Creating Safe Zones around Hospitals, Other Health Facilities, Schools and Child Care Centres Act, 2021

The Bill enacts the Creating Safe Zones around Hospitals, Other Health Facilities, Schools and Child Care Centres Act, 2021.

The Act creates safe zones around hospitals, other health facilities, schools and child care centres. Protests against COVID-19 vaccinations or against other public health measures, and related actions, are prohibited in these safe zones. The harassment of protected service providers who administer or assist in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines is also prohibited.

A contravention of the provisions described in the preceding paragraph is an offence. In addition, a person who suffers loss as a result of such a contravention has a right of action for damages. Any person may apply to the Superior Court of Justice for an injunction to restrain a person from contravening those provisions.

Creating Safe Zones around Hospitals, Other Health Facilities, Schools and Child Care Centres Act, 2021

First Reading

2021-10-05

Stay Home If You Are Sick Act, 2022

The Bill makes the following amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000:

1. Sections 50, 50.0.1 and 50.0.2, which deal with sick leave, family responsibility leave and bereavement leave, respectively, are replaced with a new section 50 that provides for personal emergency leave due to a personal illness, injury or medical emergency, the death, illness, injury or medical emergency of a listed family member or certain urgent matters. Under the new section 50, an employee is entitled to 10 days of paid leave in a calendar year.

2. Currently, section 50.1 of the Act provides for unpaid leave in situations related to declared emergencies and infectious disease emergencies. That section is amended to provide that employees are entitled to take the first 14 days of any such leave in a calendar year as paid leave.

3. The Act is also amended to require the Minister to implement a financial support program for employers to help employers adapt to any increased costs associated with paid personal emergency leave under section 50, as those provisions are amended by the Bill. Payment may only be made if the Legislature has appropriated money for the purpose of the program.

Employment Standards Act, 2000

First Reading

2022-08-10

Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, 2022

The Bill amends the Municipal Act, 2001 and the City of Toronto Act, 2006.

The amendments require the code of conduct for municipal councillors and members of local boards to include a requirement for those councillors and members to comply with workplace violence and harassment policies.

The amendments also permit municipalities and local boards to direct the Integrity Commissioner to apply to the court to vacate a member’s seat if the Commissioner’s inquiry determines that the member has contravened the code of conduct by failing to comply with the workplace violence or harassment policies. These applications may not be made during regular elections. Where a member’s seat on the council of a municipality or a local board is vacated, the amendments contemplate restrictions on the member’s ability to subsequently stand for election and be reappointed to the council of the municipality or the local board.

Municipal Act, 2001 City of Toronto Act, 2006

First Reading

2022-08-10

10 Paid Sick Days for Ontario Workers Act, 2021

The Bill makes the following amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000:
1. Sections 50, 50.0.1 and 50.0.2 of the Act, which provide for sick leave, family responsibility leave and bereavement leave, respectively, are repealed. Section 50 is re-enacted to provide for up to 10 paid days of personal emergency leave in the case of a personal illness, injury or medical emergency, the illness, injury or medical emergency of a specified family member or an urgent matter concerning a specified family member.
2. The Act is amended to require that the Minister implement an employer support program to provide resources and supports to assist employers in providing personal emergency leave as required by the new section 50.
3. Section 50.1 of the Act, which currently provides for three days of paid infectious disease emergency leave, is amended to increase this number to 10 days of paid leave.

Employment Standards Act

First Reading

2021-10-05

PTSD Awareness Day Act, 2018

The Bill proclaims June 27 in each year as PTSD Awareness Day.

New Act

In Committee

2018-08-02

Speaking Out About, and Reporting On, Workplace Violence and Harassment Act, 2022

The Bill amends the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The provisions of the Act protecting workers against reprisals are amended to include protections against reprisals against workers who speak out about workplace violence and workplace harassment. The amendments provide that a reprisal is any measure taken against a worker that adversely affects the worker’s employment. Examples of reprisals are provided.

The provisions of the Act addressing violence and harassment against workers are amended to provide that an employer that is a hospital and an employer that is a long-term care home shall, at least once a month, publicly report on its website the number of incidents of workplace violence and workplace harassment that took place at the hospital or the long-term care home, as the case may be, during the immediately preceding month.

