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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 79

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
October 26, 2023
Working for Workers Act, 2023
  • Bill 79 is a law that amends various statutes related to employment and labor in Ontario. It includes changes to the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act, the Employment Standards Act, the Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, and the Ontario Works Act. The amendments cover a range of topics, including penalties for contraventions, leaves of absence for employees, collection of personal information, and fines for corporations. The law has been enacted as Chapter 15 of the Statutes of Ontario in 2023.
  • H1
  • H2
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  • RA
  • Yea (12)
  • Nay
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • One possible steelman argument in favor of this Explanatory Note is that it provides clarity and transparency to the readers of Bill 79. By clearly stating that the Explanatory Note does not form part of the law, it helps readers understand the purpose and scope of the document. This can prevent confusion and ensure that readers focus on the actual content of the bill itself. Additionally, by providing a summary of the amendments made to various statutes, the Explanatory Note serves as a helpful reference guide for readers who want to understand the key changes introduced by Bill 79.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Opposing Argument: Bill 79, also known as the Working for Workers Act, 2023, introduces several amendments to various statutes related to employment and labor in Ontario. While the intention may be to protect workers and improve labor conditions, there are concerns about the potential negative consequences of these changes. Firstly, the amendments to the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act, 2009 raise concerns about government overreach and excessive regulation. By increasing penalties for contraventions of subsection 9(1) or (2) of the Act, the government is imposing stricter regulations on employers who hire foreign nationals. This could discourage businesses from hiring foreign workers, limiting job opportunities and economic growth. Additionally, the amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000, particularly the introduction of reservist leave, could burden employers and disrupt business operations. Requiring employers to provide leave for employees undergoing treatment, recovery, or rehabilitation due to participation in certain operations or activities could lead to increased costs and difficulties in managing work schedules. The amendments to the Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act, 2006 also raise concerns about government interference in professional licensing. Requiring regulated professions to ensure access to qualified professionals may undermine the merit-based system and potentially lower the standards for entry into these professions. Accepting Canadian experience as a qualification for registration could also disadvantage foreign professionals who may have equivalent qualifications but lack Canadian experience. Furthermore, the amendments to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act increase fines for corporations, which could disproportionately impact small businesses. Higher fines may discourage investment and hinder business growth, particularly for industries already facing economic challenges. Lastly, the amendments to the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997 and the Ontario Works Act, 1997 raise concerns about privacy and data collection. Allowing the collection and disclosure of personal information by the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development on behalf of the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services could compromise individuals' privacy rights and lead to potential misuse of personal data. In conclusion, while the intentions behind Bill 79 may be well-meaning, the amendments introduced raise concerns about government overreach, burdensome regulations, potential lowering of professional standards, and privacy issues. It is important to strike a balance between protecting workers and ensuring a favorable business environment for economic growth and job creation.
Royal Assent
  • Oct. 26, 2023, noon
  • Read
Third Reading
  • Sept. 26, 2023, noon
  • Passed

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
September 26, 2023

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
September 25, 2023
Second Reading
  • May 8, 2023, noon
  • Passed

Assembly Motion No. 4306

43rd Parl. 1st Sess. (ON)
March 30, 2023, 10:15 a.m.
  • Bill 79
  • Latest: Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2023, chapter 15
  • Second Reading of Bill 79, An Act to amend various statutes with respect to employment and labour and other matters.

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
March 30, 2023

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
March 29, 2023

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
March 23, 2023

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
March 22, 2023
First Reading
  • March 20, 2023, midnight
  • Passed