Making Ontario Open for Business Act introduced
The Ontario government has announced labour reform alterations that would repeal much of the previous administration’s Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act.
Introduced Oct. 23, the Making Ontario Open for Business Act will enable Ontario employers to boost job creation and investment by cutting unnecessary regulations, according to a government press release.
"At the heart of our plan is the conviction that Ontario can once again be a great place to invest, grow and create jobs," said Jim Wilson, Minister Responsible for Red Tape and Regulatory Burden Reduction.
The reforms include maintaining the province’s minimum wage at $14 per hour until 2020, whereupon increases would be tied to inflation.
The Doug Ford-led government would also alter personal emergency leave rules to give workers up to three days for personal illness, two for bereavement and three for family responsibilities.
Current provisions for domestic and sexual violence leave would be maintained, according to the press release.
The proposed reforms would also reduce regulatory burdens around scheduling, while updating the Labour Relations Act, said the government.
"Today's reforms are vital to create good jobs and stimulate new investment. We are lightening the burden on businesses and making sure that hard work is rewarded while proving to the world that Ontario is open for business," said Ontario Labour Minister Laurie Scott.
"Businesses should have confidence in reasonable and predictable regulations. And everyone who works should have the confidence of a good job and a safe workplace."
