Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, issued the following statement in recognition of the passing of the Working for Workers Act, 2021:
“Our government is working for workers everyday to help them earn bigger paycheques, stay safe, and have better opportunities. We are determined to rebalance the scales and put workers in the driver’s seat of Ontario’s economic growth while attracting the best workers to our great province.
Through the passage of this legislation, Ontario is ensuring our labour laws keep pace with the acceleration of new technology, automation, and remote work. We are protecting workers’ rights, while positioning Ontario as the top destination for global talent and investment.
We have introduced measures to make it easier to spend time with family and loved ones, requiring most workplaces have a right to disconnect policy. To help workers advance their careers and earn more, we are banning businesses from using non-compete agreements.
Other changes passed today will protect and support vulnerable workers by establishing mandatory licensing of recruiters and temporary help agencies, with the harshest penalties in the country for violators.
For truckers and food delivery couriers who keep our world moving, we are enshrining their right to access washrooms in the businesses and restaurants they serve.
Finally, we are making it easier for internationally trained individuals to practice in the professions they trained in, helping more businesses find the workers they need to drive economic prosperity for us all.
This legislation is another step towards building back a better province and cementing Ontario’s position as a global leader, for others to follow, as the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family.”