Blog Post #1213 – Bill to Increase Protection in Ontario

Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine

Following its election victory on June 12, 2014, Ontario’s Liberal government re-introduced Bill 146 to increase protections for vulnerable workers.

If passed, the “Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act” will offer protections that include eliminating the $10,000 cap on the recovery of unpaid wages, increasing the period of wage recovery from six or 12 months to two years, prohibiting employers and charging fees and seizing personal documents, taking temporary-placement agencies and their client companies jointly liable for violations of the Employment Standards Act, banning recruitment fees for all migrant workers, and addressing loopholes in the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s rating system, which provides incentives to use temporary-placement agencies.

“These are important changes for Ontario workers and businesses that will help protect those in minimum-wage, temporary and precarious work, while setting clear standards for employers,” says Ann Hoggarth, Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario Labour minister Kevin Flynn.

Despite the proposed changes, the Worker’s Action Centre in Toronto says stronger protections for temporary and migrant workers are needed. “The Ontario government must take steps to license recruiters and make employers jointly liable for violations, in order to crack down on exorbitant recruitment fees,” the Centre notes in a statement.

My opinion

This had to have happened since there are many migrant workers placed at risk, safety-wise as well as financial. There is always a need to protect the vulnerable and many employers take advantage of the situation. The need of the job versus the need to protect!

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259 We can also be reached at 

Ensure your workplace is a safe place.

Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal

CHSEP – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.