workers Act, 2025, also introduces measures to tackle exploitative practices and systemic abuse impacting both jobseekers and current employees.
To strengthen employment protections, the Act would:
Crack down on employers who submit false information, hide payroll records, or evade premium payments—ensuring injured workers receive proper WSIB support and that all businesses contribute their fair share
Require job posting platforms to include a mechanism for reporting fraudulent job ads, helping protect jobseekers from scams
Launch consultations on regulating talent agents, managers, and worker representatives to prevent exploitation
Explore limits on employer access to employee electronic data, including potential privacy restrictions and new oversight mechanisms
In response to economic instability due to the U.S. tariffs, the legislation would also aim to improve job search and training support for displaced workers.
Key proposals include:
Requiring employers to provide up to three unpaid days off for job-seeking following mass terminations
Mandating that employers give affected workers information on available provincial retraining and job search services
Allowing temporary layoffs to extend beyond the 35-week limit to help maintain the employment relationship during economic uncertainty
Accelerating training access by working with colleges, unions, and Training Delivery Agents to deliver timely upskilling—particularly via micro-credentials
Deploying proactive Action Centers to help laid-off workers navigate services and retrain faster, using data-driven targeting