Occupational Health and Safety Act

First Reading

2022-08-23

Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Education and Healthcare Sectors Act, 2021

The Bill enacts the Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Education and Healthcare Sectors Act, 2021. The Act requires specified education sector organizations and healthcare sector organizations to require their employees and other individuals that they retain to provide services to be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine.

Certain exceptions are provided for, such as where complying with the requirement would result in a contravention of the Human Rights Code. In such cases, the education sector organization or healthcare sector organization must ensure that the individual’s duties do not require direct contact with specified persons and that the individual undergo training respecting the benefits and risks of COVID-19 vaccinations.

Non-compliance with specified provisions of the Act is deemed to be sufficient grounds to make an order under section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, which may require an education sector organization or a healthcare sector organization to take specified measures to ensure compliance with the Act.

New Act

Second Reading

2021-10-21

WSIB Coverage for Workers in Residential Care Facilities and Group Homes Act, 2021

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 is amended to provide that an employer who operates a residential care facility or a group home is a Schedule 1 employer for the purposes of the Act.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997

First Reading

2021-10-07

Racial Equity in the Education System Act, 2022

Various Acts are amended with respect to racial equity. Here are some of the highlights.

A number of amendments are made to the Education Act. New subsection 10.1 (3) of the Act is amended to require the Minister to direct a board to develop its anti-racism accountability report if in the opinion of the Minister there is indication that the board’s new teacher induction program does not include anti-racism and racial equity training. Subsection 170 (1) of the Act is amended by adding anti-racism related responsibilities to the duties of boards. New subsection 212 (1.1) provides for fines for persons who disrupt or attempt to disrupt proceedings of a school or class through the use of racist language or activities. New section 277.28.1 provides that performance appraisals shall include competencies related to a teacher’s anti-racism awareness and efforts to promote racial equity. New subsection 301 (7.1.1) requires the Minister to establish policies and guidelines with respect to promoting racial equity in schools. New section 303.4 requires boards to establish and implement racial equity plans.

Amendments to the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario Act, 2005 include new subsections 2 (5.1) to (5.3) which provide that at least one member of the Council shall be a person who has expertise in racial equity in the post-education sector and that all members must have a proven commitment to racial equity or take anti-racism training. Section 6 of the Act is amended to add racial equity-related requirements to the functions of the Council.

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act is amended to add a new section 17.1 which sets out anti-racism and racial equity requirements that apply to every college of applied arts and technology and every university that receives ongoing operating funds from the government for the purposes of post-secondary education.

Subsection 18 (1) of the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996 is amended by adding a requirement that a person successfully completes any prescribed examinations and training in anti-racism in order to be issued a certificate of qualification and registration. Amendments are also made to the regulation-making authority of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

Amendments to the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002 include adding anti-racist education and training to the education and training related activities a college may undertake in carrying out its objects. New section 5.1 sets out that each college or subsidiary of a college shall develop and implement an anti-racism policy. Amendments are also made to the Act to provide that at least one member of the board of governors and one member of the board of directors of the Council shall have expertise in racial equity in the post-education sector and that all members must have a proven commitment to racial equity or take anti-racism training.

The Anti-Racism Act, 2017 is amended to add “anti-Asian racism” to the examples of types of systemic racism referred to in the Act.

Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario Act, 2005 Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996 Anti-Racism Act, 2017 Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002 Education Act

First Reading

2022-08-30

More Than a Visitor Act (Caregiving in Congregate Care Settings), 2021

The Bill enacts the More Than a Visitor Act (Caregiving in Congregate Care Settings), 2021 which requires the Minister to respect and promote certain rights for persons receiving care, support or services in congregate care settings and their designated caregivers. The Minister is also required to safely integrate designated caregivers that were excluded because of the COVID-19 pandemic back into congregate care settings. The Minister is also required to improve respect for the role of the designated caregiver within congregate care settings and to develop and implement a caregiving strategy in consultation with specified stakeholders. The strategy is to be reviewed and updated every five years and is to be published on a Government website. An interim strategy that incorporates the rights of individuals receiving care, support or services in congregate care settings to have meaningful access to their designated caregiver is to be in effect for the first year.

New Act

First Reading

2021-10-18

Access to Sexual Assault Evidence Kits and Provision of Sexual Assault Education Act, 2022

The Bill makes amendments with respect to sexual assault evidence kits and sexual assault education.

