As of October 26, 2023, Ontario’s Bill 79, Working for Workers Act, 2023 (Bill 79) has officially been enacted following its receipt of Royal Assent. A significant legislation, Bill 79 encompasses amendments and revisions across multiple acts including the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act, 2009 (EPFNA).
These modifications set up by Bill 79 bring about notable shifts within the existing legislation, presenting a series of changes that corporate legal teams and law professionals must navigate to ensure proper observance and compliance.
The updates under Bill 79 could potentially have considerable implications for both employers and employees within Ontario, with its reach extending beyond provincial borders, potentially impacting international companies that conduct business in Ontario as well.
In order to fully grasp the implications and nuances of these changes, legal professionals would benefit from a thorough review and understanding of the current legal documents and potential future regulations that could stem from the foundation laid by Bill 79.