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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 149

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
March 21, 2024
Working for Workers Four Act, 2023
  • Bill 149, also known as the Working for Workers Four Act, 2023, is an act that aims to amend various statutes related to employment and labor. It consists of different sections and schedules that address different aspects of workers' rights and regulations. Schedule 1, the Digital Platform Workers' Rights Act, 2022, introduces amendments to provide better protection and rights for workers in the digital platform industry. It includes provisions regarding pay periods and pay days for digital platform workers. Schedule 2, the Employment Standards Act, 2000, introduces amendments related to job postings. It requires employers to include information about expected compensation or compensation ranges in publicly advertised job postings. It also prohibits employers from including requirements related to Canadian experience in job postings and requires employers to disclose the use of artificial intelligence in the screening and selection of applicants. Schedule 3, the Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act, 2006, introduces amendments related to the assessment of qualifications for regulated professions. It sets requirements for transparent, objective, impartial, and fair assessments by regulated professions and third parties. Schedule 4, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, introduces amendments related to occupational diseases. It includes a presumption that primary-site esophageal cancer is an occupational disease for firefighters and fire investigators, subject to certain conditions. Overall, Bill 149 aims to improve workers' rights and protections in various sectors and industries.
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  • RA
  • Yea
  • Nay
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of Bill 149 2023, the Working for Workers Four Act, could be as follows: This Act aims to amend various statutes with respect to employment and labor, as well as other matters. It includes provisions such as the Digital Platform Workers' Rights Act, which seeks to protect the rights of workers in the gig economy. By setting limits on pay periods and pay days, it ensures that workers are paid in a timely manner and have a clear understanding of their compensation. The Act also amends the Employment Standards Act, introducing new provisions related to job postings. Employers are required to include information about expected compensation or compensation ranges in publicly advertised job postings. This promotes transparency and helps job seekers make informed decisions about potential employment opportunities. Furthermore, the Act prohibits employers from including requirements related to Canadian experience in job postings. This helps to eliminate potential barriers to employment for newcomers to Canada, ensuring equal opportunities for all job seekers. Another important provision of the Act is the requirement for employers using artificial intelligence in the hiring process to disclose its use in job postings. This promotes transparency and allows job applicants to understand how their applications will be evaluated. The Act also introduces amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, providing presumptions for certain occupational diseases for firefighters and fire investigators. This ensures that these workers are protected and compensated for work-related health issues. Overall, the Working for Workers Four Act aims to improve employment and labor conditions, promote transparency, and protect the rights of workers. It addresses important issues in the modern workforce, such as gig economy workers' rights and fair hiring practices. By implementing these changes, the Act seeks to create a more equitable and inclusive labor market.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 149 2023: Bill 149 2023, also known as the Working for Workers Four Act, aims to amend various statutes with respect to employment and labor. While the intention behind this bill may be to protect workers' rights, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences and the impact it may have on the economy and individual freedom. One of the main concerns with this bill is the increased government intervention in the labor market. By imposing regulations and requirements on employers, the government is limiting their ability to make decisions that best suit their businesses and the needs of their employees. This can lead to reduced job opportunities, especially for small businesses that may struggle to comply with the additional burdens imposed by the government. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions such as the Digital Platform Workers' Rights Act, which may have unintended consequences for workers in the gig economy. While it is important to protect workers in this sector, it is equally important to recognize the flexibility and opportunities that the gig economy provides. Imposing strict regulations on digital platform workers may discourage companies from operating in Ontario, leading to a decrease in job opportunities and economic growth. Another concern is the impact on the cost of doing business. The bill includes provisions such as the requirement to disclose compensation ranges in job postings and restrictions on payment methods for tips and gratuities. While these measures may seem beneficial for workers, they can increase costs for employers, especially small businesses that may already be struggling to stay afloat. This can result in reduced hiring, lower wages, or even business closures, ultimately harming workers in the long run. Additionally, the bill includes provisions related to the fair access to regulated professions and compulsory trades. While it is important to ensure transparency and fairness in these sectors, it is equally important to recognize the value of professional qualifications and the need for rigorous standards. Imposing excessive regulations and requirements may undermine the integrity of these professions and compromise public safety. In conclusion, while the intention behind Bill 149 2023 may be to protect workers' rights, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences. Increased government intervention, higher costs for businesses, and potential harm to the gig economy and regulated professions are all valid concerns. It is crucial to strike a balance between protecting workers and preserving individual freedom, economic growth, and job opportunities.
Royal Assent
  • March 21, 2024, noon
  • Read
Third Reading
  • March 19, 2024, noon
  • Passed
Second Reading
  • Feb. 20, 2024, noon
  • Passed

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
November 22, 2023

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
November 21, 2023
First Reading
  • Nov. 14, 2023, noon
  • Passed