The Post-secondary Education Choice and Excellence Act, 2000 is amended to require persons who grant degrees in nursing under that Act to provide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner training, free of charge, to nursing students or have the Minister’s consent under that Act deemed not to be valid.

The Public Hospitals Act is amended to require hospitals to have at least 10 sexual assault evidence kits available for patients at all times and to provide them to patients who are in need of them, free of charge.

Public Hospitals Act Post-secondary Education Choice and Excellence Act, 2000

First Reading

2022-09-07

Early Years and Child Care Worker Advisory Commission Act, 2021

The Bill enacts the Early Years and Child Care Worker Advisory Commission Act, 2021. The Act establishes the Early Years and Child Care Worker Advisory Commission, which shall develop recommendations on how to support the early years and child care workforce and address staffing shortages, including through increased wages and improved working conditions. The Commission shall include its recommendations in an annual report made available to the public and sent to the Minister of Education. The Minister shall meet with the Commission to discuss its annual reports.

New Act

First Reading

2021-10-21

Working for Workers Act, 2021

• Require employers with 25 or more employees to have a written policy about employees disconnecting from their job at the end of the workday to help employees spend more time with their families.
• Ban the use of non-compete agreements that prevent people from exploring other work opportunities in order to make it easier for workers to advance in their careers.
• Help remove barriers, such as Canadian experience requirements, for internationally trained individuals to get licenced in a regulated profession and get access to jobs that match their qualifications and skills.
• Require recruiters and temporary help agencies to have a licence to operate in the province to help protect vulnerable employees from being exploited.
• Require business owners to allow delivery workers to use a company’s washroom if they are delivering or picking up items. This supports the delivery drivers, couriers and truck drivers who have kept our essential supplies and economy going throughout the pandemic.
• 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.

Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act (Live-in Caregivers and Others), 2009 Employment Standards Act, 2000 Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act, 2006 Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Act Occupational Health and Safety Act Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997

Royal Assent

2021-12-02

Preventing Worker Misclassification Act, 2021

The Bill amends the Employment Standards Act, 2000 to set out a test for when a person is deemed to be an employee of an employer. The purpose of the test is to ensure that workers are not misclassified as independent contractors.

The test provides that a person who performs work for another person and who is directly or indirectly remunerated by the second person for that work is deemed to be an employee of the second person unless the second person can establish that all three of the following conditions are met:

1. The first person is free from the direct or indirect control and direction of the second person in connection with the performance of the work, both under the terms of the contract for the performance of the work and in fact.
2. The first person performs work that is outside the usual course of the second person’s business.
3. The first person is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation or business of the same nature as that involved in the work performed.

The Bill includes an exemption for business-to-business contracting relationships that meet certain criteria.

Employment Standards Act

Second Reading

2021-11-18

Human Rights Code Amendment Act, 2018

The Bill amends the Human Rights Code to include immigration status, genetic characteristics, police records and social condition as prohibited grounds of discrimination. The Act currently includes race, place of origin, gender identity, family status and disability, among other things, as prohibited grounds of discrimination.
Amendments to various provisions of the Act are made including amendments to provide that every person has a right to equal treatment, without discrimination because of immigration status, genetic characteristics, police records and social condition, with respect to services, goods and facilities, the occupancy of accommodation, the right to contract, employment and membership in various types of organizations. The right to equal treatment without discrimination because of genetic characteristics includes the right to equal treatment without discrimination because a person refuses to undergo a genetic test or refuses to disclose the results of a genetic test.

Human Rights Code

First Reading

2018-09-26

Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, 2019

An Act to amend various Acts in relation to education and child care.

Early Childhood Educators Act, Education Act, Ontario College of Teachers Act, Plan for Care and Opportunity Act (Budget Measures), Teaching Profession Act

Royal Assent

2019-04-03

Protecting Vulnerable Road Users Act, 2021

The Bill amends the Highway Traffic Act. It is about the legal consequences of a collision that seriously injures or kills a pedestrian, a cyclist, a mobility device user, a roadway worker, an emergency responder outside their motor vehicle or another individual listed in the Bill.
Here are some highlights:
The driver who caused the injury or death is guilty of an offence if they caused it by breaking one of the rules of the road listed in the Bill. The listed rules include rules about unlicensed drivers, driving while intoxicated, driving while using a cell phone, speeding, careless driving, disobeying signs or lights at intersections or pedestrian crossovers, proper signalling, sharing the road, safety near emergency vehicles, safely opening car doors, and other rules.
A driver convicted of the offence is subject to the consequences for breaking the rule, and to a mandatory probation order. The order will require the driver to take a driving instruction course and perform community service. The community service must include activity related to improving driving safety and public education on driving safety. Their driver’s licence will be suspended during the probation.
The driver must also attend the sentencing hearing. Victim impact statements may be presented during the sentencing hearing.

Highway Traffic Act

In Committee

2021-11-24

Keeping Students Safe on School Buses Act (Highway Traffic Amendment), 2018

The Bill makes it mandatory to have three-point seat belts on forward-facing seats on school buses.

Highway Traffic Act

In Committee

2018-11-29

Brunt and Kendall Act (Ensuring Safe Firefighter and Trainee Rescue Training), 2021

The Bill makes amendments to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 and to the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005 to implement measures to provide for the safe training of firefighters and firefighter trainees in rescue and emergency services.

Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 Private Career Colleges Act

First Reading

2021-12-01

Speaking Out About Workplace Violence and Workplace Harassment Act, 2021

The Bill amends the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The provisions of the Act protecting workers against reprisals are amended to include protections against reprisals against workers who speak out about workplace violence and workplace harassment. The amendments provide that a reprisal is any measure taken against a worker that adversely affects the worker’s employment. Examples of reprisals are provided.

Occupational Health and Safety Act

First Reading

2021-12-06

Comprehensive Ontario Police Services Act, 2019

The Bill enacts, amends or repeals various Acts and revokes various regulations.

Community Safety and Policing Act, Police Services Act, Complementary Repeals, Consequential Amendments, Special Investigations Unit Act, Coroners Act, Mandatory Blood Testing Act,

Royal Assent

2019-03-26

Four-Day Work Week Act, 2021

The Bill enacts the Four-Day Work Week Act, 2021. The Act establishes the Four-Day Work Week Commission, which will develop recommendations on how to implement a pilot project designed to determine the effectiveness of a four-day work week in Ontario. No later than one year after receiving the report setting out these recommendations, the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development shall implement the pilot project, which will last one year. After this time, the Minister is required to prepare a report in consultation with the Commission that sets out recommendations regarding a four-day work week for Ontario workers.

New Act

First Reading

2021-12-06

9-1-1 Everywhere in Ontario Act, 2019

The Bill enacts the 9-1-1 Everywhere in Ontario Act, 2019 which requires the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services to fulfil various obligations related to the provision of and infrastructure for 9-1-1 services. The Act also places certain obligations on persons or entities who operate a 9-1-1 call centre respecting the staffing, supervision and training of staff.
The Bill also amends the Ombudsman Act to establish the position of Assistant Ombudsman responsible for the oversight of 9-1-1 operations and the Assistant Ombudsman’s functions, which include assisting the Ombudsman with investigations relating to the provision of 9-1-1 services.

Ombudsman Act

In Committee

2019-05-09

Protecting Vulnerable Persons in Supportive Living Accommodation Act, 2021

The Bill requires persons who operate a supportive living accommodation in specified circumstances to hold a licence issued by the Minister. It provides for a framework, to be supplemented by regulations, governing applications for and the issuance of licences, the obligations of persons who operate a supportive living accommodation under the authority of a licence, inspections, and complaints.

New Act

First Reading

2021-12-09

Our London Family Act (Working Together to Combat Islamophobia and Hatred), 2022

The Schedule amends the Anti-Racism Act, 2017. Highlights are as follows:
1. The anti-racism strategy required under the Act must include annual anti-racism training for frontline workers in public sector organizations, including training on anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, anti-Asian racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia.
2. The Minister is required to conduct surveys of Ontario residents respecting their experiences of racial inequity and systemic racism, particularly as they relate to inequitable outcomes, and their perceptions of racial inequity and systemic racism in Ontario.
3. The Ontario Anti-Racism Advisory and Advocacy Council is established. The Council’s mandate includes advocating on behalf of racialized groups and providing information, advice and recommendations to the Government on ethnocultural matters. The Council’s composition is provided for.

Anti-Racism Act, 2017 Education Act Election Finances Act Human Rights Code Legislative Assembly Act Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 Review of Hate Crimes and Hate-Motivated Incidents Act, 2022 Safe Zones Around Religious Institutions Act, 2022

In Committee

2022-03-03

Working for Workers Act, 2022

Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act, 2022:
The Schedule enacts the Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act, 2022. The purpose of the Act is to establish the following rights for workers who perform digital platform work:
The right to information (section 7).
The right to a recurring pay period and pay day (section 8).
The right to minimum wage (section 9).
The right to amounts earned by the worker and to tips and other gratuities (section 10).
The right to notice of removal from an operator’s digital platform (section 11).
The right to resolve digital platform work-related disputes in Ontario (section 12).
The right to be free from reprisal (section 13).

Employment Standards Act, 2000:
The Employment Standards Act, 2000 is amended as follows:
1. Section 3 of the Act is amended to provide that the Act does not apply to certain business and information technology consultants.
2. New Part XI.1 of the Act imposes a requirement on employers that employ 25 or more employees to have a written policy with respect to electronic monitoring of employees.

Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act, 2006:
The Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act, 2006 is amended to establish timelines within which regulated professions must respond to applications for registration from domestic labour mobility applicants unless an exemption is granted from the requirement. Other related amendments are made.

Occupational Health and Safety Act:
The Occupational Health and Safety Act is amended to require employers to provide naloxone kits and comply with related requirements if the employer becomes aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, that there may be a risk of a worker having an opioid overdose at a workplace where that worker performs work for the employer, or where the prescribed circumstances exist.

Various amendments are made to the Act in respect of fines applicable for convictions under the Act. The maximum fine is increased from $100,000 to $1,500,000 for directors or officers of corporations and to $500,000 for other individuals. A list of aggravating factors to be considered in determining a penalty is also added and the limitation period for instituting a prosecution is extended from one year to two years.

Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act Employment Standards Act, 2000 Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act, 2006 Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority Act, 2021 Occupational Health and Safety Act Ontario Drug Benefit Act Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006

Royal Assent

2022-04-11

Fairness for Ontario's Internationally Trained Workers Act, 2022

The Bill enacts the Fairness for Ontario’s Internationally Trained Workers Act, 2022. The Act provides that the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development shall establish a Foreign Credential Recognition Advisory Committee that shall make recommendations to the Minister regarding the employment of internationally trained workers. The Act also provides that the Minister of Health shall establish an Internationally Trained and Educated Healthcare Professions Advisory Committee that shall make recommendations to the Minister regarding the employment of internationally trained and educated healthcare professionals.

New Act

In Committee

2022-03-24

Closing Oversight Loopholes for Home Care Clinics Act, 2019

The Bill amends the Health Protection and Promotion Act, the Home Care and Community Services Act, 1994 and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Act.

Health Protection and Promotion Act
A new section 11.1 is added to the Act requiring home care clinics to establish a process for reviewing complaints and requiring the operator of a home care clinic to notify the medical officer of health if a complaint is made. Also, a new section 15.1 is added to the Act requiring every person who intends to commence to operate a home care clinic to give notice to the medical officer of health.
Home Care and Community Services Act, 1994
Paragraph 8 of subsection 3 (1) of the Act is amended to update the rights of persons receiving community services with respect to persons receiving community services at a home care clinic. A new section 30.1 is added to the Act requiring the operator of a home care clinic to provide the address of the clinic to the medical officer of health. Section 31 of the Act is amended by adding a new subsection (2) which requires the operator of a home care clinic to ensure that certain information is posted in the clinic in a conspicuous and easily accessible location. A new section 62.1 is added to the Act to give medical officers of health the right and responsibility to inspect home care clinics.

Health Protection and Promotion Act, Home Care and Community Services Act, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Act

In Committee

2019-05-02

Mandatory Police Training Act, 2019

In addition to the restrictions of the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, a person is prohibited from being appointed as, or acting as, a police officer or special constable unless the person has successfully completed the training approved by the Minister responsible for administering that Act in the use and administration of naloxone for the purpose of blocking the effects of opioids. A person is also prohibited from acting as a First Nation Officer, the Inspector General of Policing or an inspector under that Act unless the person has successfully completed that training.

New Act

In Committee

2019-05-16

Respecting Injured Workers Act (Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment), 2019

In calculating the amount of payments to an injured worker, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 considers the earnings that a worker is able to earn in suitable and available work. Currently, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board may decide that a worker is able to earn amounts that they are not actually earning, on the basis of suitable and available work they do not actually have. The amendments would prevent that from happening unless the worker refused employment in bad faith.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Act

First Reading

2019-05-27

Labour Relations Amendment Act (Replacement Workers), 2022

The Bill restores the provisions that were incorporated into the Labour Relations Act by the Labour Relations and Employment Statute Law Amendment Act, 1992 and subsequently repealed by the Labour Relations Act, 1995.

The provisions being restored prevent an employer from replacing striking or locked-out employees with replacement

Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 Occupational Health and Safety Act

First Reading

2022-04-28

Safe Night Out Act, 2022

The Bill amends the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 to require the establishment of an evidence-based, trauma-informed sexual violence and harassment prevention training program. The training is mandatory for certain categories of workers listed in the Bill, including servers, persons who provide security and supervisors. Every licensee and permit holder is required to have a sexual violence and harassment policy.

The Bill also amends Part III.0.1 (Violence and Harassment) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act respecting workplace harassment, workplace sexual harassment and workplace violence.

Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 Occupational Health and Safety Act

First Reading

2022-04-28

Justice for Victims of Occupational Disease Act, 2022

The Bill amends the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.

Section 15 of the Act is amended to set out certain rules with respect to determinations about occupational disease.

Section 161 of the Act is amended to require the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to review the lists of known carcinogens and probable carcinogens published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and to ensure that the regulations respecting occupational diseases are amended accordingly.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997

First Reading

2022-04-28

Defibrillator Registry Act, 2019

The Bill enacts the Defibrillator Registry Act, 2019. The Act provides for the creation of a registry of the location of defibrillators installed in premises that are accessible to members of the public and for the appointment of a Registrar to maintain the registry. The registry is to be made available to 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers in Ontario.
Persons responsible for premises that are accessible to members of the public are required to notify the Registrar when installing a defibrillator or when removing or relocating it. The Act also sets out certain requirements related to the maintenance of the defibrillators. The Minister responsible for the administration of the Act may develop programs and services that aim to assist in identifying where to install defibrillators and in appropriately maintaining the defibrillators. The Minister is required to develop a complaints mechanism for use by members of the public respecting alleged contraventions of the Act.

New Act

First Reading

2019-11-18

Defibrillator Registration and Public Access Act, 2020

The Defibrillator Registration and Public Access Act, 2019 is enacted. The Act imposes certain requirements respecting the installation, maintenance, testing and availability of defibrillators on designated premises or public premises. The Act also requires defibrillators at such premises to be registered with the registrar within specified time periods, and for the prescribed persons to be notified of the registrations. Regulations may be made under the Act setting out details relating to the requirements under the Act.

New Act

Royal Assent

2020-06-18

Health and Safety at Work Day Act, 2019

The Bill proclaims April 28 in each year as Health and Safety at Work Day.

New Act

First Reading

2019-11-18

Occupational Safety and Health Day Act, 2019

The Bill proclaims the first Tuesday in May in each year as Occupational Safety and Health Day.

New Act

Royal Assent

2021-04-27

Stop Cyberbullying in Ontario Day Act, 2019

The Bill proclaims the third Friday of June in each year as Stop Cyberbullying in Ontario Day.

New Act

Royal Assent

2020-09-24

Education Statute Law Amendment Act (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), 2020

The Bill requires boards of education to develop policies and guidelines with respect to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Teachers’ colleges and early childhood education programs shall be required to provide training with respect to FASD.

Education Act

Second Reading

2020-11-03

Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020

The Bill amends the Employment Standards Act, 2000 to address when emergency leave is available to employees in case of infectious disease emergencies.
The amendments entitle an employee to a leave of absence without pay, starting on the prescribed date, if the employee will not be performing the duties of his or her position because of various reasons related to a designated infectious disease, including that the employee is under medical investigation, supervision or treatment; that the employee is in quarantine or isolation; that the employee is providing care or support to another individual; or that the employee is affected by travel restrictions. Restrictions on the entitlement are specified, and related amendments are made addressing the evidence of entitlement required, when the entitlement ends and the regulation-making powers.

Employment Standards Act, SARS Assistance and Recovery Strategy Act

Royal Assent

2020-03-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Support and Protection Act, 2020

An Act to amend various Acts to address the coronavirus (COVID-19)

Development Charges Act, Education Act, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act, Planning Act, Police Services Act

Royal Assent

2020-04-14

COVID-19 Response and Reforms to Modernize Ontario Act, 2020

An Act to enact one Act and amend various Acts in respect of COVID-19 and to make other amendments.

Business Corporations Act, Business Names Act Commissioners for taking Affidavits Act, Condominium Act, Co-operative Corporations Act, Corporations Act, Corporations Information Act, Education Act, Extra-Provincial Corporations Act, Limited Partnerships Act, Metis Nation of Ontario Secretariat Act, Notaries Act, Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, Succession Law Reform Act

Royal Assent

2020-05-12

Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act (Presumption Respecting COVID-19), 2020

The Bill amends the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. New section 15.0.1 of the Act applies with respect to workers who work for a business that has been listed as an essential business in an order made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. If a worker for an essential business receives a positive test for the disease known as COVID-19, the disease is presumed to be an occupational disease that occurs due to the nature of the worker’s work, unless the contrary is shown. The presumption applies to a positive test received on or after January 25, 2020. Transitional matters are provided for.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Act

First Reading

2020-05-19

Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020

The Act continues orders made under sections 7.0.2 and 7.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act in relation to COVID-19. Continued orders will cease to apply after 30 days but can be extended by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for additional periods of up to 30 days.

Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act

Royal Assent

2020-07-21

Employment Standards Amendment Act (Sick Notes), 2020

The Bill amends the Employment Standards Act, 2000. It is about what evidence an employer can make an employee provide to show that they are entitled to sick leave. Employers retain the right to make an employee show evidence that they are entitled to sick leave, but are not permitted to require a certificate from a qualified health practitioner.

Employment Standards Act

In Committee

2020-10-21

Front-line and Essential Service Worker Week Act, 2021

The Bill proclaims the third full week of March in each year as Front-line and Essential Service Worker Week.

New Act

Royal Assent

2021-06-03

Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act, 2021

Amendments are made to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. New section 88.1 sets out a special rule for the calculation of certain premiums payable by employers for the 2021 calendar year.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Act

Royal Assent

2021-04-14

Caregiver and Homeworker Protection Act, 2020

The Bill enacts the Caregiver and Homeworker Protection Act, 2020. The Act provides that the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development shall establish and maintain a Caregiver and Homeworker Protection Registry. The Registry shall list the names of all employers to whom a notice of contravention has been issued under subsection 113 (1) of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 in relation to one or more caregivers or homeworkers unless the Ontario Labour Relations Board finds that the employer did not contravene the provision set out in the notice.

Employment Standards Act

First Reading

2020-12-08

Making Northern Ontario Highways Safer Act, 2021

The Bill amends the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act in relation to standards for road maintenance in winter. New section 100 sets out a classification system for Ontario highways consisting of five classes of highways. The section classifies all 400 series highways, the QEW highway and highways 11 and 17 as Class 1 highways. The section also sets out the time within which snow must be removed from each class of highway after each snowfall. Class 1 highways have the strictest requirements for snow removal, requiring that the pavement be bare of snow within eight hours of the end of a snowfall.

Public Transportation, Highway Improvement Act

First Reading

2021-12-01

Time to Care Act (Long-Term Care Homes Amendment, Minimum Standard of Daily Care), 2018

The Bill amends the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007 so that a long-term care home will have to provide its residents with at least four hours a day of nursing and personal support services, averaged across the residents. The minimum hours may be increased by regulation.

Long-Term Care Homes Act

In Committee

2020-10-29

Defibrillator Training and Access Act, 2019

The Bill requires the owners of designated premises to install, make available for use, maintain and test defibrillators in their premises. Owners must also ensure that training is undertaken in accordance with prescribed guidelines.
The Bill also provides for the registration of defibrillators with a registrar designated by the Minister. The registrar is required to notify emergency service providers and others of the registration, including the specific location, of a defibrillator.

New Act

First Reading

2019-12-05